logoff.exe

Windows User Sign-off Helper

System ProcessSafeWindows OS

CPU Usage

0-5%

Memory

10-40 MB

Location

System32

Publisher

Microsoft Corporation

Quick Answer

logoff.exe is a Windows system process. It coordinates user sign-off tasks and cleanup during logoff or shutdown, and typically runs briefly during those events.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Windows\System32\logoff.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\logoff.exe

Warning

Often benign; executes only during sign-off or shutdown

If logoff.exe appears outside expected folders or runs constantly, investigate

Can I Disable?

✔ NO

Disabling logoff.exe can break proper sign-off. Adjust behavior via Windows settings or Group Policy rather than removing the executable.

What is logoff.exe?

logoff.exe is a Windows system executable that runs when a user signs out or the system is shutting down. It coordinates the closing of applications, termination of user processes, and the execution of configured sign-off tasks to ensure a clean and safe session end.

Logoff.exe operates within the user session host, triggering cleanup and policy-driven logoff scripts while ensuring open documents are saved and apps are closed gracefully. It normally consumes minimal resources and completes quickly during sign-out.

Quick Fact: Logoff.exe is part of Windows' built-in session management and helps prevent data loss by ensuring programs close properly during sign-off.

Types of Logoff-Related Processes

Logoff Manager: Orchestrates end-of-session tasks and triggers scripts
Session Cleaner: Closes applications and clears temporary session data
Policy Script Runner: Executes Group Policy logoff scripts (if configured)
Shutdown Coordination: Works with shutdown procedures to ensure safe power-down

Is logoff.exe Safe?

Yes, logoff.exe is safe when located in the legitimate system folders (C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64) and signed by Microsoft.

Is logoff.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real logoff.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify location and signature.

How to Tell if logoff.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Windows\System32\logoff.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\logoff.exe. Any logoff.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from Microsoft Windows.
Resource Usage: During sign-off it may spike briefly; constant high usage outside sign-off is suspicious.
Behavior: Logoff.exe should run only during logoff/shutdown. If it runs continuously, scan for malware and verify system integrity.

Red Flags: If logoff.exe is found in non-system folders (like Temp or AppData), runs outside logoff/shutdown, lacks a valid signature, or is unusually resource-heavy, perform a full antivirus scan and verify Windows integrity.

Why Is logoff.exe Running on My PC?

logoff.exe runs as part of Windows sign-off and shutdown sequences. It coordinates application closure, script execution, and session cleanup to ensure data is saved and processes terminate gracefully.

Reasons it's running:

Active Sign-out: You are in the process of signing out; logoff.exe orchestrates closing apps and saving state.
Shutdown Initiated: System shutdown triggers logoff.exe to prune sessions and run shutdown scripts.
Background Logoff Scripts: Group Policy or login scripts configured to run at logoff can cause logoff.exe activity.
User Switch or Session End: Switching users or ending a session invokes logoff.exe for the previous session cleanup.
System Maintenance: Automated maintenance tasks may be tied to sign-off events and executed through logoff.exe.

Can I Disable or Remove logoff.exe?

Not recommended - logoff.exe is a core Windows component required for proper sign-off. Deleting it can cause data loss or instability. You can adjust sign-off behavior via Group Policy or system settings instead of removing the executable.

How to Stop logoff.exe (Safer Alternatives)

Close running apps before sign-out: Manually close applications and save work to reduce sign-off time.
Manage sign-off scripts: Group Policy: Computer Configuration -> Windows Settings -> Scripts (Startup/Shutdown) to adjust sign-off tasks.
Limit background tasks on sign-off: Disable unnecessary background apps under Settings -> Privacy or Group Policy as appropriate.
Avoid forced sign-out: Use proper shutdown options instead of forced sign-out commands.
If suspected malware: Run a full antivirus scan and verify startup and logon/logoff scripts for tampering.

How to Uninstall logoff.exe

✔ logoff.exe is a built-in Windows component and cannot be uninstalled via Programs and Features.
✔ If corrupted, consider System File Checker: sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
✔ If you must remove functionality, use Group Policy to limit sign-off tasks and scripts rather than deleting the executable.

Common Problems: Sign-off Delays or Unexpected Behavior

If logoff.exe appears to cause delays or unusual behavior during sign-out, investigate common sign-off tasks and script configurations.

Common Causes & Solutions

Too many background scripts run at sign-off: Review and disable unnecessary sign-off scripts via Group Policy or local policy.
Heavy sign-off tasks from third-party software: Update or remove software that delays sign-off; ensure compatibility with Windows sign-off events.
Corrupted system files: Run SFC and DISM to repair Windows system files and components.
Malware impersonating logoff.exe: Scan with reputable antivirus; verify the file path and signature as described in safety verification steps.
Outdated Windows build: Install the latest Windows updates to ensure proper sign-off behavior.
Registry or policy misconfig: Review relevant sign-off policies and registry keys related to logoff and shutdown behavior; revert unintended changes.

Quick Fixes:
1. Close non-essential applications before signing out to speed up logoff.
2. Run sfc /scannow and DISM to repair system files.
3. Check for sign-off scripts under Group Policy or Local Policies and disable unnecessary ones.
4. Ensure Windows is up to date with the latest patches.
5. Run a full antivirus scan if you notice unusual logoff activity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is logoff.exe safe?

Yes, when located in C:\Windows\System32 or C:\Windows\SysWOW64 and signed by Microsoft. If found elsewhere or unsigned, scan for malware.

Where is logoff.exe located?

Typically in C:\Windows\System32\logoff.exe or C:\Windows\SysWOW64\logoff.exe. Other locations may indicate tampering.

Can I disable logoff.exe?

Not recommended. It is a core sign-off component. You can adjust sign-off scripts and behavior via Group Policy rather than disabling the executable.

Why does logoff.exe spike CPU during sign-out?

During sign-out, logoff.exe coordinates closure of apps and may run scripts; brief CPU usage is expected. Prolonged spikes warrant checking for problematic scripts or malware.

How do I fix logoff.exe not completing sign-out?

Close all applications, run system file checks (sfc/dism), verify sign-off scripts, and ensure Windows is up to date. If problems persist, consider a repair installation.

What is the difference between logoff.exe and shutdown.exe?

logoff.exe handles per-user sign-off tasks and session cleanup, while shutdown.exe coordinates a full system power-down. They work together during shutdown sequences.