around.exe

What is around.exe?

around.exe is the main executable for the Around real-time video collaboration app. Around employs a multi-process architecture so that video, audio, chat, and UI run in separate processes, improving performance and stability during calls and screen sharing. You may see multiple around.exe processes in Task Manager when you have meetings, notifications, or background tasks active.

This design isolates media handling from the user interface and network tasks, helping prevent a single issue from taking down the entire app. Each process communicates with Around's core services and with the server to synchronize meeting data and streams.

Types of Around Processes

• Main Process: Manages the Around UI, menus, and orchestration (1 instance)
• Renderer Process: UI components and in-app web-like content for each window or panel
• Media Engine Process: Handles video and audio encoding/decoding and network streaming
• Background Service: Keeps background tasks such as meeting metadata and notifications
• Update/Helper Process: Checks for updates and handles installation
• Plugin/Integration Process: Runs any Around plugins or integrations (if installed)

Is around.exe Safe?

Yes, around.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Around, installed from official sources (around.app or Microsoft Store).

Is around.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real around.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names.

How to Tell if around.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\Around\Around.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Around\Around.exe. Any around.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature:: Right-clickAround.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Around, Inc.".
3. Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU, 100-400 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior:: Around should only run when you start the app or join a meeting. Continuous background activity without user action indicates malware.

Why Is around.exe Running on My PC?

around.exe runs when you launch Around or when the app is configured to run in the background to manage meetings, notifications, and media streams.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Meeting or App Use: You're in a meeting or actively using Around; each call creates dedicated processes for media and UI.
• Background Notifications: Meeting reminders, chat alerts, and call notifications keep Around running to alert you.
• Startup Launch: Around is configured to start automatically on Windows startup, triggering around.exe at login.
• Background Sync: Around syncs meetings, chat history, and settings with your account even when not in a call.
• System Tray Persistence: "Continue running background apps" is enabled, allowing Around to stay active in the system tray.

Can I Disable or Remove around.exe?

Yes, you can disable around.exe. It's safe to close Around when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different collaboration tool.

How to Stop around.exe

• End Meetings / Windows: In Around, end the current meeting and close all windows if you are done.
• Quit from Tray: Right-click the Around tray icon and choose Quit or Exit.
• End Task: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find around.exe, right-click → End Task
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Around
• Stop Background Apps: Around Settings → General → Uncheck 'Continue running background apps' to stop background tasks

How to Uninstall Around

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Around → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Around → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider alternative browsers or collaboration tools if you depend on different features

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If around.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Meetings or Windows: Each active window or meeting can allocate resources. Close unused meetings or minimize open windows and tabs inside Around.
• Resource-Heavy Media or Screen Sharing: Limit video quality, disable HD when not needed, or stop screen sharing during heavy tasks.
• Background Extensions or Integrations: Disable unnecessary integrations in Around Settings → Extensions or Integrations.
• Outdated Version: Update Around to the latest version via Settings → Help → Check for updates.
• Hardware Acceleration Issues: Toggle hardware acceleration off: Settings → Performance → Use hardware acceleration when available (toggle off).
• Malware Impersonation: If resource usage is abnormal and you cannot verify the file, run a full system antivirus scan and verify file location/signature.

Related Processes