Quick Answer
8x8.exe is safe. It's the official 8x8 Desktop Client that powers calls, chat, and presence, typically running multiple processes to separate UI, media, and background tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\8x8\8x8.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\8x8\8x8.exe
Warning
Background processes expected
Calls, presence, and updates run in separate processes
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the client or disable startup to stop background activity
What is 8x8.exe?
8x8.exe is the executable for the 8x8 Desktop Communications Client. It powers voice/video calls, messaging, and presence, launching when you sign in and running in the background to keep you connected for presence, calls, and notifications.
This architecture improves stability and security by sandboxing media processing from the user interface and from network operations, while encryption protects server communications and ensures reliable real‑time collaboration.
Quick Fact: 8x8 pioneered separate UI and media processes for real‑time collaboration, enabling smoother calls and faster chat even under heavy workloads.
Types of 8x8 Processes
- Main UI Process: Controls the application window, menus, and user interactions (1+ instances depending on UI)
- Media/Call Process: Handles audio/video capture, encoding/decoding, and WebRTC streams
- Renderer Process: Renders chat windows and embedded content within the app
- Background Sync Process: Synchronizes presence, messages, and settings with the server
- Updater/Updater Daemon: Checks for updates and applies patches without impacting active calls
- Utility/Telemetry Process: Performs background tasks like telemetry, diagnostics, and logging
Is 8x8.exe Safe?
Yes, 8x8.exe is safe when it comes from official 8x8, Inc sources and is installed via the legitimate installer or enterprise deployment.
Is 8x8.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real 8x8.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade as 8x8.exe. Always verify the digital signature and file path.
How to Tell if 8x8.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\8x8\8x8.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\8x8\8x8.exe. Any 8x8.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "8x8, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-25% CPU per instance and 120-600 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: 8x8.exe should start with the user sign-in or Windows itself only if configured by policy; unexpected startup or silent background activity warrants a security check.
Red Flags: If 8x8.exe is found in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without user interaction, lacks a valid signature, or shows unusual resource spikes, scan with a trusted antivirus and run a malware scan.
Why Is 8x8.exe Running on My PC?
8x8.exe runs when you open the 8x8 Desktop Client or when the program is configured to run in the background for presence, calls, and notifications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Call or Chat: You're actively in a call or messaging session; the app keeps processing media streams and notifications in real time.
- Background Services: Presence, message synchronization, and call signaling services stay running to maintain responsiveness.
- Startup Configuration: The client is configured to launch on Windows startup to ensure quick access.
- Background Tasks: Update checks, telemetry, and occasional diagnostics run in the background.
- Power or Network Events: Changes in power state or network connectivity can trigger the client to reinitialize or reconnect.
Can I Disable or Remove 8x8.exe?
Yes, you can disable or remove 8x8.exe. You can close the client, disable startup, or uninstall the app if you no longer need it.
How to Stop 8x8.exe
- End Active Tasks: In the 8x8 app, use the user interface to sign out or end calls; you can also use Ctrl+Shift+Esc to terminate specific processes.
- Close the Client: Exit the application completely or use the tray icon to quit, ensuring all processes close.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable 8x8 Desktop Client
- Stop Background Apps: In 8x8 Settings → General → System, disable "Continue running in background" if present
- Revoke Permissions: On enterprise systems, adjust GPO or MDM policy to prevent startup or background activity
How to Uninstall 8x8
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → 8x8 Desktop Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → 8x8 Desktop Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If 8x8.exe is consuming excessive resources during use:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active media sessions on multiple calls: Limit concurrent calls or reduce video quality; exit idle sessions.
- Background sync heavy: Turn off or limit presence and chat sync in settings; sign out remotely if necessary.
- Outdated client: Update to the latest 8x8 client from the official site or enterprise portal.
- Resource-heavy extensions or plugins: Disable nonessential plugins or extensions in the 8x8 client.
- Hardware acceleration issues: Toggle hardware acceleration off in Settings → General → Use hardware acceleration when available.
- Malware masquerading as 8x8.exe: Scan with antivirus, verify digital signature and path at C:\Program Files\8x8\8x8.exe
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify high-usage processes under 8x8.exe
2. In-app settings → Sign out or quit completely; restart the client
3. Update 8x8 to the latest version
4. Disable unnecessary background features in Settings
5. Run a full system scan for malware if suspicions arise
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 8x8.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate 8x8.exe from 8x8, Inc is safe when installed from official sources and shows a valid signature. Verify path and signature to avoid counterfeit software.
Why is 8x8.exe using so much CPU?
CPU spikes usually occur during active calls or video rendering. Check Tab/Call usage in the app, reduce video quality, and inspect extensions or network conditions.
Can I delete 8x8.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall the 8x8 Desktop Client from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Data may be preserved if you rely on cloud-based presence; otherwise remove locally.
Can I disable 8x8.exe from startup?
Yes, disable 8x8 from Windows Startup or the app's own startup settings to prevent background launch.
Why does 8x8.exe run in the background after sign-out?
If configured to maintain background presence or check messages, the client may keep a daemon running; disable background services in Settings or via GPO/MDM in enterprise deployments.
How do I uninstall 8x8 completely?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → 8x8 Desktop Client → Uninstall, then delete residual folders in AppData\Roaming and AppData\Local if needed, and restart.