call.exe

CallTools Command Launcher

Application ProcessSafeSystem Utility

CPU Usage

1-5%

Memory

20-60 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\CallTools

Publisher

CallTech Solutions

Quick Answer

call.exe is safe. It's a legitimate launcher from CallTech that invokes other programs or scripts as part of automated workflows.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\CallTools\call.exe

Warning

Common for launchers

Often spawned by installers or automation scripts

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Disabling may affect automated tasks; disable startup if not needed

What is call.exe?

call.exe is a lightweight Windows executable designed to invoke other programs, scripts, or commands from a parent process. It is often embedded in installers, automation suites, or task runners to spawn child tasks reliably.

It orchestrates the launching of target executables with proper environment setup and argument handling, enabling scripted workflows and batch operations while isolating the child process from the launcher.

Quick Fact: Command launchers like call.exe enable automated deployment and testing by orchestrating multiple tools from a single entry point.

Types of CallTools Processes

Launcher Process: Main call.exe instance that orchestrates tasks
Child Process: Spawned executable or script launched by call.exe
Parameter Processor: Parses CLI arguments and environment vars
Environment Setup: Sets up working directory and env for launched tasks
Logging Utility: Records start/finish and exit codes

Is call.exe Safe?

Yes, call.exe Safe when it's the legitimate file from CallTech Solutions downloaded from official sources or installed by trusted software.

Is call.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real call.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if call.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\CallTools\call.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\CallTools\call.exe. Any call.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager -> Open file location -> Right-click call.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "CallTech Solutions".
Resource Usage: Normal usage for a launcher is light, but spikes may occur if launching heavy tasks.
Behavior: call.exe should only run as part of a controlled workflow. Unexpected background activity or random launches may indicate malware.

Red Flags: If call.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when not expected, has no digital signature, or uses unexpected resources consistently, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Be wary of similarly-named files like "call32.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is call.exe Running on My PC?

call.exe runs when a parent process invokes it to start a task, or when an automation suite is active. It can also run as part of setup programs.

Reasons it's running:

Active Automation: An automation workflow or CI script is calling a sequence of tools via call.exe
Installer Execution: An installer or updater launches call.exe to run custom install steps
Scheduled Tasks: A scheduled task periodically launches call.exe to perform maintenance
Developer Debugging: Developers use call.exe to test integrations and script executions
Background Services: Background services or daemons may call call.exe as part of a task chain

Can I Disable or Remove call.exe?

Yes, you can disable call.exe. It's safe to close you don't need automated tasks, and you can uninstall the related software if you no longer require the workflow.

How to Stop call.exe

End Task via Task Manager: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate call.exe, right-click End Task
Close Parent App: If a launcher UI is open, close it to terminate related tasks
Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable any CallTools entries
Adjust Scheduled Tasks: Open Task Scheduler and disable any tasks invoking call.exe
Modify Autostart Settings: In the installed software, turn off any option to auto-run on startup

How to Uninstall CallTools

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → CallTools → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → CallTools → Uninstall
✔ If another product uses call.exe, remove it or adjust settings to stop calling it

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If call.exe is consuming significant resources, consider the following causes and fixes.

Common Causes & Solutions

Too many concurrent launches: Limit parallel tasks or increase system tuning; monitor via Task Manager
Heavy child processes: Identify and optimize or replace heavy child executables, reduce spawn rate
Misconfigured arguments: Check argument parsing in the launcher config; ensure valid paths and arguments
Faulty script or binary: Test and validate scripts/binaries independently; ensure signed and safe
Outdated launcher: Update CallTools to latest version; verify compatibility
Disk I/O bottlenecks: Check disk health; ensure source and destination drives are healthy

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify high-usage child processes
2. Audit scheduled tasks invoking call.exe and disable unnecessary ones
3. Verify arguments passed by your automation suite are correct and safe
4. Update to the latest CallTools version
5. Run a malware scan and ensure system integrity

Frequently Asked Questions

Is call.exe safe?

Yes, when it comes from CallTech Solutions and is located in C:\Program Files\CallTools\call.exe with a valid digital signature.

What is call.exe used for?

It serves as a launcher to invoke other programs, scripts, or commands from a parent process, enabling automation and deployment workflows.

Can I delete call.exe?

You can remove the CallTools software that includes call.exe. Deleting just the file may break automated tasks; consider uninstalling the entire suite.

Why does call.exe start at system boot?

If installed software configures auto-start or a scheduled task invokes it, it will run at startup. Disable through Task Manager or Task Scheduler.

How to troubleshoot high CPU usage by call.exe?

Use Task Manager to identify the child process, review logs in the CallTools folder, verify safe arguments, and update software; scan for malware if persistent.

Can I replace call.exe with a different launcher?

You could replace the workflow with alternative automation tools, but ensure compatibility and ensure the replacement doesn't break existing tasks.