Quick Answer
openoffice.exe is safe. It's the OpenOffice launcher running the suite's components (Writer, Calc, Impress) and may spawn helper processes for stability.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\OpenOffice 4\program\soffice.exe
Warning
Multiple processes can be normal
OpenOffice components may run as separate processes (Writer, Calc, Impress).
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close OpenOffice or disable startup entry in Windows to prevent background launching.
What is openoffice.exe?
openoffice.exe is the Windows launcher for Apache OpenOffice. It starts the suite and may spawn several child processes for Writer, Calc, Impress, and other components to keep tasks isolated and responsive.
OpenOffice uses a modular architecture with UNO components; separate processes improve stability and security by isolating document modules and UI from each other.
Quick Fact: OpenOffice's core tools rely on a modular runtime; separate processes help prevent a single document crash from crashing the entire suite.
Types of OpenOffice Processes
- Main Application Process: UI and control surface for the OpenOffice suite (1 instance)
- Writer Process: Handles Writer document rendering and editing
- Calc Process: Spreadsheet rendering and calculation engine
- Impress Process: Presentation rendering and slide engine
- Draw/Base/Math Process: Graphic and database components, UNO runtime
- Extension/UNO Runtime: Extensions or scripting components may run in separate runtimes
Is openoffice.exe Safe?
Yes, openoffice.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Apache OpenOffice downloaded from openoffice.apache.org or installed by your operating system's package manager.
Is openoffice.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real openoffice.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if openoffice.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\OpenOffice 4\program\soffice.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\OpenOffice 4\program\soffice.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click soffice.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "The Apache Software Foundation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per document, 100-600 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when OpenOffice is not actively used is suspicious.
- Behavior: OpenOffice should launch when you start the app and display UI. If soffice.exe runs constantly in background with no OpenOffice session, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If soffice.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when OpenOffice isn't open, has no valid digital signature, or uses persistent high CPU, scan with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files like "soffice2.exe".
Why Is openoffice.exe Running on My PC?
openoffice.exe runs when you start Apache OpenOffice or when background components are configured to stay ready for quick document access.
Reasons it's running:
- Active OpenOffice Session: You're editing a document or have the UI open; the main and component processes stay active.
- Background Autosave and Services: Autosave, spell checker, and UNO services may keep processes alive to speed up work.
- Startup Program: OpenOffice may be configured to launch at Windows startup or on login.
- Background Export/Print Tasks: Background tasks for exporting to PDF/Print services can keep processes running.
- Extensions or Scripting Engines: Extensions or Python/Java scripting components may run in background runtimes.
Can I Disable or Remove openoffice.exe?
Yes, you can disable openoffice.exe. It's safe to close OpenOffice when not in use, and you can uninstall or disable startup to prevent automatic launching.
How to Stop openoffice.exe
- End Active Documents: Close all OpenOffice documents and use the Exit option to shut down the suite (Writer, Calc, Impress).
- Close Office: Exit all OpenOffice applications to terminate the processes.
- End All OpenOffice Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate soffice.bin or soffice.exe, right-click → End Task.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Apache OpenOffice.
- Limit Background Loads: In OpenOffice, disable unnecessary components or extensions; if not available, rely on closing the suite to release resources.
How to Uninstall OpenOffice
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Apache OpenOffice → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Apache OpenOffice → Uninstall
- ✔ If available, choose to remove user data or profile as needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If openoffice.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Many documents open: Each document can consume memory. Close unused documents or use tabbed UI if available.
- Background extensions: Disable unnecessary extensions via Tools → Extensions or OpenOffice extension manager.
- Large embedded objects: SVGs, images, or charts may spike usage; optimize or remove heavy embeds.
- Outdated OpenOffice: Update to the latest OpenOffice version from openoffice.apache.org.
- Java/UNO scripting: Disable or limit scripting engines if not needed.
- Hardware acceleration issues: Try turning off or reconfiguring acceleration if available in OpenOffice options.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused documents and use OpenOffice toolbar to exit cleanly
2. Restart OpenOffice to clear memory
3. Disable unnecessary extensions via Tools → Extensions
4. Check for updates: OpenOffice → Help → Check for Updates
5. Reduce image-heavy content or export to PDF to avoid heavy rendering
Frequently Asked Questions
Is openoffice.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate openoffice.exe from Apache OpenOffice is not a virus. Verify the file path: C:\Program Files\OpenOffice 4\program\soffice.exe and ensure the digital signature shows Apache Software Foundation.
Why is openoffice.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be due to large documents, complex formulas in Calc, or heavy graphics. Use Task Manager to identify the component, close heavy content, and update to the latest OpenOffice.
Can I delete openoffice.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall Apache OpenOffice from Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your documents stay in their folders unless you delete them separately.
Can I disable openoffice.exe?
Yes, you can close OpenOffice or disable startup. To prevent launch at login, disable the OpenOffice startup entry in Windows Task Manager.
Why does OpenOffice start at Windows startup?
If configured, OpenOffice may launch at login to speed up future edits. Disable the startup entry via Task Manager → Startup to stop automatic launch.
Why are there multiple openoffice.exe processes?
OpenOffice uses a modular, multi-process architecture; separate processes correspond to UI, Writer, Calc, and Impress components to improve stability.