What is avast-sync.exe?
avast-sync.exe is the Avast Sync Service responsible for cross-device preferences and security policy synchronization. It coordinates safe data transfer between devices via the Avast cloud, tied to your Avast account, and runs as a background process.
The process uses a token-based authentication with Avast cloud servers to push and pull settings (like privacy options, shields, and device approvals) across linked devices while enforcing encryption in transit.
Quick Fact: Avast Sync originally started as a feature to unify settings across devices when using Avast on multiple platforms.
Types of Avast Sync Processes
- Sync Manager: Orchestrates cross-device sync tasks and queues updates
- Cloud Communicator: Handles secure data transfer with Avast cloud servers
- Security Policy Updater: Applies updated security settings across devices
- Credential Sync: Synchronizes Avast account tokens and credentials securely
- Notification Processor: Delivers sync status alerts to the user
Is avast-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, avast-sync.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Avast file from AVAST Software downloaded from official sources.
Is avast-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real avast-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify location and signature.
How to Tell if avast-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\avast-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\Avast\avast-sync.exe. Any avast-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "AVAST Software s.r.o." or similar Avast signing authority.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-6% CPU with a small memory footprint. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Runs as a background sync service. If you see it only when Avast is installed and you are signed in, it's legitimate.
Red Flags: If avast-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs without Avast installed, lacks a signature, or consumes resources constantly, scan with Avast or another reputable antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files.
Why Is avast-sync.exe Running on My PC?
avast-sync.exe runs to keep Avast settings and security rules consistent across devices, and to ensure updated protection policies are applied in real time.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Across Devices: You're signed into Avast on multiple devices; sync tasks occur to keep preferences consistent.
- Background Policy Updates: The service checks for updated security rules or shield configurations from Avast cloud.
- Startup and Scheduled Sync: The process may start at Windows boot or on a schedule to refresh device data.
- Account Sign-In Changes: Recent sign-in or token refresh triggers immediate sync actions to reflect your account state.
- New Device Enrollment: Adding a new device to your Avast account prompts initial synchronization to pull settings.
Can I Disable or Remove avast-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable avast-sync.exe. It will stop cross-device synchronization, but Avast protection may be affected on other devices.
How to Stop avast-sync.exe
- Open Avast Settings: Open the Avast user interface and go to Settings.
- Disable Avast Sync: Navigate to General -> Avast Sync or Sync settings and toggle off 'Sync across devices' or similar option.
- Stop the Windows Service (optional): Open Services (services.msc), find 'Avast Sync Service' or 'avast-sync', and set Startup type to Manual; stop the service.
- Sign out of Avast Account: In Avast, sign out or disconnect from Avast Account to prevent future sync attempts.
- Restart Computer: Reboot to ensure the service remains stopped and no background tasks linger.
How to Uninstall Avast (and Sync)
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Avast -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Avast -> Uninstall
- ✔ During uninstall, choose to remove all components including Avast Sync, if offered to preserve or remove related data
Common Problems: Avast Sync High CPU or Memory Usage
If avast-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources or behaving oddly, try the following fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- First-time setup or large initial sync: Wait for initial sync to complete; monitor task manager for 1-5 minutes.
- Multiple devices syncing simultaneously: Limit devices or pause sync on one device; check Avast accounts.
- Background updates or policy changes: Let updates finish; ensure Windows and Avast are up to date.
- Outdated Avast version: Update Avast to the latest version from the Avast interface.
- Conflicting firewall or antivirus rules: Allow avast-sync.exe in firewall; ensure it's not blocked by third-party security software.
- Corrupted Avast installation: Run Avast repair or reinstall Avast completely.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Avast UI -> Settings -> General -> Avast Sync and toggle off/allocation
2. Restart Avast Sync services in Services (services.msc)
3. Check for Avast program updates and apply
4. Run Avast Repair from Settings -> Troubleshooting
5. Limit number of devices syncing if possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Is avast-sync.exe safe?
Yes. avast-sync.exe is a legitimate Avast Sync Service. It should reside in C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\avast-sync.exe with a valid signature from AVAST Software s.r.o.
Why is avast-sync.exe using CPU or memory?
Initial sync, updates to policies, or syncing across multiple devices can temporarily raise usage. If it persists abnormally, check Avast for stalled tasks or conflicting software.
Can I disable avast-sync.exe without affecting Avast?
You can disable it from Avast settings to stop cross-device syncing. Some features may be unavailable on other devices until you re-enable.
Where is avast-sync.exe located?
Common locations include C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\Avast\avast-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\AVAST Software\Avast\avast-sync.exe. Verify the path via Task Manager or Process Explorer.
Does Avast Sync affect privacy?
Sync uses your Avast account data and cloud services to sync preferences. You can manage what gets synced in Avast settings and review privacy options.
How do I completely remove Avast Sync?
Uninstall Avast or use Avast Repair/Uninstall options. If you want to remove only the feature, disable Sync in the Avast UI and, if necessary, stop the related Windows Service.