backupandsync.exe

Google Drive Desktop Backup and Sync

Background ServiceSafeCloud Sync

CPU Usage

1-15%

Memory

40-250 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Google\Drive

Publisher

Google LLC

Quick Answer

backupandsync.exe is safe. It is the Google Drive Desktop client that syncs selected folders between your computer and the cloud.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive or C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Drive

Warning

Many processes normal

Backup and Sync uses background threads for file watching and network transfer

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

You can pause sync in the app or disable startup in Task Manager

What is backupandsync.exe?

backupandsync.exe is the executable for Google Drive’s Desktop Backup and Sync client. It watches designated folders on your PC, uploads changes to Google Drive, and downloads remote updates to keep local files in sync. It runs as a background service and shows up as a dedicated process in Task Manager.

The Backup and Sync client uses a file-system watcher and a network sync daemon to monitor selected folders and transfer changes to Google Drive, while keeping the cloud and local copies in step. It runs in the background with multiple worker threads handling uploads, downloads, and indexing.

Quick Fact: The Backup and Sync client supports selective sync, allowing you to choose which folders are uploaded to Google Drive.

Types of Backup and Sync Processes

Launcher Process: Initiates the synced client and handles startup tasks
Worker Process: Performs file watching, hashing, and transfer tasks
Network Daemon: Manages the cloud connection and API calls
Updater: Checks for and applies client updates
Cache Manager: Manages local cache and index for quick access

Is backupandsync.exe Safe?

Yes, backupandsync.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Google Drive Desktop client installed from official sources (google.com/drive or the Google Workspace Downloader).

Is backupandsync.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real backupandsync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; always verify integrity.

How to Tell if backupandsync.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\backupandsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Drive\backupandsync.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Google LLC".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU and 40-250 MB memory during active sync. Constant high usage without drive activity is suspicious.
Behavior: Backup and Sync should only run when you have synced folders configured. Persistent background activity with no cloud activity may indicate malware.

Red Flags: If backupandsync.exe is located outside standard Google Drive directories, runs when you haven't configured sync, has no valid digital signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Beware of similarly named files like "backupandsync32.exe".

Why Is backupandsync.exe Running on My PC?

backupandsync.exe runs to monitor and synchronize your local files with Google Drive as configured by selective sync settings.

Reasons it's running:

Active File Sync: You have files being uploaded or downloaded to drive; each change triggers a sync task.
Background Watcher: A background file watcher monitors specified folders for changes even when the app is minimized.
Startup Launch: The client is set to start with Windows or user login, keeping drives up to date.
Selective Sync Updates: Changes in folders marked for sync propagate to the cloud; unselected folders stay local.
Conflict Resolution: When files are edited offline, the client may run to resolve copies and keep versions in sync.

Can I Disable or Remove backupandsync.exe?

Yes, you can disable backupandsync.exe. You can pause syncing via the app, remove startup, or uninstall Drive for Desktop if you stop using cloud sync.

How to Stop backupandsync.exe

Pause Sync: Open Google Drive app → Preferences → Pause syncing.
Close App: Quit the Drive for Desktop client from the system tray.
Prevent Startup: Disable Google Drive from Windows Startup or Task Scheduler.
Stop Background Activity: In Settings → General, turn off 'Start Drive automatically' and disable 'Use background app' options.
Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Google Drive → Uninstall.

How to Uninstall Backup and Sync

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Google Drive / Backup and Sync → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Google Drive → Uninstall
✔ Reset or clean removal to remove residual cache and local files

Common Problems: Sync Delays or Failures

If backupandsync.exe misbehaves or stalls, try the following strategies to restore reliable syncing.

Common Causes & Solutions

Slow or stalled transfers: Check network speed, ensure large file transfers aren't throttled, and verify selective sync settings.
Paused sync: Resume sync in the Drive app or in Windows taskbar menu.
Conflicting file versions: Review conflict copies and choose the correct version, then delete duplicates.
Files not syncing: Verify that folders are selected for syncing, ensure file names comply with Google Drive limits, and re-add folders if needed.
Disk quota or space issues: Free local disk space and ensure Google Drive storage quota isn't exceeded.
Outdated client: Update to the latest Drive for Desktop version from Google.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Google Drive preferences and verify sync folders
2. Pause and resume syncing to refresh tasks
3. Check network, restart the Drive desktop client
4. Clear cache: apps & features → Google Drive → Storage → Clear cache
5. Update Drive client to latest version

Frequently Asked Questions

Is backup and sync safe to use?

Yes. When installed from Google and configured properly, Backup and Sync securely transfers files to Google Drive with encryption in transit and at rest.

How do I pause or resume sync?

Open the Google Drive app in the system tray and use Pause syncing or Resume syncing to control activity.

Where are my files stored on Google Drive?

Files are stored in your Google Drive cloud, with a local cache on your PC. You can access them at drive.google.com and select folders that mirror locally.

Can I stop Drive from starting on boot?

Yes. Disable Drive from Windows Startup or uncheck 'Start Drive automatically' in the app settings.

Will uninstalling Drive delete my files?

Uninstalling removes the local Drive desktop client but does not delete files in Google Drive. Your files remain in the cloud.

What should I do if sync is failing with a specific file?

Check file name validity, permissions, and potential conflicts; re-add the file or re-sync the folder after checking file restrictions.