Quick Answer
lark.exe is safe. It's the official Lark Desktop Client that runs multiple processes for chat, meetings, and file sync to improve performance and stability.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Lark Technologies\Lark\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Lark Technologies\Lark\
Warning
Many processes normal
Each feature (chat, meeting, file sync) runs in its own process
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the Lark client or disable background tasks in Settings
What is lark.exe?
lark.exe is the executable for the Lark Desktop Client, a cross‑platform collaboration app that combines secure chat, video meetings, calendar, and file synchronization. The process manages multiple components to deliver real-time communication while keeping the user interface responsive and stable.
This app uses a multi‑process Electron‑like architecture: a Main Process handles windows and settings, Renderer Processes render each window or panel, and Background/Sync processes manage cloud data, notifications, and offline caches to keep operations smooth.
Quick Fact: Lark's desktop client employs multi‑process isolation so a single unresponsive chat or video window won't crash the entire app.
Types of Lark Processes
- Main Process: App UI, menus, settings, and window management
- Renderer Process: UI rendering for individual windows and panels
- Background Service: Keep-alive tasks, notifications, and background tasks
- Sync Processor: Cloud sync for messages, files, and calendar data
- Audio/Video Gateway: Media capture and processing for calls
- Plugin/Integration Process: Third-party integrations and extensions (if enabled)
Is lark.exe Safe?
Yes, lark.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Lark Technologies downloaded from official sources (lark.com or your enterprise distribution).
Is lark.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real lark.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if lark.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Lark Technologies\Lark\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Lark Technologies\Lark\. Any lark.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click lark.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Lark Technologies".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-25% CPU and 100-600 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the app is not actively in use is suspicious.
- Behavior: Lark should only run when you open the app. Multiple instances when Lark is closed indicates malware.
Red Flags: If lark.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when Lark 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 "lark64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is lark.exe Running on My PC?
lark.exe runs when you open the Lark Desktop Client or when Lark is configured to run background tasks for notifications and sync.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Collaboration Use: You're actively using Lark for chat, meetings, or file collaboration — each window or tab may spin up distinct processes.
- Background Data Sync: Lark keeps messages, files, and calendar data synchronized with the cloud, which can run in the background.
- Startup Launch: Lark is configured to start automatically when Windows boots, or the user logs in.
- Notifications and Alerts: The app runs a background notification service to deliver messages and meeting reminders.
- Offline Caching: Local caches are maintained to provide faster access when offline or with flaky network.
Can I Disable or Remove lark.exe?
Yes, you can disable lark.exe. It's safe to close Lark when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different collaboration tool.
How to Stop lark.exe
- End lark.exe Processes: Open Task Manager, locate lark.exe, and End Task to close running processes.
- Close Lark Quietly: Close all Lark windows from the user interface.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Lark
- Stop Background Tasks: Lark Settings → System → Disable 'Continue running background apps when Lark is closed'
- Uninstall if Desired: Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Lark → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Lark
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Lark → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Lark → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternatives: Microsoft Teams, Google Chat, Zoom Chat
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If lark.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many active chats or video calls: Close unused chats or meetings; limit simultaneously open conversations to reduce render load and encoding tasks.
- Resource-heavy features: Disable or pause features like live screen sharing or high-fidelity video when not needed.
- Background data sync: Pause sync temporarily in Settings; perform sync during low-usage hours.
- Outdated app version: Update Lark to the latest version via Settings → Help → Check for updates.
- Hardware acceleration issues: Toggle hardware acceleration: Settings → System → Use hardware acceleration when available (toggle off, then back on if needed).
- Malicious integrations: Review and disable suspicious integrations or plugins in Settings → Integrations.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and identify high-usage lark.exe processes
2. Close unnecessary chats and meetings
3. Clear Lark cache and data from Settings → Privacy
4. Update Lark to the latest version
5. Disable background running in Settings → System
Frequently Asked Questions
Is lark.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate lark.exe from Lark Technologies is not a virus. Verify the file path is C:\Program Files\Lark Technologies\Lark\ and that the digital signature shows 'Lark Technologies'.
Why is lark.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be caused by heavy video meetings, many active chats, or a misbehaving integration. Use Task Manager to identify the culprit and reduce activity or disable the offending feature.
Can I delete lark.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Lark from Windows Settings → Apps. Deleting the executable alone won't remove the app; use the proper uninstall path.
Can I disable lark.exe from starting automatically?
Yes. Disable it in Windows Task Manager → Startup, or within Lark Settings under System to stop background startup.
Why are there multiple lark.exe processes?
Lark uses a multi-process architecture so tabs, chats, and features run in isolation. This helps stability but increases the number of processes visible in Task Manager.
How do I reduce Lark's memory usage?
Close unused chats, disable unnecessary integrations, update to the latest version, and enable Memory Saver or reduce cache size in Settings.