Quick Answer
SkypeForBusiness.exe is safe. It is the legitimate client process for Skype for Business used for messaging, voice/video calls, and meetings, often running with multiple sub-processes for reliability.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SkypeForBusiness.exe or similar Office16 folder
Warning
Multiple processes may run
Skype for Business uses separate processes for UI, media, and signaling; high per-process activity is common during calls
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close the client or disable startup; background operation can be turned off via Skype for Business options
What is SkypeForBusiness.exe?
SkypeForBusiness.exe is the core executable for the Skype for Business client used in corporate environments for chat, presence, voice/video calls, and online meetings. It runs as part of the Office suite and may spawn helper processes to manage media, signaling, and user interface tasks.
SkypeForBusiness.exe operates within a multi-process framework: it coordinates UI, sign-in, and conferencing while delegating media capture and network signaling to separate child processes to improve stability and security.
Quick Fact: Skype for Business evolved from Lync and shares a common Office integration model, using modular processes to separate UI, media, and signaling.
Types of Skype for Business Processes
- Client UI Process: Main window, menus, and user interaction
- Media Process: Audio/Video capture, playback, and codec handling
- Signaling Process: Connection to server for presence, chat, and calls
- Meeting/Conference Process: Conference signaling and server coordination
- Add-in/Plugin Process: Office add-ins and third-party integrations
- Background Task Process: Notifications, cache maintenance, and sync
Is skype-for-business.exe Safe?
Yes, skype-for-business.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft installed via Office or Office 365.
Is skype-for-business.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real skype-for-business.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can mimic file names to mislead users.
How to Tell if skype-for-business.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SkypeForBusiness.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\Office16\SkypeForBusiness.exe. Any skypeforbusiness.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Microsoft Corporation" or an Office signing authority.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU per process and 100-420 MB memory. Consistent, abnormal spikes or activity when idle are suspicious.
- Behavior: SkypeForBusiness.exe should run when you use Skype for Business. If it starts and continues without user action, investigate for malware.
Red Flags: If skype-for-business.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), starts without launching the app, lacks a valid signature, or uses persistent high resources, run a full antivirus scan and verify installation from Microsoft.
Why Is SkypeForBusiness.exe Running on My PC?
SkypeForBusiness.exe runs when you use the Skype for Business client or when Office integration is configured to start with Windows. It may also remain active for background presence and notifications.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Communication: You are in a call, chat, or meeting; media streaming and signaling keep the process active.
- Presence and Notifications: Presence updates, chat messages, and meeting invites may keep the client running in the background.
- Office/Windows Startup: Office integration or Windows startup settings can launch Skype for Business at login.
- Automatic Conferencing: Scheduled meetings or conference bridging can preload components and maintain connections.
- Background Sign-in and Sync: Account synchronization, contact list refresh, and policy checks can run without an active UI.
Can I Disable or Remove skypefor-business.exe?
Yes, you can disable skypefor-business.exe. It's safe to close Skype for Business when not in use, and you can remove or disable it from Office if you don't need it.
How to Stop skypeForBusiness.exe
- End Active Calls: In the meeting window, click End Call or Hang Up to stop media streaming.
- Sign Out and Close: In the client, sign out and then exit Skype for Business.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Skype for Business
- Prevent Background Running: Skype for Business options → Personal → uncheck 'Start Skype for Business when I sign in to Windows'
- Restrict Background Tasks: In Windows Settings → Privacy → Background apps, disable Skype for Business if available
How to Uninstall Skype For Business
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Microsoft Office → Modify, then unselect Skype for Business from Office components
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Programs and Features → Microsoft Office → Change → Add/Remove Features, locate Skype for Business and set to Not Available, then repair Office
- ✔ Alternative: Use the Office Deployment Tool to remove Skype for Business from an Office installation
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If skypeforbusiness.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many simultaneous conversations or meetings: Close idle chats and meetings; consider reducing video usage or turning off automatic video.
- Resource-heavy add-ins or plugins: Disable unnecessary add-ins via Office settings and Skype for Business add-ins panel.
- Network or server issues: Check network connectivity; ensure firewall/proxy settings allow required Skype for Business traffic.
- Outdated client: Update Office/Skype for Business to the latest version (Office 365 updates) to fix leaks and performance bugs.
- Audio/video hardware acceleration: Toggle hardware acceleration off: Skype for Business options → Audio/Video → disable hardware acceleration if available.
- Corrupted cache or credentials: Clear cache or re-sign into the account; re-create profile if needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Use Windows Task Manager to end Skype for Business related tasks
2. Sign out and back in to refresh credentials
3. Restart the Skype for Business client
4. Check for and apply Office updates
5. Disable unnecessary video or audio features during calls
Frequently Asked Questions
Is skype-for-business-exe safe to run on Windows?
Yes, the legitimate skype-for-business-exe is safe when located in the official Office directories (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\SkypeForBusiness.exe) and has a valid signature from Microsoft.
Why is skype-for-business-exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage spikes during calls, video rendering, or when there are many active conversations. Use Skype for Business Task Manager to identify the offending item and reduce video quality or end unnecessary chats.
Can I delete skype-for-business-exe?
You can remove Skype for Business by modifying the Office installation and removing the Skype for Business component, or uninstalling Office entirely if you no longer need it.
Can I disable skype-for-business-exe?
Yes. You can close the client, disable startup via Task Manager, and turn off background running in the app settings to stop it from launching automatically.
Why does Skype for Business start at Windows startup?
If configured, Office components may start with Windows to enable quick access, presence, and sign-in. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup or through Office settings to prevent auto-launch.
Why are there multiple skypeforbusiness.exe processes?
Skype for Business can spawn multiple processes for UI, media, and signaling to improve stability. You can view the specific role of each process in the Task Manager under Details.