Quick Answer
dialpad.exe is safe. It's the official Dialpad Desktop application that handles calling, messaging, and collaboration features via a dedicated process.
What is dialpad.exe?
dialpad.exe is the executable for the Dialpad Desktop application. It powers voice and video calls, messaging, and collaboration features with a dedicated process to keep communications isolated from other apps.
Dialpad uses a multi-process architecture to separate UI, media (audio/video), and network tasks for stability and security. The app relies on WebRTC for calls and asynchronous services to sync data, reduce latency, and keep conversations stable.
Quick Fact: Dialpad's desktop client consolidates calling, messaging, and meetings in a single Electron-based app with dedicated processes for media and UI.
Types of Dialpad Processes
- Main UI Process: Controls the Dialpad window and user interface
- Renderer Process: Renders UI elements for each panel and dialog
- Media Engine Process: Handles WebRTC audio/video encoding/decoding
- Notification Process: Manages system tray notifications and alerts
- Background Sync Process: Syncs contacts, messages, and settings with the Dialpad cloud
- Update/Helper Process: Manages auto-update tasks and launcher helpers
Is dialpad.exe Safe?
Yes, dialpad.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Dialpad, downloaded from the official site or installed via legitimate channels.
Is dialpad.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real dialpad.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names — always verify file location and digital signature.
How to Tell if dialpad.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Dialpad\Dialpad.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dialpad\Dialpad.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click Dialpad.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Dialpad, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Typical usage is 1-8% CPU per active call, 80-250 MB memory. Abnormal constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Dialpad should run when you use calls or messaging. If it starts without user action, that's suspicious.
Red Flags: If dialpad.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData), starts at system boot without user action, lacks a valid signature, or uses constant high resources, scan with antivirus. Look for similarly named files.
Why Is dialpad.exe Running on My PC?
The Dialpad desktop app runs to enable calls, messages, and collaboration features. It may run in background for notifications and quick access.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Dialpad Session: You are actively using Dialpad for a call or chat; the app spawns processes for media and UI.
- Background Notifications: System tray or in-app notifications may keep the process alive for alerts.
- Background Sync: Dialpad syncs contacts, messages, and settings with your Dialpad account automatically.
- Startup Entry: Dialpad may be configured to launch at Windows startup for faster access.
- Media Engine Idle: Idle media engine components may stay loaded to reduce latency when a call starts.
Can I Disable or Remove dialpad.exe?
Yes, you can disable dialpad.exe. You can close the app when not in use, and uninstall Dialpad if you prefer another communications tool.
How to Stop dialpad.exe
- End Active Sessions: In Dialpad, hang up or close all calls; then exit the app.
- Close Window: Click the X to close all windows.
- End Task: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find dialpad.exe, right-click → End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Dialpad.
- Disable Background Notifications: Dialpad Settings → Notifications → Turn off background notifications.
How to Uninstall Dialpad
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Dialpad → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Dialpad → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart computer and remove residual Dialpad folders if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If dialpad.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Calls: End calls or reduce participants; see Task Manager for media threads and end inappropriate streams.
- Background Notifications: Disable or limit system tray notifications in Dialpad settings.
- Outdated Dialpad Version: Update to the latest version in Dialpad or via the official download page.
- Hardware Acceleration: Disable hardware acceleration: Settings → Performance → Disable hardware acceleration.
- Malicious Extensions: If Dialpad uses extensions, remove unknown or untrusted extensions within Dialpad settings.
- Corrupted Cache: Clear app cache from Dialpad settings or reinstall the application to reset data.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close idle calls and reduce participants
2. Check Task Manager for high-CPU processes and end them
3. Update Dialpad to the latest version
4. Disable startup and background data syncing
5. Clear app cache or reinstall Dialpad
Frequently Asked Questions
Is dialpad.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate dialpad.exe from Dialpad, Inc. is not a virus. Verify the file path (C:\Program Files\Dialpad\Dialpad.exe) and that the digital signature shows Dialpad, Inc.
Why is dialpad.exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage can rise during active calls or screen sharing. Use Task Manager to identify the exact process and reduce activity or end idle calls, then update the app.
Can I delete dialpad.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Dialpad through Windows Settings → Apps. Your chats may be archived if you use cloud storage; reinstall if needed.
Can I disable dialpad.exe from starting at login?
Yes. Disable the startup entry in Task Manager → Startup or in Dialpad Settings → General → Launch at Windows startup.
Where is the file located on Windows?
Typically at C:\Program Files\Dialpad\Dialpad.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Dialpad\Dialpad.exe. If you see it elsewhere, verify source before launching.
Does Dialpad require microphone access?
Yes. Dialpad uses your microphone for calls. Allow microphone access in Windows Privacy settings if you plan to use calls.