What is the Video.UI.exe Process in Windows and Should You Disable It?

If you've spotted the Video.UI.exe process in your Task Manager and are unsure what it is, this guide will help clarify its purpose, functionality, and whether you should be concerned about its presence.

What is Video.UI.exe?

Video.UI.exe is a system process associated with the Microsoft Movies & TV app in Windows. This app allows users to watch video content, including movies and TV shows, either downloaded from the Microsoft Store or stored locally on the device.

What Does Video.UI.exe Do?

The main function of Video.UI.exe is to handle the user interface and video playback within the Movies & TV app. Its responsibilities include:

  • Displaying the user interface during video playback;
  • Loading and managing video files from local storage and the Microsoft Store;
  • Controlling playback settings such as volume adjustment and subtitle selection;
  • Integrating with Windows features like "Picture-in-Picture" mode.

Is Video.UI.exe Safe?

Yes, Video.UI.exe is a legitimate system process and part of the default Windows apps. However, in rare cases, malware can disguise itself as this process to evade antivirus software. If you notice high CPU or memory usage from Video.UI.exe, it might indicate a problem.

How to Verify the Authenticity of Video.UI.exe?

To ensure Video.UI.exe isn’t a virus, follow these steps:

  1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
  2. Look for the process named Video.UI.exe in the list.
  3. Right-click the process and select Open file location.
  4. If the file is located in C:\Program Files\WindowsApps, it’s a legitimate process. Otherwise, run a system scan with your antivirus software.

Can You Disable Video.UI.exe?

In most cases, there is no need to disable Video.UI.exe as it only runs when the Movies & TV app is active. However, if you don’t use this app and want to remove the process, you can:

  • Uninstall the Movies & TV app via Settings → Apps → Apps & Features;
  • Disable automatic updates for video files from the Microsoft Store.