miranda.exe

Miranda Instant Messenger

Application ProcessSafeMessaging Client

CPU Usage

1-8%

Memory

30-120 MB

Location

Program Files\Miranda IM

Publisher

Miranda IM Team

Quick Answer

miranda.exe is safe. It is the executable for the Miranda Instant Messenger client, designed to load protocol plugins for chat networks in a modular way.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in Program Files\Miranda IM\miranda.exe or Program Files (x86)\Miranda IM\miranda32.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Miranda loads multiple protocol plugins; each might run in its own module

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close Miranda IM or disable startup and background plugins to reduce activity

What is miranda.exe?

miranda.exe is the core executable for the Miranda Instant Messenger, a lightweight, modular client that supports multiple chat protocols via plugins. It loads user accounts, connects to servers, and provides the user interface for messaging. The core remains small while protocol plugins extend support on demand.

Miranda uses a plugin-based architecture where the main executable hosts the UI and loads protocol plugins (XMPP, ICQ, IRC, and more). This modular design keeps the core small while enabling flexible protocol support and customization through add-ons.

Quick Fact: Miranda IM pioneered a plugin-based messenger approach long before many modern clients.

Types of Miranda Processes

Core Process: miranda.exe hosts the UI and plugin loader
Plugin Modules: Each protocol plugin runs through the core process
Tray/Notifier: Background tasks and presence updates via system tray

Is miranda.exe Safe?

Yes, miranda.exe is safe when it comes from the official Miranda IM project or trusted forks and is located in a standard program directory.

Is miranda.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real miranda.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may spoof names; verify the path and digital signature.

How to Tell if miranda.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Miranda IM\miranda.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Miranda IM\miranda32.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click miranda.exe in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Miranda IM Team" or the project signers.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 30-120 MB memory; unusual spikes or constant high load is suspicious.
Behavior: The process should run when Miranda IM starts and not autonomously when the system is idle.

Red Flags: If miranda.exe is located in Temp, AppData, or System32, runs without starting Miranda IM, lacks a valid signature, or uses abnormal resources constantly, scan with antivirus and compare with official builds.

Why Is miranda.exe Running on My PC?

miranda.exe runs when you start Miranda IM or when configured to launch at login. It also stays resident for notifications and multi-protocol connectivity.

Reasons it's running:

Active Messaging Use: Miranda IM is actively connected to one or more chat networks, showing online presence and chats.
Background Plugins: Protocol plugins (XMPP, IRC, ICQ, Yahoo, etc.) may keep connections alive for instant messaging.
Startup Entry: The program may be set to auto-start in Windows or launch at user login.
System Tray Notifier: Miranda IM can stay running to provide tray notifications and fast re-access to chats.
Account Auto-Login: Accounts set to auto-connect may keep miranda.exe alive to maintain presence and sync.

Can I Disable or Remove miranda.exe?

Yes, you can disable miranda.exe. You can close Miranda IM when not in use and uninstall if you prefer another messenger.

How to Stop miranda.exe

Exit Application: Close all Miranda IM windows or use File → Exit to stop all processes
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Miranda IM entry
Disable Background Tasks: In Miranda IM, disable 'stay in system tray' or background notifier options
End Process: Open Task Manager, locate miranda.exe, and End Task

How to Uninstall Miranda IM

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Miranda IM → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Miranda IM → Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative clients: Pidgin, Adium, or a newer fork like Miranda NG

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If miranda.exe is using excessive resources, try the following.

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Active Plugins: Disable unused protocol plugins in Miranda IM's Plugins settings to reduce load.
Background Notifications: Disable or limit tray notifications and keep only essential accounts connected.
Prolonged Network Connections: Some servers or networks may cause persistent socket activity; disconnect or adjust accounts.
Outdated Build: Update to the latest Miranda IM or Miranda NG build to fix memory leaks and performance issues.
Faulty Plugins: Identify problematic plugins by disabling one-by-one and restarting.
Large Chat Archives: Limit chat history or archive size; consider clearing old chats or compressing data.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Miranda IM → Menu → Plugins; disable non-essential protocols
2. Review system tray settings; disable 'minimize to tray' if unnecessary
3. Update Miranda IM to the latest build
4. Clear chat history or reduce chat window clutter
5. Restart Miranda IM to apply changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Is miranda.exe a virus?

No, miranda.exe is the legitimate executable for the Miranda Instant Messenger client when sourced from the official Miranda IM project or trusted forks; verify path under C:\Program Files\Miranda IM or C:\Program Files (x86)\Miranda IM.

Why is miranda.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU usually stems from many active protocol connections, plugins, or a faulty plugin. Open Miranda IM Task Manager in the app to identify the culprit, disable or update plugins, or reduce connected accounts.

Can I delete miranda.exe?

Yes, you can uninstall Miranda IM via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your chat data may be preserved if you use optional backup or cloud sync; otherwise data may be removed.

Can I disable miranda.exe from startup?

Yes, disable it in Windows Task Manager → Startup, or within Miranda IM settings to stop auto-launch at login.

How do I update Miranda IM?

Visit the official Miranda IM page or fork page, download the latest build (or update via the app if supported), and install following on-screen prompts. Back up your chats first.

Why are there multiple miranda.exe processes?

In multi-process designs, miranda.exe may spawn or load multiple plugin modules; this is normal and reflects plugin-based architecture rather than malware activity.