Quick Answer
gajim.exe is safe. It's the Windows executable for the Gajim XMPP client, designed to manage chat sessions, file transfers, and plugins within a secure, multi-threaded architecture.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Gajim\gajim.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Gajim\gajim.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Gajim may spawn separate processes/threads for accounts, chats, and plugins depending on configuration.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Gajim or disable background behavior in Settings to reduce resource use.
What is gajim.exe?
gajim.exe is the Windows launcher for Gajim, an open-source XMPP instant messaging client. It starts the graphical user interface, handles login, manages multiple chat windows and rosters, and coordinates file transfers and plugins. This executable runs as part of the Gajim app to connect to XMPP servers securely.
gajim.exe hosts the main UI thread and background workers that perform network I/O, TLS/XMPP negotiations, roster management, and plugin communication. It supports multiple accounts, message history, and secure chats while keeping user interactions responsive.
Quick Fact: Gajim uses the XMPP protocol with TLS; gajim.exe coordinates per-account streams and plugin communication for extensible messaging.
Types of Gajim Processes
- GUI Process: Main window, menus, and chat list UI (single instance)
- Account/Connection Process: Each XMPP account may operate with its own process or thread group
- Message/Renderer Process: Handling of individual chat windows and message rendering
- File Transfer/Plugin Process: Transfers and plugin-based features (e.g., OTR, plugins)
- Background Worker: Background sync, presence, roster updates, and offline queueing
- System Integration: Tray app, notifications, and Windows service hooks if enabled
Is gajim.exe Safe?
Yes, gajim.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the Gajim Project downloaded from official sources (gajim.org) or installed by the OS package manager.
Is gajim.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real gajim.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if gajim.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Gajim\gajim.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Gajim\gajim.exe. Any gajim.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Gajim Project" or the project's code signing certificate.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU, 60-180 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when Gajim is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: Gajim should only run when you launch the app. Multiple instances when not opened indicates malware.
Red Flags: If gajim.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Gajim isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "gajim.exe" variants from untrusted sources.
Why Is gajim.exe Running on My PC?
gajim.exe runs when you open the Gajim XMPP client or when features are configured to stay connected in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Chat Sessions: You're actively chatting or monitoring conversations; each open chat window can keep its own network activity and UI thread alive.
- Background Accounts and Plugins: Configured accounts or plugins (e.g., notification notifiers) keep persistent connections to XMPP servers.
- Startup Program: Gajim is set to launch automatically at Windows startup or user login.
- Roster Sync and Presence: Gajim maintains roster and presence data with the server, which can keep sockets open and consume resources.
- Tray Icon / Background Agent: If the option to run in the background is enabled, the app may stay resident in memory for quick access and notifications.
Can I Disable or Remove gajim.exe?
Yes, you can disable gajim.exe. You can close Gajim when not in use, disable startup, or uninstall the application if you no longer need it.
How to Stop gajim.exe
- Close Active Chats: Close all open chat windows to reduce resource usage.
- Quit Gajim: From Gajim menu, choose Quit; or use the close button on the main window.
- Disable Startup: Windows Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Gajim.
- Stop Background Tasks: In Gajim Settings → Plugins or Preferences, turn off options like 'Run in background' or 'Notify while offline'.
- Disable Automatic Reconnect: In Gajim Settings → Accounts, disable automatic reconnect for unused accounts.
How to Uninstall Gajim
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Gajim → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Gajim → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternatives: Pidgin, Jami, or other XMPP clients
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If gajim.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Open Chats: Close unused chats or enable chat suspension features to reduce memory usage.
- Resource-Heavy Plugins: Disable or remove unnecessary plugins from Settings → Plugins.
- Large Chat History: Limit history size or archive older conversations; consider turning off history sync.
- Background Accounts: Disable auto-reconnect for unused accounts to lower ongoing network activity.
- Outdated Gajim Version: Update to the latest Gajim release from gajim.org to benefit from performance fixes.
- Network/Firewall Interference: Ensure XMPP ports are open and SSL/TLS traffic is allowed; temporarily disable VPNs to test.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused chats to reduce memory usage
2. Restart Gajim to clear transient state
3. Update to the latest Gajim version
4. Disable non-essential plugins in Settings → Plugins
5. Limit chat history retention and clear cache if available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is gajim.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate gajim.exe comes from the official Gajim Project (gajim.org) and should reside in C:\Program Files\Gajim\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Gajim\ and be digitally signed.
Why is gajim.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be caused by numerous active chats, media-rich messages, or misbehaving plugins. Check Task Manager for the culprit in Gajim and reduce open chats or disable problematic plugins.
Can I delete gajim.exe?
You can uninstall Gajim from Windows Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Deleting the executable manually is not recommended; use the proper uninstaller to remove all components.
Can I disable gajim.exe from starting at boot?
Yes. Disable Gajim in Windows Task Manager → Startup. You can also disable the 'Run in background' option in Gajim's settings to prevent background activity.
Why do I see multiple gajim.exe processes?
Gajim can spawn separate processes or threads per account, chat window, or plugin, depending on the build and configuration. Use the in-app task view to identify them.
How do I verify gajim.exe is legitimate?
Check file location (C:\Program Files\Gajim or C:\Program Files (x86)\Gajim), verify the digital signature shows the Gajim Project, and ensure CPU/memory usage is reasonable for your activity.