Quick Answer
mspub.exe is safe. It is the Microsoft Publisher executable; multiple processes may run for UI, rendering, add-ins, and background tasks to improve stability.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Typically located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\mspub.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Office applications use multiple processes for documents, add-ins, and background tasks
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close Publisher when not in use; to stop startup, disable Office from launching at boot
What is mspub.exe?
mspub.exe is the primary executable for Microsoft Publisher, the desktop publishing application in the Office suite. It may spawn several helper processes when you edit large layouts, incorporate images, or use add-ins, to keep the UI responsive and prevent a single crash from affecting the entire program.
Publisher uses a modular Office architecture where the main process coordinates the UI and document data, while renderer-like tasks handle layout rendering and imaging. Additional processes may run for add-ins and background autosave tasks to improve fault isolation.
Quick Fact: Publisher leverages multi-process design within Office; separate processes help isolate document rendering from UI and add-ins.
Types of Publisher Processes
- Main Process: Launches Publisher UI and coordinates document data
- Renderer Process: Handles layout rendering and on-screen presentation for pages
- Add-in Process: Loads Office Add-ins loaded in Publisher
- Background Service: Autosave, background syncing, and brief maintenance tasks
- Printer/Print Subsystem: Manages print tasks and print spooler interactions
- Office Shared Library: Common Office components used by Publisher and other apps
Is mspub.exe Safe?
Yes, mspub.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft downloaded via official Office installation sources.
Is mspub.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real mspub.exe is not a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names. Always verify the file location and signature.
How to Tell if mspub.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\ or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\
- Digital Signature: Right-click the mspub.exe in its folder -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation"
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically low to moderate. Extremely high CPU or memory when idle may indicate issue
- Behavior: Publisher should run when you open Publisher or a document; persistent background activity without launching Publisher is suspicious
Red Flags: If mspub.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), runs when Publisher isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files like "mspub.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is mspub.exe Running on My PC?
mspub.exe runs when you start Microsoft Publisher or when Office integrates with background services for autosave, templates, and add-ins. It may also run additional helper processes to handle rendering and printing tasks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Publisher Use: Publisher is open and actively editing or viewing a document; each open document may engage separate processes for stability.
- Background Add-ins: Office Add-ins or templates loaded in Publisher may run in their own processes or background tasks.
- Startup Program: Office is configured to start Publisher at Windows startup or when you sign in.
- Background Sync: AutoSave, cloud sync, and OneDrive/SharePoint integration can keep processes alive in the background.
- Print/Publish Tasks: Background printing, PDF export, or large document publishing can keep related processes active.
Can I Disable or Remove mspub.exe?
Yes, you can disable mspub.exe. It's safe to close Publisher when not in use, and you can uninstall Office components or disable startup if you don't use Publisher.
How to Stop mspub.exe
- End Publisher Tasks: Close Publisher or use Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to End Task for mspub.exe and related processes
- Close Publisher: Exit all Publisher windows and confirm all dialogs are closed
- End All Office Processes: In Task Manager, end related Office processes to fully stop Publisher-related activity
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Microsoft Publisher or Office startup
- Stop Background Apps: Office settings (File -> Options -> Save) or Windows settings to disable background Office apps if available
How to Uninstall Publisher (Office app)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & features → Microsoft Publisher (Office) → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Microsoft Office → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider using Office setup to customize installation and remove Publisher only if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If mspub.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Multiple documents open: Close unused Publisher documents or reduce open windows; large layouts amplify memory usage
- Large image assets: Compress or resize images, or replace with lower-res assets; consider link rather than embed
- Background Add-ins: Disable unnecessary add-ins from File ➜ Options ➜ Add-ins; manage COM add-ins
- Outdated Office version: Update Office to the latest build to fix performance regressions
- AutoSave and cloud sync: Adjust AutoSave or pause cloud sync during heavy edits to reduce I/O
- Printer/Print tasks: Cancel pending print jobs or disable background printing in printer settings
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused Publisher documents to reduce memory usage
2. Disable unnecessary add-ins in Publisher Options
3. Update Office to the latest version
4. Run Office Repair from Apps & Features (Office suite)
5. Disable AutoSave or background Office apps in Settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is mspub.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate mspub.exe from Microsoft is not a virus. Verify the path is within C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\ and that the digital signature shows Microsoft Corporation.
Why is mspub.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can result from large or complex Publisher documents, many images, or problematic add-ins. Use Task Manager to identify offending processes and close or disable them.
Where is mspub.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\ or C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\, depending on Office installation.
Can I disable mspub.exe without removing Publisher?
Yes. You can close Publisher when not in use and disable startup for Office components to prevent automatic launching.
How do I uninstall Publisher from Office?
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Microsoft Office → Uninstall. You can customize which Office apps are installed via Office setup.
Why does Publisher crash or hang?
Crashes can be caused by corrupted documents, problematic add-ins, or outdated components. Update Office, disable add-ins, repair Office, or start Publisher in Safe Mode to diagnose.