Quick Answer
wickr.exe is safe. It's Wickr's official desktop client process responsible for UI, encryption operations, and background sync.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Wickr\Wickr.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Wickr\Wickr.exe
Warning
Multiple Wickr processes are normal
Each chat, call, or feature may spawn its own process
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can close Wickr or disable background tasks in Settings to reduce activity
What is wickr.exe?
wickr.exe is the executable for the Wickr Desktop client, a secure messaging app for Windows. It handles the UI, encrypted message processing, and background synchronization with Wickr servers, often spawning multiple processes for tabs, conversations, and features.
Wick Desktop uses a multi-process design to separate UI, encryption, and network tasks, improving security and responsiveness. Background sync keeps chats and presence up to date with Wickr servers while preserving end‑to‑end encryption.
Quick Fact: Wickr Desktop is privacy-focused; its processes run with sandboxing and end-to-end encryption to protect messages.
Types of Wickr Desktop Processes
- Main / Browser-like Process: User interface, settings, and overall app management
- Renderer Process: UI rendering for conversations and panels
- Encryption / Crypto Process: Handles encryption/decryption of messages and keys
- Background Sync Process: Keeps chats and presence in sync with Wickr servers
- Notification / Tray Process: Delivers in-app and system notifications
- Call / Media Process: Manages voice/video calls and media streaming
Is wickr.exe Safe?
Yes, wickr.exe is safe when it's the legitimate Wickr Desktop client file from wickr.com or official distributors.
Is wickr.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real wickr.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes imitates names. Always verify location and signature.
How to Tell if wickr.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Wickr\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Wickr\. Any wickr.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click wickr.exe in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click wickr.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Wickr, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Idle Wickr typically uses low CPU, with brief spikes during activity; sustained high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Wickr should run when you open the app or receive messages. Unknown behavior or persistence without user action can indicate compromise.
Red Flags: If wickr.exe is in an unusual folder (Temp, AppData, or System32), starts without user action, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses constant high resources, run a full antivirus scan. Beware of similarly-named files from untrusted sources.
Why Is wickr.exe Running on My PC?
wickr.exe runs to support secure messaging, background sync, and notification delivery. It may start when Wickr is opened or configured to run at startup.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Wickr Use: You're actively engaging in chats or calls; the app spawns processes per conversation and feature.
- Background Sync: The client keeps messages, presence, and keys synchronized with Wickr servers in the background.
- Startup Program: Wickr is configured to launch automatically when Windows starts or a user logs in.
- Notifications & Tray: The notification subsystem and tray icon require wickr.exe to stay resident for delivery of messages.
- Background Tasks: Voice/video calls, file transfers, and encryption operations may run in background processes even when the main window is closed.
Can I Disable or Remove wickr.exe?
Yes, you can disable wickr.exe. You can close the app, disable startup, or turn off background tasks in Wickr settings.
How to Stop wickr.exe
- End Conversations / Close App: Close Wickr windows or use the tray icon to exit
- End Task: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate wickr.exe, right-click → End Task
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Wickr
- Disable Background: In Wickr settings, turn off "Run in background" or similar option
- Uninstall Wickr: Windows Settings → Apps → Wickr → Uninstall
How to Uninstall Wickr
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Wickr → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Wickr
- ✔ After uninstall, remove leftover data in %APPDATA%\Wickr and %LOCALAPPDATA%\Wickr if desired
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If wickr.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Many active chats or video calls: Close inactive chats, end calls, or use audio-only mode to reduce load.
- Background sync enabled: Reduce sync frequency in Settings or schedule sync intervals
- Outdated Wickr version: Update Wickr to the latest version from wickr.com/downloads
- Malicious software or intrusions: Run a full antivirus scan and verify signatures; reinstall Wickr from official sources.
- Hardware acceleration or graphics driver issues: Try disabling hardware acceleration in settings or update graphics drivers
- Network retries and message delivery loops: Check firewall settings and ensure Wickr has network access; reset network stack if needed
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Wickr Task Manager (in-app) and identify high-usage chats or calls
2. Close inactive conversations
3. Update Wickr to latest version from wickr.com/downloads
4. Disable background sync if not needed
5. Restart Wickr or the computer to apply changes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is wickr.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate wickr.exe from Wickr, Inc. is not a virus. Ensure the file is located in C:\Program Files\Wickr or C:\Program Files (x86)\Wickr and signed by Wickr, Inc.
Why is wickr.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU can be caused by active calls, video messages, or many open chats. Use Wickr Task Manager to identify culprits, close unnecessary conversations, and update to the latest version.
Can I delete wickr.exe?
You can uninstall Wickr via Settings → Apps. Deleting wickr.exe directly could leave remnants; use the official uninstaller.
Can I disable wickr.exe?
Yes. You can close Wickr, disable startup via Task Manager, and turn off background tasks in Wickr settings.
Why does Wickr start on Windows startup?
Wickr is set to start at login to deliver messages promptly. Disable via Task Manager → Startup or Wickr settings.
How can I reduce Wickr's memory usage?
Close inactive chats, limit background tasks, update to latest build, and consider using lightweight mode if available.