Quick Answer
backblaze-updater.exe is safe. It’s the official updater for the Backblaze client and runs in the background to keep your backup software current with automatic checks, downloads, and installations.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Backblaze\backblaze-updater.exe
Warning
Many update processes are normal during active update checks
Updater runs in background to check and apply updates for Backblaze client
Can I Disable?
YES
Close updater tasks to stop automatic updates
What is backblaze-updater.exe?
backblaze-updater.exe is the updater component of the Backblaze client. It runs in the background to periodically check for new versions, download update packages, and apply them automatically to the Backblaze software. This ensures you have the latest features, improvements, and security patches without manual intervention.
This updater communicates with Backblaze update servers to verify versions, download installers, and safely apply patches. It runs under low CPU usage and integrates with the Backblaze client to minimize user disruption.
Quick Fact: Backblaze implemented the updater to deliver silent, automated updates, typically running as a background task with minimal impact on active backup tasks.
Types of Backblaze Processes
- Updater Process: Main updater for the Backblaze client (1 instance)
- Background Service: Maintains update checks and background tasks
- Downloader Process: Downloads update packages from Backblaze servers
- Installer Helper: Applies updates to the Backblaze client
- Verifier Task: Validates checksums and integrity after update
Is backblaze-updater.exe Safe?
Yes, backblaze-updater.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file installed as part of the Backblaze client from the official Backblaze website or the official Windows installer.
Is backblaze-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real updater is NOT a virus. Malware can imitate updater names, so verify the publisher and location.
How to Tell if backblaze-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Backblaze\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Backblaze\. Any backblaze-updater.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show publisher "Backblaze, Inc.".
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 0-5% CPU and under 100 MB memory during idle checks; spikes during updates are normal.
- Behavior:: Updater should run during update checks or startup; persistent activity when Backblaze is not installed is suspicious.
Red Flags: If backblaze-updater.exe is found outside the Backblaze installation folder (e.g., Temp, AppData\Roaming) or lacks a valid digital signature, or runs when Backblaze is not installed, scan for malware immediately. Be wary of similarly-named files like "backblaze-updater64.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is backblaze-updater.exe Running on My PC?
backblaze-updater.exe runs to keep the Backblaze backup client current. It checks for new versions, downloads updates, and applies patches in the background so your backups stay protected with minimal user intervention.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backblaze Client Use: The updater runs to check for new client updates while the Backblaze UI or services are active.
- Background Update Checks: Scheduled checks occur even if the user isn’t actively interacting with the UI.
- Startup or Idle Execution: Backblaze may launch the updater at startup or during idle periods to apply patches quietly.
- Network Availability: Updater requires network access to download updates and verify signatures.
- Policy-Driven Auto-Updates: Corporate or user policies may enable automatic updates to ensure security and feature parity.
Can I Disable or Remove backblaze-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable backblaze-updater.exe. Disabling automatic updates may leave the Backblaze client outdated; you can still use backups, but you won’t receive new features or security fixes until re-enabled.
How to Stop backblaze-updater.exe
- Pause Automatic Updates in Backblaze: Open Backblaze settings and disable automatic update checks or set a longer update interval.
- Disable Startup/Background Tasks: Open Task Manager → Startup tab and disable any Backblaze updater-related entry; or disable the Backblaze service temporarily.
- Exit Backblaze Client: Quit the Backblaze UI and ensure the updater process is not running.
- Uninstall Updates or the Client: To remove updater entirely, uninstall the Backblaze client from Settings > Apps, which removes the updater as part of the package.
- Re-enable when Needed: If you need updates later, re-enable updater or reinstall Backblaze.
How to Uninstall Backblaze
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Backblaze → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Backblaze → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, you may reinstall Backblaze later from backblaze.com
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If backblaze-updater.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent update checks: The updater may run in background to check for new versions; ignore brief CPU spikes.
- Large update downloads: Pause updates until the download completes or ensure sufficient bandwidth and disk space.
- Background services: Some components run in the background; ensure Backblaze service is legitimate and not malware.
- Antivirus interference: Whitelist backblaze-updater.exe in your antivirus to prevent repeated scans.
- Outdated client: Update to latest Backblaze to reduce updater overhead.
- Disk or network problems: Check disk space and network connectivity; repair as needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Backblaze UI and view update status; identify any heavy updater tasks
3. 2. Allow update to complete; avoid triggering multiple checks
4. 3. Check for malware if behavior seems abnormal
5. 4. Ensure latest Backblaze version is installed
6. 5. If needed, temporarily pause updates in settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is backblaze-updater.exe safe?
Yes, backblaze-updater.exe is safe when downloaded from Backblaze official sources and located in C:\Program Files\Backblaze\; verify the publisher is Backblaze, Inc.
What does backblaze-updater.exe do?
Backblaze updater handles automatic checks for new versions, downloads, and installs updates for the Backblaze client. You can manually trigger updates from the Backblaze settings.
Can I disable backblaze-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable automatic updates, but doing so may leave your Backblaze client without security patches or new features. You can re-enable later from settings.
Will disabling updater affect backups?
If you disable the updater, backups will still run but you might miss important improvements. To stop updater, pause updates in Backblaze settings or uninstall the client entirely.
How do I update Backblaze manually?
To update manually, open the Backblaze application, go to Settings or Help, and check for updates; or visit backblaze.com/download and install the latest client.
Why does the updater use CPU at all times?
The updater should run with minimal CPU, typically 0-5% during idle checks. If it spikes, verify network usage and ensure it’s the legitimate Backblaze updater.