Quick Answer
backblaze.exe is safe. It's Backblaze's official backup client service that runs in the background to monitor file changes, queue backups, and upload encrypted data to the cloud.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Backblaze\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Backblaze\Backblaze.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Backblaze uses multiple background processes for backup, UI, and updater.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Yes—pause backups or exit the UI, then disable startup or uninstall if needed.
What is backblaze.exe?
backblaze.exe is the main executable for the Backblaze Backup Client. The Backblaze agent runs as a background service that monitors designated folders for changes, queues those changes for backup, and uploads encrypted data to the Backblaze cloud. It can run continuously on a device with the client installed.
Backblaze uses a multi-threaded approach to handle file scanning, encryption, compression, and network transfers. The process runs alongside system services with low, steady resource usage to minimize impact on active work.
Quick Fact: Backblaze pioneered continuous cloud backup with block-level incremental uploads to optimize bandwidth and restore times.
Types of Backblaze Processes
- Background Backup Service: Monitors designated folders and uploads changes in real-time or on a schedule
- Updater Process: Keeps the Backblaze client current with the latest features and fixes
- UI/Tray Process: Shows status, alerts, and allows user configuration from the tray
- Encryption/Compression Service: Encrypts files before upload and manages local data blocks
- Scheduler: Schedules backups and enforces idle-time transfers
- Network Engine: Manages connections, retry logic, and bandwidth throttling
Is backblaze.exe Safe?
Yes, backblaze.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Backblaze downloaded from official sources (backblaze.com or pre-installed by manufacturer).
Is backblaze.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real backblaze.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if backblaze.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Backblaze\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Backblaze\. Any backblaze.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click backblaze.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Backblaze, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per process, 100-500 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Backblaze should run in background as a backup agent and UI, and should not crash or crash your system.
Red Flags: If backblaze.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Backblaze 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 "backblaze.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is backblaze.exe Running on My PC?
The Backblaze agent runs in the background to monitor file changes, perform scheduled backups, and manage encrypted uploads to the cloud.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup Job: A backup task is currently scanning and uploading changed files; the agent stays active until it completes the queue.
- Background Sync: Backblaze may continue syncing to ensure uploaded copies reflect local changes and maintain recovery points.
- Startup Service: The Backblaze service is configured to start at system boot so backups begin automatically after login.
- File Monitoring: The agent watches designated folders for changes (new or modified files) to trigger incremental backups.
- Bandwidth and Scheduling: Backblaze schedules transfers during idle times and may throttle bandwidth to avoid saturating the network.
Can I Disable or Remove backblaze.exe?
Yes, you can disable backblaze.exe. It is safe to pause backups or close the UI, and you can uninstall if you no longer need the service.
How to Stop backblaze.exe
- Pause Backups: Open Backblaze UI and click Pause or Pause All Backups to temporarily halt activity
- Quit the UI: From the Backblaze tray icon, quit the application to stop the agent if not needed
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Backblaze Computer Backup Agent
- Stop Background Service: Open services.msc, locate Backblaze service, and set Startup Type to Manual or Disabled
- Uninstall (Optional): Windows Settings → Apps → Backblaze → Uninstall — follow prompts to remove the client
How to Uninstall Backblaze
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Backblaze → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Backblaze → Uninstall
- ✔ Download and run the official uninstaller from backblaze.com if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If backblaze.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Initial Backup of Large Data Set: Be patient during first backups; consider pausing temporarily or limiting bandwidth in Backblaze settings.
- Antivirus or Security Software Scanning Backblaze: Whitelist backblaze.exe in your antivirus and exclude the Backblaze folder from real-time scanning.
- Too Many Files Being Monitored: Exclude extremely large folders (like entire user folders) and adjust backup selection to smaller sets.
- Outdated Backblaze Client: Update to the latest version via Backblaze UI or the official website.
- Network Congestion: Limit bandwidth or schedule backups during idle hours to reduce impact.
- Low System Resources: Close other heavy applications or adjust priority via Task Manager; ensure sufficient RAM
Quick Fixes:
1. Pause Backups and close the UI to stop background activity
2. Whitelist Backblaze in antivirus software
3. Limit bandwidth in Backblaze settings
4. Update Backblaze to latest version
5. Exclude large folders from backup if not needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is backblaze.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate backblaze.exe from Backblaze is not a virus. Ensure it is located in C:\Program Files\Backblaze or C:\Program Files (x86)\Backblaze and signed by Backblaze, Inc.
Why is backblaze.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage can occur during initial backups, large file sets, or when encryption/compression is active. Check the Backblaze UI for active tasks and pause if needed.
Can I delete backblaze.exe?
You can uninstall Backblaze via Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Deleting the executable manually may leave services or remnants behind.
Can I disable backblaze.exe?
Yes. You can pause backups, quit the UI, stop the service, or disable startup to prevent it from running.
Why does Backblaze start at boot?
Backblaze starts at boot to ensure automatic backups run without user intervention and to protect data continuously.
How can I reduce Backblaze bandwidth usage?
Configure Backblaze to limit upload speed, schedule backups during idle hours, and pause backups when you need full network throughput.