Quick Answer
line.exe is safe. It's LINE's official Windows client responsible for login, chat rendering, notifications, and background synchronization.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\LINE\Line.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
LINE uses separate processes for UI, chats, media, and background sync
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close LINE to stop, or disable startup/background features in settings
What is line.exe?
line.exe is the Windows executable for the LINE Messaging Client. LINE uses a desktop client that handles user login, chat rendering, message synchronization, and push notifications. The process typically launches when LINE starts or when a user signs in, and may spawn helper sub-processes to manage media, calls, and background tasks.
Line.exe coordinates the LINE app's sub-processes, including UI rendering, background synchronization, and notification delivery. It may spawn separate helper processes for media handling and data synchronization to improve responsiveness and security.
Quick Fact: LINE's Windows client has a modular architecture that isolates UI, media, and sync tasks to maintain stability during heavy chat activity.
Types of LINE Processes
- Main UI Process: The primary LINE window and user interface (1+ instances depending on sessions)
- Renderer Process: Renders chat content, messages, and media for each conversation
- Background Sync Process: Handles message synchronization and presence updates in the background
- Notification Service: Delivers push and in-app notifications to the user
- Media/Call Handler: Manages voice/video calls and media playback/downloads
- Update/Installer Process: Manages LINE updates and installation tasks
Is line.exe Safe?
Yes, line.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from LINE Corporation downloaded from official sources (line.me or LINE's official installers).
Is line.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real line.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names to trick users.
How to Tell if line.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\LINE\Line.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\LINE\Line.exe. Any line.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "LINE Corporation" as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per process, 120-400 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when LINE is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: LINE should only run when you open the app or when background tasks are enabled. Continuous background activity when LINE is closed may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If line.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when LINE isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files like "line32.exe" or "line_dummy.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is line.exe Running on My PC?
line.exe runs when you open the LINE Messaging Client or when LINE is configured to run in the background to deliver messages, calls, and notifications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active LINE Usage: You're currently using LINE for chats, calls, or media sharing—each active conversation may spawn UI and renderer processes.
- Background Message Sync: LINE keeps conversations up to date by syncing messages, presence, and stickers in the background.
- Startup and Background Run: LINE may be set to start with Windows or continue running in the background to deliver notifications.
- Notifications and Alerts: A dedicated background service handles push notifications, so line.exe may stay active to receive events.
- Media and Call Handling: Voice/video calls or media transfers create separate subprocesses to manage streams without blocking the main UI.
Can I Disable or Remove line.exe?
Yes, you can disable line.exe. It's safe to close LINE when not in use, and you can uninstall LINE completely if you prefer a different messaging client.
How to Stop line.exe
- End Active Chats: In LINE, close active conversations or sign out to stop real-time syncing temporarily.
- Close LINE Windows: Click the X button or use Alt+F4 to close all LINE windows.
- End LINE Tasks: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find line.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable LINE
- Stop Background Apps: LINE Settings → General → Disable "Run LINE in the background" (or similar) to stop background tasks
How to Uninstall LINE
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → LINE → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → LINE → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative messaging apps: WhatsApp, Messenger, Telegram, or Discord
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If line.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Chats Open: Close unused chats or archive conversations. LINE can spawn per-chat processes during heavy activity.
- Background Sync Enabled: Disable excessive background synchronization in LINE settings to reduce constant resource use.
- Outdated LINE Version: Update LINE to the latest version via Settings → Help → Check for updates.
- Heavy Media in Chats: Limit auto-downloads and streaming; disable auto-downloads for media in the chat settings.
- Background or Startup Processes: Disable LINE at startup and reduce background services from LINE settings.
- Corrupted Cache: Clear LINE cache/data or reinstall LINE if cache corruption is suspected.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open LINE Task Manager or Shift+Esc to identify high-usage chats
2. Clear cache: LINE Settings → Storage → Clear cache
3. Disable unnecessary chats/media in LINE settings
4. Update LINE: Settings → Help → Check for updates
5. Enable low-resource mode if available in LINE Settings → Performance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is line.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate line.exe from LINE Corporation is not a virus. Verify it is located at C:\Program Files\LINE\Line.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\LINE\Line.exe and has a valid digital signature from LINE Corporation.
Why is line.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be caused by heavy chat activity, media rendering, or background sync. Use LINE Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify the culprit and close or mute that conversation, then update LINE.
Can I delete line.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall LINE via Windows Settings → Apps → LINE → Uninstall. Your chat data may be preserved if you sign in with a Google/LINE account, otherwise you may lose local data.
Can I disable line.exe at startup?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup tab to disable LINE. This prevents LINE from starting with Windows, reducing background activity.
Where is LINE installed on Windows?
LINE is typically installed in C:\Program Files\LINE\Line.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\LINE\Line.exe. You may also install via the Windows Store or LINE's official website.
How do I uninstall LINE completely?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → LINE → Uninstall, or Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → LINE. Restart your PC after uninstalling.