Quick Answer
api-client-sync.exe is safe. It's the DataSync API Client synchronization component that coordinates local-to-cloud data exchange, token refresh, and offline queue processing.
What is api-client-sync.exe?
api-client-sync.exe is the executable for the DataSync API Client Synchronization tool. It coordinates data movement between local applications and cloud APIs, handling token refresh, batched requests, retry logic, and an offline queue so changes are synchronized once connectivity returns.
It uses a multi-threaded design to manage network I/O, local data queuing, and secure storage, enabling reliable sync even with intermittent connectivity. It can run as a background service or within the DataSync client depending on user settings.
Quick Fact: DataSync pioneered endpoint-based sync with per-task isolation to improve reliability when networks fluctuate.
Types of API Client Sync Processes
- Main Client Process: User interface and core sync logic (1 instance)
- Worker Process: Handles asynchronous I/O and queue processing
- Network Process: Manages REST API calls, retry logic, and rate limiting
- Encryption Process: Data-at-rest encryption for sensitive data
- Queue Processor: Sync queue manager that stores offline changes
- Background Scheduler: Runs periodic sync tasks and health checks
Is api-client-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, api-client-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from DataSync Technologies downloaded from official sources.
Is api-client-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real api-client-sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware may impersonate it.
How to Tell if api-client-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\DataSync\api-client-sync\api-client-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\DataSync\api-client-sync\api-client-sync.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click api-client-sync.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "DataSync Technologies, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU per process, 50-200 MB memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Api-client-sync.exe should only run when syncing or when the DataSync client is active. Constant background activity without user action may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If api-client-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when the app isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "apisync.exe" or "api-client-sync32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is api-client-sync.exe Running on My PC?
api-client-sync.exe runs when DataSync is syncing data between local apps and cloud services, or when the client is configured to perform background synchronization.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Use: You're currently performing a data synchronization task through the DataSync client or an integrated application.
- Background Apps: DataSync extensions or connected apps trigger background sync to keep data up-to-date.
- Startup Program: The DataSync client is configured to launch on Windows startup to monitor for changes.
- Background Scheduling: Scheduled sync jobs run at defined intervals, keeping data consistent without manual prompts.
- Network Changes and Retries: During connectivity changes, the client may retry or requeue operations, keeping the system synchronized.
Can I Disable or Remove api-client-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable api-client-sync.exe. It's safe to close the DataSync client when not in use, and you can uninstall or disable background sync if you prefer a different workflow.
How to Stop api-client-sync.exe
- Cancel Active Sync Task: Open the DataSync client UI and cancel or pause the current sync operation
- Close the DataSync Client: Exit the application or use the X button to close all windows
- End the Process: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate api-client-sync.exe, right-click → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable DataSync API Client
- Stop Background Sync: DataSync Client Settings → Synchronization → turn off "Run in background" or similar option
How to Uninstall DataSync API Client
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → DataSync API Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → DataSync API Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer and remove any residual DataSync folders if desired
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If api-client-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Concurrent Sync Tasks: Limit concurrency in the DataSync client settings or reduce the number of simultaneous sync jobs
- Large Offline Queue: Review and clear the offline queue or enable batch processing to reduce memory footprint
- Misconfigured Sync Profile: Check sync profiles for erroneous or overly aggressive schedules; adjust interval and batch size
- Outdated Client Version: Update to the latest DataSync API Client
- Resource-heavy Extensions: Disable or remove extensions/plug-ins that trigger extra sync cycles
- Network or VPN Interference: Verify network stability; disable VPN temporarily to test performance
Quick Fixes:
1. Open DataSync Client Task Manager view within the app and identify heavy tasks
2. Pause or cancel non-essential sync jobs
3. Update DataSync API Client to the latest version
4. Restart the DataSync client
5. Enable Memory-Saver or reduce batch size in Settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is api-client-sync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate api-client-sync.exe from DataSync Technologies is a normal part of the DataSync API Client. Verify its location at C:\Program Files\DataSync\api-client-sync\api-client-sync.exe and ensure a valid digital signature.
Why is api-client-sync.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usually points to active sync work, large data transfers, or misbehaving tasks. Check the DataSync client’s UI Task Manager or Windows Task Manager to identify the specific sync job or queue.
Can I delete api-client-sync.exe?
Uninstalling the DataSync API Client will remove api-client-sync.exe. Deleting the executable manually may leave orphaned files; use Windows Settings → Apps → Uninstall instead.
Can I disable api-client-sync.exe?
Yes. You can disable startup, disable background syncing, or close the DataSync client when not needed.
Why is api-client-sync.exe running at startup?
If the DataSync client is configured to monitor changes, it may launch automatically to catch updates. Disable startup in Task Manager → Startup or adjust Settings in the DataSync client.
How can I reduce api-client-sync.exe memory usage?
Close unused sync tasks, clear the offline queue if appropriate, update to the latest version, and enable memory-management options in Settings.