Quick Answer
unifi-controller.exe is safe. It is the launcher for the UniFi Network Controller, a Java-based application that manages UniFi devices, configures networks, and serves the web UI.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be installed from official UniFi installer and located under Program Files
Warning
Many processes normal
UniFi may spawn multiple Java subprocesses for UI, API, and background tasks
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can stop the UI or shutdown the UniFi service to prevent startup
What is UnifiController.exe?
unifi-controller.exe is the launcher for the UniFi Network Controller. This executable starts the Java-based controller application that provides a web-based management UI, configuration options for UniFi devices, site management, user roles, and backup features. It orchestrates the embedded server and connects to the local database.
The controller runs on a Java Virtual Machine, hosting an embedded Jetty server and a local database. It serves REST and web UI endpoints, handles device provisioning, and runs background jobs for backups and data sync. It exposes HTTP/HTTPS interfaces for admin access.
Quick Fact: The UniFi Controller is Java-based and uses a lightweight embedded server to manage UniFi devices across sites.
Types of UniFi Controller Processes
- Launcher Process: UnifiController.exe starts the Java VM and the controller services
- Web UI Process: Handles the admin UI and REST API calls
- Background Scheduler: Runs backups, device discovery, and data sync tasks
- Database Access: Reads/writes to the controller's embedded database
- Logging/Diagnostics: Writes logs to the designated log files
Is unifi-controller.exe Safe?
Yes, unifi-controller.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Ubiquiti downloaded from official sources (ubiquiti.com or the UniFi installer).
Is unifi-controller.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real unifi-controller.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if unifi-controller.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\UniFi Controller\UnifiController.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\UniFi Controller\UnifiController.exe. Any unifi-controller.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "Ubiquiti Inc." or the official UniFi signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per process and 150-600 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the controller is not actively managed is suspicious.
- Behavior: The controller should only run when you start the UniFi UI or service. If you see it running persistently with no UI, investigate for malware.
Red Flags: If unifi-controller.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when you don't use the controller, has no digital signature, or uses persistently high resources, scan your system with updated antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "unifi-controller.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is unifi-controller.exe Running on My PC?
unifi-controller.exe runs to host and manage the UniFi Network Controller services, even when the UI is minimized, and can run background tasks like backups, device discovery, and status reporting.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Controller Use: You have the UniFi Network Controller open or actively connected to the controller front-end
- Background Tasks: Scheduled tasks such as backups, device discovery, site synchronization, and event logging run in the background
- Automatic Startup: The controller service is configured to start when Windows starts or when the system boots
- Web UI/API Access: The local UI and REST API keep the controller responsive and available to clients
- Data Sync and Backup: The controller periodically syncs settings with the database and external backups
Can I Disable or Remove unifi-controller.exe?
Yes, you can disable unifi-controller.exe. You can stop the controller UI or service and uninstall the UniFi Controller if you no longer need it.
How to Stop unifi-controller.exe
- End UI/Sessions: Close the UniFi UI or use the Stop button within the web UI
- Stop Service: Open Services (services.msc), find the UniFi Controller service, and stop it
- End Task: Open Task Manager, locate UnifiController.exe and End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → disable UniFi Controller
- Stop Background Apps: In UniFi Controller settings, disable "Continue running background apps" or equivalent
How to Uninstall UniFi Controller
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → UniFi Controller → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → UniFi Controller → Uninstall
- ✔ Follow on-screen prompts to remove the application and its data if you no longer need it
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If unifi-controller.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Devices/Clients: Reduce the number of managed devices or apply rate limits; archive old device data as needed
- Background Tasks Running Too Often: Review schedules in the UniFi Controller and adjust backups and sync intervals
- Outdated Controller Version: Update to the latest UniFi Controller version from the official source and apply patches
- Large Database or Logs: Compact/repair database and rotate log files; move logs to a larger disk if necessary
- Java VM Memory Settings: Tune JVM heap settings in the launcher configuration to avoid excessive GC pressure
- Corrupted Install: Reinstall the UniFi Controller from a clean install package after backing up data
Quick Fixes:
1. Open UniFi Controller Task Manager within the UI to identify heavy endpoints
2. Backup and purge old logs: delete or compress logs in C:\ProgramData\UniFi Controller\logs
3. Disable unnecessary backups or reduce sync frequency in settings
4. Update to the latest controller version
5. Restart the UniFi Controller service
Frequently Asked Questions
Is unifi-controller.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate unifi-controller.exe from Ubiquiti is not a virus. Verify file location under C:\Program Files\UniFi Controller and ensure a valid digital signature from Ubiquiti.
Why is unifi-controller.exe using high CPU?
High CPU can result from many managed devices, polling, or backups. Check the controller UI, review device usage, and adjust backup/sync schedules or filter devices.
Can I disable unifi-controller.exe at startup?
Yes, disable the UniFi Controller from Windows Startup or stop the service in Services (services.msc) to prevent automatic startup.
How do I uninstall the UniFi Controller?
Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → UniFi Controller → Uninstall, then remove leftover data if you no longer need it.
Why are there multiple UniFi processes running?
The UniFi Controller uses a Java VM and several subprocesses for the UI, API, and background tasks. This modular approach improves stability and responsiveness.
Where are UniFi logs stored?
Logs are typically under C:\ProgramData\UniFi Controller\logs or a similar path defined during install; review logs for diagnostics if you see issues.