Quick Answer
icq.exe is safe. It's ICQ's desktop instant messenger client running as a dedicated process to manage chats, notifications, and network tasks.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\ICQ\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ICQ\
Warning
Multiple background tasks
ICQ uses separate processes for UI, messaging, notifications, and transfers
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close ICQ and disable startup/background tasks in Settings to stop background activity
What is icq.exe?
icq.exe is the main executable for the ICQ desktop messenger. It starts when you launch ICQ and coordinates the user interface, chat sessions, presence status, file transfers, and background synchronization. This multi-component design helps separate UI from network I/O for stability.
ICQ uses a modular process model with a primary UI process and helper processes for network communication, notifications, and background tasks. This architecture isolates network I/O from the interface to keep messaging responsive and secure.
Quick Fact: ICQ adopted a modular process approach to improve reliability, enabling background services and smoother chat experiences.
Types of ICQ Processes
- Main UI Process: Contains the user interface and core client logic (1 instance)
- Network/Server Process: Handles server connections, authentication, and data transfer
- Notification/Tray Process: Manages system tray icons and in-app notifications
- File Transfer Process: Manages sending and receiving files and transfers
- Presence/Contact Sync Process: Keeps contact presence and status in sync
- Update/Background Tasks Process: Performs updates and scheduled background tasks
Is icq.exe Safe?
Yes, icq.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from ICQ downloaded from official sources (icq.com) or installed via official store.
Is icq.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real icq.exe is NOT a virus but malware may masquerade with similar names.
How to Tell if icq.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\ICQ\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ICQ\. Any icq.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "ICQ LLC".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU per process, 40-200 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when ICQ is closed is suspicious.
- Behavior: ICQ should run when you open the app. Multiple instances when the app isn't running indicates malware.
Red Flags: If icq.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when ICQ 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 "icq0.exe" or "icq32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is icq.exe Running on My PC?
icq.exe runs when you open ICQ desktop messenger or when ICQ is configured to run in the background for notifications and presence updates.
Reasons it's running:
- Active ICQ Session: You're actively using ICQ; the main UI and messaging components run to support chats
- Background Notifications: The notification service keeps your chat alerts alive even when minimized
- Startup Program: ICQ is configured to launch automatically when Windows starts
- Background Sync: ICQ may sync contacts, presence, and settings with the server in the background
- System Tray Keep-Alive: "Continue running in background" option keeps icq.exe active for quick rejoin and notifications
Can I Disable or Remove icq.exe?
Yes, you can disable icq.exe. It's safe to close ICQ when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different messaging client.
How to Stop icq.exe
- End ICQ Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate icq.exe, right-click → End Task
- Close the Application: Close ICQ from the system tray or within the app UI
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable ICQ
- Disable Background Tasks: ICQ Settings → General → System → Turn off 'Continue running in the background'
- Uninstall ICQ: Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ICQ → Uninstall
How to Uninstall ICQ
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → ICQ → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → ICQ → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, consider using an alternative messenger if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If icq.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Chats: Close or minimize inactive chats; limit simultaneous conversations if possible
- Background Notifications: Disable non-essential notifications in ICQ settings or reduce notification frequency
- File Transfers: Pause or limit large file transfers; ensure network is stable
- Outdated Client: Update ICQ to the latest version from the official site
- Malicious Extensions or Plugins: If using extensions, disable or remove untrusted ones; run a malware scan
- Background Sync Issues: Sign out and sign back in, or adjust sync frequency in Settings
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and identify icq.exe resource usage
2. Close unused chats and disable unnecessary notifications
3. Update ICQ to the latest version
4. Restart ICQ or the computer to reset background tasks
5. Check for malware and scan system with a trusted antivirus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is icq.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate icq.exe from ICQ is not a virus. Verify that the file is located in C:\Program Files\ICQ\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ICQ\ and has a valid digital signature from ICQ LLC.
Why is icq.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by active chats, large file transfers, or background notifications. Use ICQ's task manager (if available) or Windows Task Manager to identify the culprit and close or pause it.
Can I delete icq.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall ICQ via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Deleting the icq.exe file alone will not remove the program; you must uninstall the application.
Can I disable icq.exe?
Yes, you can prevent ICQ from running at startup or close the app when not needed. Disable the startup entry in Task Manager → Startup and turn off background tasks in ICQ settings.
Why does icq.exe run at startup?
ICQ may be configured to launch on Windows startup to provide instant access and status updates. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup or in ICQ settings to stop automatic startup.
How can I reduce ICQ's memory usage?
Close inactive chats, limit file transfers, disable unnecessary notifications, and update to the latest version. Consider signing out when not using ICQ for extended periods.