ubiquiti.exe

What is ubiquiti.exe?

ubiquiti.exe is the Windows launcher for Ubiquiti’s UniFi Network Controller. It starts the local controller service, hosts the embedded web UI, and coordinates device management tasks. The process often runs in the background to keep the controller responsive and ready for configuration.

ubiquiti.exe coordinates the UniFi Controller’s backend and UI by spawning a web server and API services. It manages the Java-based controller stack and exposes the local UI for configuring UniFi devices.

Types of Ubitiqi Processes

• Launcher Process: Main UI wrapper and startup checks
• Web UI Renderer: Embedded local web interface for configuration
• Backend Service: Controller daemon handling device management and statistics
• Updater Process: Automated checks for updates and patch application
• Data Sync Process: Syncs settings to the cloud or local backups
• Helper Utilities: Log rotation, health checks, and diagnostics

Is ubiquiti.exe Safe?

Yes, ubiquiti.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Ubiquiti and installed via official UniFi Controller software.

Is ubiquiti.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real ubiquiti.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can imitate Ubiquiti files; verify the digital signature and install source.

How to Tell if ubiquiti.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Ubiquiti UniFi Controller\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Ubiquiti UniFi Controller\. Any ubiquiti.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click ubiquiti.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signing entity such as "Ubiquiti Inc." or "Ubiquiti Networks, Inc."
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 3-25% CPU per process, 50-600 MB total memory when actively running the controller.
4. Behavior: ubiquiti.exe should run when you start the UniFi Controller and not continuously if the controller is closed.

Why Is ubiquiti.exe Running on My PC?

ubiquiti.exe launches the UniFi Controller and manages its background services. It may run during startup or while you actively manage your UniFi devices.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Controller Use: You have the UniFi Controller UI open or connected to devices; the launcher starts the backend and serves the UI.
• Background Device Discovery: Controller scans for new UniFi devices on the network and maintains device state in memory.
• Automatic Updates: Updater tasks check for new controller software and apply patches when needed.
• Cloud Sync: Controller may sync settings, backups, and configurations with Ubiquiti Cloud or linked accounts.
• Startup Program: The controller is configured to start automatically when Windows boots.

Can I Disable or Remove ubiquiti.exe?

Yes, you can disable ubiquiti.exe. It's safe to close the controller when not in use, and you can uninstall the UniFi Controller if you prefer another management solution.

How to Stop ubiquiti.exe

• End Controller UI: Close the UniFi Controller window or use the Exit option in the UI
• End Background Services: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate ubiquiti.exe and related processes, right-click → End Task
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable UniFi Controller
• Stop Background Apps: In UniFi Controller settings, disable "Run in Background" or similar options

How to Uninstall ubiquiti.exe

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → UniFi Controller → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → UniFi Controller → Uninstall
• ✔ Consider alternatives: navigate to other network management tools if needed

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If ubiquiti.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Active Devices: The controller tracks many devices; consider pruning or archiving old history and limiting polling intervals.
• Background Device Discovery: Tune discovery settings in the controller and disable unnecessary network scans.
• Update Failures: Check for pending updates and ensure network access to the Ubitiqi update servers; restart the controller after applying patches.
• Java/Runtime Issues: Ensure a compatible Java runtime is bundled with the controller or use the built-in JRE provided by the installer.
• Corrupted Cache/Logs: Clear controller cache or rotate logs; consider moving logs to a separate drive with more space.
• Extensions or Apps: Disable nonessential controller apps or plugins that may be loaded by the UniFi Controller.

Related Processes