Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\\Program Files\\WindowsApps\\Microsoft.YourPhone_*_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\\YourPhoneServer.exe
Warning
Background sync, many tasks
Phone Link uses separate workers for pairing, syncing, and notifications
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Disable in Phone Link settings or stop background services; not recommended to remove if you rely on syncing
What is YourPhoneServer.exe?
YourPhoneServer.exe is the background server for Microsoft Your Phone (Phone Link). It coordinates data flow between your Windows PC and a connected Android device, handling message delivery, notifications, and media sync to enable seamless cross-device continuity.
This server runs as a multi-process backend, communicating with the Phone Link client, Windows services, and the mobile companion app. It ensures queued tasks are delivered securely while preserving battery and data usage.
Quick Fact: YourPhoneServer.exe operates behind the scenes to keep notifications and messages in sync without requiring constant user interaction.
Types of Your Phone Server Processes
- Server Process: Main server component coordinating sync and messaging
- Sync Worker: Background task runner for data transfer and queuing
- Notification Dispatcher: Delivers mobile notifications to Windows
- Device Communication: Maintains the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi channel with the phone
- Background Service: Windows service that keeps the connection alive
- Logging/Telemetry: Captures events for troubleshooting and telemetry
Is YourPhoneServer.exe Safe?
Yes, YourPhoneServer.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft installed via the Phone Link app.
Is YourPhoneServer.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate YourPhoneServer.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names. Verify the signature and location.
How to Tell if YourPhoneServer.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Check for the file at C:\\Program Files\\WindowsApps\\Microsoft.YourPhone_1.0.0.0_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\\YourPhoneServer.exe or the latest version folder under WindowsApps.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation" and a valid timestamp.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU, 40-150 MB memory. Persistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Typically runs in the background when Phone Link is installed. Constant activity when Phone Link is closed is unusual.
Red Flags: If YourPhoneServer.exe is located outside the WindowsApps folder, lacks a Microsoft signature, runs when Phone Link is not installed, or shows unusual resource spikes, scan with Windows Security.
Why Is YourPhoneServer.exe Running on My PC?
The server starts when Phone Link is installed and may run if you have an active connection to a phone or have background syncing enabled.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Phone Link Session: A connected phone or ongoing transfer will keep the server active to synchronize data.
- Background Sync: Messages, photos, and app data are queued and synced in the background for instant availability.
- Startup Program: Phone Link may be configured to launch at Windows startup for quick access.
- Notifications: The server manages cross-device notifications, ensuring they appear on Windows as they arrive on the phone.
- Device Discovery: Periodic device discovery and pairing maintenance keep the connection healthy and ready.
Can I Disable or Remove YourPhoneServer.exe?
Yes, you can disable YourPhoneServer.exe. Disabling the server will stop background sync, but you can still use the Phone Link UI if needed.
How to Stop YourPhoneServer.exe
- End Background Task: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), go to Details, find YourPhoneServer.exe, and End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Phone Link
- Pause Background Sync: Phone Link Settings -> Notifications & sync -> Disable background sync
- Uninstall Phone Link: Windows Settings -> Apps -> Phone Link -> Uninstall
- Re-enable When Needed: You can re-enable by reinstalling Phone Link or re-enabling startup task
How to Uninstall Phone Link
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & features -> Phone Link -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Phone Link -> Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, you can reinstall from the Microsoft Store if you want to re-enable syncing
Common Problems: YourPhoneServer.exe Resource or Connectivity Issues
If YourPhoneServer.exe is misbehaving, try the following common scenarios and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Phone Link not syncing: Ensure Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are enabled on both devices, sign-in is active, and background sync is enabled.
- High memory usage by server: Limit ongoing transfers, turn off auto-sync of large media, and close idle sessions.
- Server crashes: Update Phone Link to latest version; repair the app or reinstall if needed.
- Notifications not arriving: Give Phone Link notification access in Windows settings and check focus assist settings.
- Startup issues: Disable the startup item and reboot, then re-enable if needed.
- Connection drops: Re-pair the phone via Bluetooth/Wi‑Fi and ensure the device is reachable on the same network.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and end YourPhoneServer.exe or related phone-link processes
2. Check Phone Link settings for background sync and notifications
3. Update Phone Link to the latest version from Microsoft Store
4. Verify device pairing and network connectivity
5. Restart your PC and re-pair your phone if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is YourPhoneServer.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate YourPhoneServer.exe from Microsoft is not a virus. It resides under C:\\Program Files\\WindowsApps and is signed by Microsoft. Verify with Windows Defender if unsure.
Why is YourPhoneServer.exe using CPU?
CPU usage spikes can occur during active syncing or when new data is being queued for transmission. Check Phone Link task manager and end heavy tasks if needed.
Can I disable YourPhoneServer.exe?
Yes, but doing so will pause cross-device syncing. You can disable startup or background sync and still use the Phone Link UI offline.
Where is YourPhoneServer.exe located?
The legitimate file is usually located in C:\\Program Files\\WindowsApps\\Microsoft.YourPhone_*_x64__8wekyb3d8bbwe\\YourPhoneServer.exe
Will uninstalling Phone Link remove my data?
Uninstalling Phone Link does not remove data from your phone; it stops syncing until you reinstall and sign in again. Your phone data remains on the device.
How do I re-enable syncing after disabling?
Reinstall Phone Link from the Microsoft Store, re-sign in to your Microsoft account, and re-enable background sync in settings.