Quick Answer
clicktorun.exe is safe. It is the Microsoft Office Click-to-Run updater/manager that runs in the background to keep Office applications up to date; it may spawn multiple helper processes, but it is a legitimate Microsoft component.
What is ClickToRun.exe?
clicktorun.exe is the core updater/background service for Microsoft Office Click-to-Run. It coordinates Office updates, downloads, and repairs, and can start at user login or during Office startup to ensure you have the latest features, security fixes, and component integrity across Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other Office apps.
This background service runs multiple child processes to check for updates, download packages, and repair Office components. It communicates with Microsoft's update servers using the Click-to-Run packaging system to keep Office apps current.
Quick Fact: Office Click-to-Run introduced streaming updates and process isolation; it runs several helper processes to manage updates and component delivery.
Types of Click-to-Run Processes
- Office Update Service: Manages update checks and downloads for Office components
- Background Installation/Repair Worker: Performs installation and repair tasks for Office components in the background
- Content Delivery Process: Downloads Office content packages from Microsoft servers
- Telemetry/Diagnostics: Gathers usage data and sends to Microsoft (if enabled)
- Core Host/Wrapper: Coordinates other Click-to-Run processes and startup tasks
Is clicktorun.exe Safe?
Yes, clicktorun.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Microsoft Office Click-to-Run updater located in the default path.
Is clicktorun.exe a Virus or Malware?
The genuine clicktorun.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names. Verify location and signature.
How to Tell if clicktorun.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\OfficeClickToRun.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\OfficeClickToRun.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file at C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\OfficeClickToRun.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation" as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Open Task Manager (C:\Windows\System32\Taskmgr.exe) and verify that the process is OfficeClickToRun.exe and signed by Microsoft. Unusually high or hidden processes are suspicious.
- Behavior: OfficeClickToRun.exe should run primarily during Office update checks. If it runs constantly when Office is closed, scan for malware and review startup tasks.
Red Flags: If clicktorun.exe is located outside the default path (e.g., Temp or AppData), runs when Office isn’t open, has no valid digital signature, or shows constant high resource use, scan with a reputable antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files like “ClickToRun.exe” in unusual folders.
Why Is clicktorun.exe Running on My PC?
clicktorun.exe runs to keep Microsoft Office up to date, healthy, and ready for use. It can operate in the background even when Office apps aren’t visibly open.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Office Updates: The updater checks for and installs Office updates to ensure security and feature availability.
- Background Maintenance: It performs repairs and integrity checks on Office components in the background.
- Startup and Login Triggers: It may launch during Windows startup or user logon to prepare Office components.
- Telemetry and Diagnostics (Optional): If enabled, it may collect lightweight telemetry and performance data for Microsoft.
- Content Delivery and Packaging: It manages downloading and applying Click-to-Run packages and language packs as needed.
Can I Disable or Remove clicktorun.exe?
Yes, you can disable clicktorun.exe. Disabling reduces automatic updates, but you may miss important security fixes. You can stop it temporarily or uninstall Office if you no longer use it.
How to Stop clicktorun.exe
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate OfficeClickToRun.exe or ClickToRun.exe, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Office.ClickToRun updater entry.
- Quit Office Apps: Close all Office applications to reduce updater activity.
- Disable Background Apps: In Office Settings, turn off 'Continue running background apps when Office is closed' if available.
- Network/Policy Control: Group Policy or registry changes can prevent automatic updates, but use caution and back up settings.
How to Uninstall Office Click-to-Run (Office)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Microsoft Office → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Microsoft Office → Uninstall
- ✔ If you plan to keep Office but remove Click-to-Run, consider a traditional MSI Office install or using a different Office deployment method
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If clicktorun.exe is consuming excessive resources, try the following steps to identify and resolve the issue.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active Updates or Large Downloads: Let the updater complete; avoid heavy multitasking during updates. Check for stuck downloads in Office Update settings.
- Background Extensions or Add-ins: Disable or review Office add-ins and update channels that may trigger updates more aggressively.
- Corrupted Office Installation: Run a repair of Office via Settings → Apps → Microsoft 365 → Repair, then recheck updates.
- Antivirus Heuristics: Some antivirus tools misclassify updater activity; ensure Office is whitelisted and check antivirus logs.
- Outdated Click-to-Run Components: Update Office to latest build; run Office Update (File → Account → Update Options).
- Network Congestion: Limit bandwidth usage for updates or schedule updates during low-usage hours.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Shift+Ctrl+Esc) and identify high-usage OfficeClickToRun.exe processes
2. Close large Office documents or disable heavy add-ins
3. Run Office Update again: File → Account → Update Options → Update Now
4. Repair Office: Settings → Apps → Microsoft 365 → Repair
5. Restart the Office updater: End Task and relaunch Office apps
Frequently Asked Questions
Is clicktorun.exe part of Microsoft Office?
Yes. clicktorun.exe is the updater/manager for Microsoft Office Click-to-Run, responsible for updates and component delivery.
Why is clicktorun.exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage usually happens during updates, downloads, and validation checks. Use the Office Task Manager ( Shift+Ctrl+Esc ) to identify workload and terminate unnecessary tasks if needed.
Can I disable automatic updates for Office?
You can manage or delay automatic updates, but this may leave Office less secure. Use File → Account → Update Options to adjust when updates install.
Can I uninstall Click-to-Run?
You can uninstall Office or switch to a different Office deployment method; removing Click-to-Run components alone is not typical. Use your Office installation method to manage updates.
Why are there multiple Click-to-Run processes?
Click-to-Run uses a multi-process architecture to isolate update tasks and component delivery, which can spawn several helper processes.
Where is clicktorun.exe located?
Common path: C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\ClickToRun\OfficeClickToRun.exe (or equivalent in Program Files (x86)).