Quick Answer
pocomail.exe is safe. It’s the legitimate PoCoMail application running as a multi-process email client that handles accounts, synchronization, and UI rendering.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\PoCoMail\ or Program Files (x86)\PoCoMail\
Warning
Multiple PoCoMail processes may run
Separate processes for accounts, sync, and UI
Can I Disable?
YES
Close PoCoMail or disable startup to stop all processes
What is pocomail.exe?
pocomail.exe is the executable for the PoCoMail email client. PoCoMail is a Windows-based email application that connects to IMAP/POP3 servers, manages multiple accounts, downloads mail, and handles attachments and calendars. The process may spawn helper services for syncing and rendering the UI.
PoCoMail uses a multi-process architecture: a main UI process, per-account renderers, and background sync services. This design improves responsiveness and stability by isolating network I/O and rendering tasks from the user interface.
Quick Fact: PoCoMail separates account handling from the UI, allowing smooth operation even when one mailbox is slow to respond.
Types of PoCoMail Processes
- Main UI Process: User interface and window management (1-2 instances)
- Account Renderer Process: Per mailbox/account rendering and listing
- Sync Service Process: Background IMAP/POP3 synchronization
- Notification/Alarm Process: Desktop alerts and calendar reminders
- Attachment Handler Process: Attachment download and viewing
- Update Service Process: Background updates and patch checks
Is pocomail.exe Safe?
Yes, pocomail.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from PoCoMail, obtained from official sources or pre-installed by the device manufacturer.
Is pocomail.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real pocomail.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes hides under similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if pocomail.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\PoCoMail\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\PoCoMail\. Any pocomail.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click PoCoMail.exe in File Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show "PoCoMail, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU per process, 60-250 MB memory. Excessive activity when PoCoMail isn't open is suspicious.
- Behavior: PoCoMail should only run when you open the app or scheduled sync is active. Constant unexpected activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If pocomail.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when PoCoMail isn't open, lacks a valid signature, or uses constant high resources, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly-named files like 'pocomail32.exe' from untrusted sources.
Why Is pocomail.exe Running on My PC?
pocomail.exe runs when PoCoMail is opened or when its background services are active for sync, notifications, or update checks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Email Use: You are actively checking or sending mail; UI and account renderers stay responsive during operations.
- Background Sync: IMAP/POP3 synchronization and new mail polling occur in the background.
- Startup or Schedule: PoCoMail may be set to start automatically or perform scheduled checks on login.
- Notifications: Desktop alerts, calendar reminders, and new mail notifications keep processes alive.
- Attachment Scanning: Attachment download/virus scanning can run separate helper processes during large transfers.
Can I Disable or Remove pocomail.exe?
Yes, you can disable pocomail.exe. You can close PoCoMail, restrict startup, and disable background tasks to reduce resource usage or uninstall completely if you switch clients.
How to Stop pocomail.exe
- Exit PoCoMail: File > Exit or close all windows to stop the UI and background services.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable PoCoMail
- Pause Background Sync: PoCoMail Settings > Synchronization > Disable background sync
- Quit Background Services: Open Task Manager, locate pocomail.exe and End Task
- Disable Notifications: PoCoMail Settings > Notifications > Turn off desktop alerts
How to Uninstall PoCoMail
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → PoCoMail → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → PoCoMail → Uninstall
- ✔ If you plan to switch to another client, export mail data first from PoCoMail
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If pocomail.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Accounts or Folders: Limit active mail accounts or reduce mailbox folders; archiving can reduce indexing.
- Background Synchronization: Adjust sync frequency in Settings or disable non-essential accounts from syncing.
- Large Attachments: Pause or download attachments on demand; review inbox for large items.
- Antivirus Interference: Ensure PoCoMail is whitelisted in your antivirus to avoid scanning overhead.
- Outdated Version: Update PoCoMail to the latest version to benefit from performance fixes.
- Hardware Acceleration: Disable hardware acceleration in Settings > Advanced > System
Quick Fixes:
1. Open PoCoMail Task Manager (if available) or check Settings > Synchronization for heavy tasks
2. Reduce number of active accounts or disable background syncing for idle accounts
3. Clear cache and offline data if applicable
4. Update PoCoMail to the latest release
5. Whitelist PoCoMail in security software
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pocomail.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate pocomail.exe from PoCoMail is not a virus. Ensure the file location is in C:\Program Files\PoCoMail\ and that it is digitally signed by PoCoMail, Inc.
Why is pocomail.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usually comes from intensive syncing, heavy mail filters, or numerous accounts. Use PoCoMail's Task Manager to identify the culprit and adjust sync settings or disable unnecessary accounts.
Can I delete pocomail.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall PoCoMail from Windows Settings → Apps. Your mail data may be preserved if you opt to keep a local copy; otherwise, it will be removed with the app.
Can I disable pocomail.exe at startup?
Yes, disable PoCoMail in Task Manager → Startup to stop the app from launching at login. You can re-enable later as needed.
Why is PoCoMail not delivering or syncing email?
Check server settings, input credentials, and ensure the account is not paused. Verify firewall allows PoCoMail, and test with a manual sync.
How can I speed up PoCoMail?
Reduce the number of accounts, limit concurrent sync, update to latest version, and consider archiving old mail to speed up rendering and indexing.