Quick Answer
ucmapi.exe is safe. It's Cisco's Unified Communications Manager API service used by applications to access telephony features, presence, and call control data.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\UCMAPI\ucmapi.exe
Warning
Multiple related processes
ucmapi.exe may spawn helper processes for different UC features
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disabling may affect UC functionality; stop service via Services or Task Manager
What is ucmapi.exe?
ucmapi.exe is the executable for Cisco's Unified Communications Manager API service. It enables software clients and UC applications to connect to call control, presence, voicemail, and directory data through API calls. In typical installations, multiple instances may appear when specific UC features are active, though it's part of a legitimate Cisco component.
It exposes IPC interfaces for UC components to request telephony data from the server, supporting authentication and event delivery. The service runs in user or system context and coordinates between client apps and the UC server.
Quick Fact: The UCM API service standardizes programmatic access to Cisco UC features, enabling integrations with third-party apps and custom workflows.
Types of UCMAPI Processes
- API Gateway Process: Main process handling API calls from UC clients
- Notification Listener: Sub-process for event subscriptions and push notifications
- Telemetry/Logging: Background process for logs and telemetry data
- Authentication Helper: Validates credentials and tokens for API access
- Directory Sync: Keeps users, devices, and presence data in sync with the server
Is ucmapi.exe Safe?
Yes, ucmapi.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Cisco downloaded from official sources (Cisco software suite or bundled UC client).
Is ucmapi.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real ucmapi.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if ucmapi.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\UCMAPI\ucmapi.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Cisco Systems\UCMAPI\ucmapi.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Task Manager or Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Cisco Systems, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal idle usage is low; CPU typically 0-5%, memory 10-60 MB. Consistently high usage without UC activity is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should run primarily when UC components or clients are active. Persistent background activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If ucmapi.exe is located outside the Cisco path (e.g., Temp or AppData), has no valid signature, or runs with unusual network activity, scan the system with updated antivirus software. Be wary of similarly named files like "ucmapi.dll" from untrusted sources.
Why Is ucmapi.exe Running on My PC?
ucmapi.exe runs when Cisco UC client software or connected applications are active, or when Windows starts UC-related services that require API access to telephony and presence data.
Reasons it's running:
- Active UC Client Use: You're using a Cisco UC client or an integrated application that queries call control, directory, and presence data via the API.
- Background UC Apps: UC apps or plugins may run in the background to monitor events or sync data even when the main client window is closed.
- Startup Program: UC components are configured to start with Windows, launching ucmapi.exe automatically.
- Background Sync: Presence, contacts, or voicemail data may sync periodically with the UC server, keeping data up to date.
- Third-Party Integrations: Integrations with CRM/collaboration tools may instantiate the API service to access UC data.
Can I Disable or Remove ucmapi.exe?
Yes, you can disable ucmapi.exe. Stopping the related Cisco UC components will prevent API activity, and you can uninstall UC components if you no longer need them.
How to Stop ucmapi.exe
- End UC API Processes: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find ucmapi.exe and any related processes, and End Task
- Close UC Clients: Exit Cisco UC applications to stop API activity
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Cisco UC components
- Stop Background Apps: In UC settings, disable 'Continue running background UC apps' if available
How to Uninstall Cisco UC API Components
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → select Cisco UC components (UCMAPI) → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → select Cisco Unified Communications Manager API → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider keeping a minimal UC client if you still rely on basic integrations
Common Problems: API Service High Resource Usage or Crashes
If ucmapi.exe is consuming unusual resources or failing to respond:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many API clients or integrations active: Close unused UC apps and integrations; restart UC components if needed
- Background UC Extensions: Disable unnecessary UC integrations in the UC client or admin console
- Outdated UCM API components: Update Cisco UC software to the latest version
- Corrupted cache or logs: Clear UC application cache or reset logs, then restart the service
- Malware impersonation: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify signatures
- Hardware or driver issues: Update system drivers and check for Windows updates; adjust UC settings for lower resource usage
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Shift+Esc in UC client) to identify high-usage items
2. Restart Cisco UC components or the entire PC
3. Update UC software to the latest version
4. Disable unnecessary UC integrations in the UC client
5. Check for malware and run a system scan
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ucmapi.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate ucmapi.exe from Cisco is not a virus. Verify the path is C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\UCMAPI\ucmapi.exe and that the digital signature shows Cisco Systems, Inc.
Why is ucmapi.exe using high CPU?
High CPU can occur when many UC integrations are active, or a bug in an API client causes excessive polling. Check active UC clients, disable unnecessary integrations, and update to the latest software.
Where is ucmapi.exe located?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files\Cisco Systems\UCMAPI\ucmapi.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Cisco Systems\UCMAPI\ucmapi.exe. Non-standard paths should be treated with suspicion.
Can I disable or stop ucmapi.exe without breaking Cisco UC?
Yes, but it may affect some integrations. You can stop the process or disable startup, but ensure essential UC features still have API access if needed.
How do I uninstall Cisco UCM API components?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features to uninstall the Cisco UCM API components, or use Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program. Reboot afterward.
What is the role of ucmapi.exe in third-party integrations?
ucmapi.exe provides programmatic access to UC data (call control, presence, directory) for compatible applications. Third-party tools rely on it to integrate UC capabilities into workflows.