Quick Answer
keybase.exe is safe. It runs the Keybase client, handling identity verification, encrypted chat, and KBFS in a multi-process architecture.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Keybase\Keybase.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Keybase\Keybase.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal
Keybase uses helper and service processes (KBFS, crypto, updater) in addition to the main GUI
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the UI when not needed or disable startup; this won't affect other Keybase components if you remove the app
What is Keybase.exe?
Keybase.exe is the main executable for the Keybase client, responsible for user authentication, chat, key management, and KBFS integration. It runs alongside helper and service processes to coordinate secure communication and file system mounting.
Keybase employs a multi-process architecture: the client handles the UI, while background services perform cryptographic operations, key syncing, and KBFS mounting. This separation improves security and resilience against tab/GUI crashes.
Quick Fact: Keybase pioneered distributed identity verification and end-to-end encryption across chat and file systems.
Types of Keybase Processes
- Keybase Client Process: Main GUI window and user interactions
- Background Service: Keeps identity data syncing and cryptographic routines running
- KBFS Process: Keybase File System mounting and file synchronization
- Crypto Engine: Handles signing, verification, and key operations
- Updater Process: Checks for and applies client updates
- Helper/Networking: Platform-specific helpers for networking and UI
Is keybase.exe Safe?
Yes, keybase.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Keybase, Inc. downloaded from official sources (keybase.io or the official installer).
Is keybase.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real keybase.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade as Keybase; always verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if keybase.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Keybase\Keybase.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Keybase\Keybase.exe. Any keybase.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer as "Keybase, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU and 50-250 MB memory. Higher or constant usage outside expected activity may indicate malware.
- Behavior: Keybase should run when you manually start it or log in. If you see it running when you never opened it, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If keybase.exe is located in unexpected folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), or lacks a valid signature, or runs whenever the system is idle, scan with antivirus software.
Why Is keybase.exe Running on My PC?
keybase.exe runs to provide secure identity verification, encrypted chat, and access to KBFS, as well as syncing keys and data with your Keybase account.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Client Use: You are actively using Keybase for chat, identity verification, or file-system operations; the GUI or KBFS might be syncing.
- Background Sync: Keybase runs background services to sync keys, chats, and KBFS metadata with the cloud.
- Startup/Auto-Launch: Keybase can be configured to launch on user login to keep channels active and KBFS mounted.
- KBFS Mounting: KBFS mounts a virtual file system; background services keep it accessible, which keeps the process alive.
- Update Checks: The updater checks for client updates and applies them, which can momentarily spawn keybase.exe.
Can I Disable or Remove keybase.exe?
Yes, you can disable keybase.exe. If you no longer need Keybase, uninstall the client or disable startup to stop background activity.
How to Stop keybase.exe
- Close Client: Use the Keybase UI to quit, or select Quit from the system tray.
- End Background Services: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate Keybase-related services, and End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Keybase
- Pause KBFS Sync: In Keybase settings, disable KBFS or pause syncing
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Keybase → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Keybase
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Keybase → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Keybase → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative secure chat/file-system tools if desired
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If keybase.exe uses excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active KBFS/File Sync: Pause KBFS syncing or limit the folders being synced in Keybase settings.
- Large Chat History: Archive or delete old messages or reduce chat load; consider clearing cache.
- Background Services: Identify which service is heavy (KBFS vs Crypto) and restart Keybase.
- Outdated Client: Update Keybase to the latest version from keybase.io.
- Malicious Extensions: Disable extensions and third-party integrations that interact with Keybase.
- Disk/IO Bottlenecks: Ensure disk I/O is healthy; defragment or move KBFS storage to faster drive.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Keybase and exit completely, then restart the app
2. Pause KBFS in settings and re-enable
3. Limit folders synced in settings
4. Check for updates: Keybase → Tools → Check for updates
5. Restart computer if issues persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is keybase.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate keybase.exe from Keybase, Inc. is not a virus. Verify the file location and signature located in C:\Program Files\Keybase\Keybase.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Keybase\Keybase.exe with signer 'Keybase, Inc.'.
Why is keybase.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can occur during key exchange, KBFS mounting, or heavy chat activity. Use Task Manager to isolate the process and check for updates or issues with KBFS syncing.
Can I delete keybase.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Keybase via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your chats may be archived if you use cloud sync; otherwise, data is removed with uninstallation.
Can I disable keybase.exe?
Yes, you can close Keybase or prevent startup in Task Manager. To stop background activity, disable KBFS syncing in the Keybase settings.
Why does Keybase start at login?
Keybase may be configured to start with Windows to ensure messages and file system access are available on login.
How do I reduce Keybase's memory usage?
Limit KBFS syncing, close inactive chats, and update to the latest version; consider disabling nonessential features via Settings.