Whenever you tried to download a large application or software from the Internet, you must have come across an Akamai NetSession Client. This particular client helps in improving the download speed. Hence, many software and media developers make use of this tool to efficiently load files into your system.
You must have wondered on many occasions what this client is all about. Is it some kind of virus? Is it an unsafe application? Should I get rid of it? And so on.
Since people do not have much knowledge about it, they often have various doubts surrounding it.
What is Akamai NetSession Client?
Akamai NetSession is a tool that helps you to increase the downloading speed on your device. Once you grant permission to this application, it installs itself into your system. There are various brands and companies, which consciously use this tool to efficiently deliver documents to your device.
However, at times, your desktop or laptop manufacturer can include this tool in your system as well. So, Akamai is an application that provides the following functions:
- Improved download speed
- Secure and trusted download from specific sources with HTTPS and SSL security
- Smooth, convenient and faster downloads
Is Akamai NetSession Interface a Virus?
The NetSession Client was designed to help you have a faster, smoother, safer, and efficient downloading of files. It does not infect your system with any kind of adware, spyware or malware. This client is meant for your overall convenience.
However, Akamai NetSession will monitor some of your activities and usage. This might seem to be threatening and unwanted to some users.
The legitimate Akamai file is located in the C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Akamai folder. In case you find the tool in any other location, you must know that it can be a malware. So, immediately perform an antivirus scan on the file to get rid of it.
Should You Remove The Akamai NetSession Interface?
According to the developers of Akamai, this tool uses your system only when it is idle. So, this client can monitor your network usage and send the information to its developers. Apart from this, the client won’t cause any harm to your system.
However, if you are not comfortable with the monitoring activity, then you can remove it from your device.
Steps to Uninstall the netsession_win.exe Akamai NetSession Client
You can either temporarily install or uninstall the NetSession client. However, if you are in the middle of downloading something, then that process would be impacted.
Temporary Suspension
To temporarily stop the Akamai client, you can go through the following instructions:
- Launch the ‘Control Panel’ on your device and then choose the ‘Akamai NetSession Interface’ option.
- Now, go to ‘System Preferences’ and choose the ‘Preferences’ tab.
- Tap on the ‘NetSession Service’ option and choose ‘Stop’.
Alternately, you can use the Task Manager to stop the processes of Akamai. Here’s what you need to do:
- Press the Ctrl+Shft+Esc button to launch the Task Manager.
- Now, locate the “netsession_win.exe” process from the list and delete it accordingly.
Uninstall
However, if you wish to permanently uninstall this client then you can follow these instructions:
For Windows:
- First, go to the ‘Windows Control Panel’. Now, click on the ‘Add or Remove Tool’ program.
- Thereafter, locate the Akamai NetSession Interface and click on the ‘Change/Remove’ option.
- Finally, tap on the ‘Yes’ option to approve and initiate the uninstallation process. Now, follow the on-screen instructions and give your device a restart.
For Mac:
- At first, launch the ‘Finder’ tool on your MacBook and look for the NetSession client. Click on it and enter the folder.
- Once you get into the folder, find the uninstaller app for the NetSession client.
- Double-click on this uninstaller app and follow all the instructions that you’re shown on the screen.
To sum up, Akamai is slowly losing its relevance now. With the arrival of fast browsers like Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, the dependency on Akamai is rapidly dwindling.
