Quick Answer
ringcentral.exe is safe. It's RingCentral's desktop client handling calls, messages, and presence. It uses multiple processes to keep calls and chats responsive.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal
One process may handle UI, another for messaging, and a separate one for background tasks
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close the app or disable startup in Task Manager to stop auto-launch
What is ringcentral.exe?
ringcentral.exe is the core executable for the RingCentral Desktop Client, an integrated communications app that handles voice and video calls, team messaging, presence indicators, and notifications. It runs several separate processes to isolate tasks for stability and performance, and to maintain quick responsiveness during calls and chats.
The RingCentral client uses a modular architecture with a main process and several background and renderer processes that manage calls, chat, media streams, and cloud sync with RingCentral servers. This design improves stability and keeps communications responsive.
Quick Fact: RingCentral employs multi-process architecture to separate UI, media, and syncing tasks, reducing cross-task interference during calls and chats.
Types of RingCentral Processes
- Main UI Process: User interface and window management for the RingCentral app
- Renderer/Chat Process: Handles chat panels and message rendering within the UI
- Call/Media Process: Manages audio/video streams and media codecs during calls
- Background Sync Process: Syncs messages, presence, and settings with the RingCentral cloud
- Notification/Tray Process: Delivers system tray notifications and presence indicators
- Updater/Utility Process: Handles background checks and software updates
Is ringcentral.exe Safe?
Yes, ringcentral.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from RingCentral downloaded from official sources.
Is ringcentral.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real ringcentral.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can disguise itself with similar names. Always verify the file path and signature.
How to Tell if ringcentral.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe. Any ringcentral.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click RingCentral.exe in Windows Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "RingCentral, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per process, 50-250 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the app is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: RingCentral should run when the app is active or needed for background tasks. If it runs constantly without user action, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If ringcentral.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when RingCentral isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "rc.exe" or "ringcentral_app.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is ringcentral.exe Running on My PC?
ringcentral.exe runs when you start RingCentral Desktop Client or when the app is configured to run in the background to handle calls, messages, and presence updates.
Reasons it's running:
- Active User Interaction: You're actively using RingCentral for calls or chat, which keeps processes alive to maintain responsiveness.
- Background Notifications: Tray notifications, presence updates, and message alerts keep a process active even if the main window is minimized.
- Startup Launch: RingCentral is configured to launch automatically when Windows starts, keeping you connected at sign-in.
- Background Sync: Continuous synchronization of messages, files, and call history with the RingCentral cloud maintains up-to-date data.
- System Tray and Activity: The app may run in the background to handle inbound calls or status changes while the main window is closed.
Can I Disable or Remove ringcentral.exe?
Yes, you can disable ringcentral.exe. It's safe to close RingCentral when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different communications solution.
How to Stop ringcentral.exe
- Quit RingCentral App: Close all RingCentral windows or use the tray icon to quit the application
- Disable Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable RingCentral
- End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager → Processes tab → End RingCentral-related processes
- Prevent Background Run: RingCentral Settings → General → uncheck 'Run on Windows startup' or 'Continue running background apps when RingCentral is closed'
- Stop Notifications: In RingCentral settings, turn off unnecessary notifications to reduce background activity
How to Uninstall RingCentral
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → RingCentral Desktop Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → RingCentral → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the computer after uninstallation
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If ringcentral.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Chats or Calls: Close unnecessary chats or calls; consider muting notifications for inactive conversations
- Background Sync and Notifications: Limit background syncing in RingCentral settings or disable non-critical notifications
- Outdated RingCentral Version: Update RingCentral to the latest version via Settings → Help → Check for Updates
- High-Resolution Video or Screen Sharing: Lower video quality in call settings or disable video when not needed
- Corrupted Cache: Clear app cache via Settings → Advanced → Clear Cache
- Conflicting Extensions or Plugins: Disable or remove any third-party integrations within RingCentral
Quick Fixes:
1. Quit RingCentral and reopen to reset processes
2. Check for updates and install the latest version
3. Limit or disable background notifications in RingCentral settings
4. Clear cache and temporary data for the app
5. Restart the computer if resource usage remains high
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ringcentral.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate ringcentral.exe from RingCentral is not a virus. Ensure the file path is C:\Program Files\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe and that the digital signature shows RingCentral, Inc.
Why is ringcentral.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage can occur during active calls or heavy messaging/video tasks. Use the RingCentral Task Manager, update to the latest version, and reduce simultaneous calls or videos if needed.
Can I delete ringcentral.exe from my system?
Yes, by uninstalling the RingCentral Desktop Client from Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Deleting the executable manually may leave partial remnants; use the proper uninstaller.
Can I disable ringcentral.exe from starting automatically?
Yes, disable RingCentral from Windows Startup (Task Manager → Startup) or turn off the 'Run on startup' option in RingCentral settings.
Where is ringcentral.exe located on Windows?
Typically in C:\Program Files\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\RingCentral\RingCentral.exe. Verify the path before actions to avoid malware confusion.
Does ringcentral.exe run in the background after I close the app?
It can, if you have background notification or wake features enabled. You can disable these in RingCentral settings or through Task Manager to fully stop background activity.