Quick Answer
starleaf.exe is safe. StarLeaf's collaboration client runs as multiple processes to manage meetings, screensharing, signaling, and background tasks for reliable conferencing.
What is starleaf.exe?
starleaf.exe is the executable for StarLeaf's video collaboration client. StarLeaf uses a multi-process architecture to handle meetings, screen sharing, signaling, and background services. You will see multiple starleaf.exe processes as you join calls, share content, or run in the system tray.
The StarLeaf client uses separate processes for UI, sessions, media, and background tasks to improve stability and performance. Each door of the meeting runs isolated to prevent a single crash from affecting all conferences.
Quick Fact: StarLeaf introduced modular, multi-process conferencing to isolate media paths and signaling for robust enterprise-grade video meetings.
Types of StarLeaf Processes
- Browser/UI Process: Main StarLeaf window, user interface, and controls (1+ instances)
- Session Renderer: Per-meeting renderer for video, chat, and content (multiple)
- Media/Codec Process: Encoding/decoding for audio/video streams
- Background Service Process: Notifications, presence, and keep-alive signals
- Network/Signaling Process: Signaling for call setup and NAT traversal
- Utility Process: Synchronization, updates, and telemetry
Is starleaf.exe Safe?
Yes, starleaf.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from StarLeaf downloaded from official sources (starleaf.com or enterprise deployment).
Is starleaf.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real starleaf.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes mimics names to trick users.
How to Tell if starleaf.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\StarLeaf\starleaf.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\StarLeaf\starleaf.exe. Any starleaf.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in Explorer or Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click starleaf.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "StarLeaf Ltd".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per process, 60-240 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when not in a meeting is suspicious.
- Behavior: StarLeaf should run primarily when you join a meeting or start the app. Persistent background activity when idle may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If starleaf.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when StarLeaf isn't open, has no valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus and consider reinstallation from official sources.
Why Is starleaf.exe Running on My PC?
starleaf.exe runs when you start the StarLeaf client, join or host meetings, or when background services are enabled to maintain presence and signaling.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Meeting or Call: You're in a StarLeaf meeting; each session uses separate processes for media and UI.
- Background Presence: Presence, chat, and call signaling run in background to maintain readiness and notify participants.
- Startup Launch: StarLeaf may be configured to launch on Windows startup to allow quick joining.
- Screen Sharing or Content: Starting screen sharing or presenting triggers specialized media processes.
- Notifications: Background notification services wake to alert you of invites and events even when the main window is minimized.
Can I Disable or Remove starleaf.exe?
Yes, you can disable starleaf.exe. It is safe to close StarLeaf when not in use, and you can uninstall it if you prefer another conferencing solution.
How to Stop starleaf.exe
- End Active Meeting: In StarLeaf, choose Leave Meeting or End Call to stop media processes.
- Close the App: Use the system tray icon to Exit StarLeaf or click the X button.
- End All StarLeaf Tasks: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find starleaf.exe, and End Task.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable StarLeaf.
- Stop Background Services: In StarLeaf Settings → General → Disable background presence and notifications if available.
How to Uninstall StarLeaf
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → StarLeaf → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → StarLeaf → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstall if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If starleaf.exe is consuming excessive resources during a call or idle, try the following fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many concurrent meetings or screenshares: Close unused meetings or stop sharing; limit simultaneous streams to reduce CPU load.
- Background notification or presence service: In StarLeaf settings, disable nonessential background tasks or adjust notification frequency.
- Outdated StarLeaf client: Update to the latest version via StarLeaf app or official website.
- Hardware acceleration issues: Disable hardware acceleration: Settings → Performance → Use hardware acceleration when available (toggle off).
- Corrupted cache or data: Clear cache via StarLeaf or reinstall to refresh modules.
- Antivirus interference: Add StarLeaf to trusted programs or temporarily disable antivirus during sessions.
Quick Fixes:
1. Use Task Manager to identify high-usage StarLeaf processes (starleaf.exe).
2. Close nonessential meetings and disable background tasks in settings.
3. Update StarLeaf to the latest version.
4. Clear app cache and data if available.
5. Disable hardware acceleration if performance remains poor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is starleaf.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate starleaf.exe from StarLeaf is not a virus. Verify the file location: C:\Program Files\StarLeaf\starleaf.exe and that it has a valid digital signature from StarLeaf Ltd.
Why is starleaf.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is typically caused by active meetings with multiple streams or problematic background services. Use StarLeaf Task Manager to identify culprit processes, update the client, and check for malware if anomalies persist.
Can I delete starleaf.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall StarLeaf through Settings → Apps. Your meeting history may be retained if you sync with a StarLeaf account; otherwise, data is removed with uninstall.
Can I disable starleaf.exe?
Yes. Exit StarLeaf to stop processes or disable startup in Task Manager → Startup. You can also turn off background presence in StarLeaf settings.
Why is starleaf.exe running at startup?
StarLeaf may be configured to launch on Windows startup for quick meeting access. Disable from Task Manager → Startup tab or via StarLeaf settings.
Why are there multiple starleaf.exe processes?
StarLeaf uses a multi-process architecture: a UI process, session renderer, media, and background services, which can appear as several starleaf.exe processes in Task Manager.