Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\backupandsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\backupandsync.exe
Warning
Common: multiple processes indicate watchers and upload tasks
Backup and Sync uses separate processes for folder watching, uploading, and UI tasks
Can I Disable?
YES
Close Drive Backup and Sync or disable startup; to stop background syncing, pause or quit the app
What is backupandsync.exe?
backupandsync.exe is the core executable for Google Drive's Backup and Sync client. It continuously monitors selected local folders on your PC, backs up files to Google Drive, and synchronizes changes between your computer and the cloud. The tool runs in the background and shows a tray icon for quick access.
backupandsync.exe operates as a background daemon that watches designated folders using file system watchers, queues changes, and uploads via HTTPS to Google Drive. It handles conflicts and supports selective sync with per-folder settings.
Quick Fact: The Backup and Sync client created a persistent desktop sync model that separates watching, uploading, and UI into dedicated components for reliability.
Types of Backup and Sync Processes
- Main Client Process: GUI and coordination process that starts on login and manages configuration
- Watcher Process: Monitors file system changes for designated folders
- Uploader Process: Transfers files to Google Drive over secure connections
- Tray UI Helper: Updates the system tray icon and displays notifications
- Conflict Resolver: Handles file overwrite conflicts between local and cloud versions
- Background Service: Keeps synchronization active when the UI is closed (if configured)
Is backupandsync.exe Safe?
Yes, backupandsync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Google downloaded from official sources (google.com/drive or the Google Drive installer).
Is backupandsync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real backupandsync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic names; verify via location and signature.
How to Tell if backupandsync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\backupandsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\backupandsync.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click backupandsync.exe in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Google LLC signed this file.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 4-20% CPU per process, 100-400 MB total memory. Persistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should only run when Drive Backup and Sync is active or syncing. Constant background activity with no user action may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If backupandsync.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when a cloud client isn’t installed, lacks a valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Watch for similarly named files like "backupandsync.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is backupandsync.exe Running on My PC?
backupandsync.exe runs to keep local files in sync with Google Drive and to back up photos, documents, and other folders as configured by the user.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup and Sync: You have folders selected for backup or syncing; changes propagate to the cloud in real-time.
- Background Uploads: Photos or videos from cameras/phones are uploaded automatically when connected or enabled.
- Startup Launch: The Drive client is configured to start with Windows, enabling continuous syncing from sign-in.
- Selective Sync: You enabled selective sync, which keeps multiple watchers and transfers active for chosen folders.
- Account/Network Activity: Active sign-in to Google account and network changes trigger synchronization tasks.
Can I Disable or Remove backupandsync.exe?
Yes, you can disable or remove it. You can pause syncing, quit the app, or uninstall Google Drive Backup and Sync from Windows settings.
How to Stop backupandsync.exe
- Pause Sync: Open the Drive Backup and Sync client and click Pause to temporarily halt syncing.
- Quit Application: Use the system tray icon to Quit or Exit the app.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Google Drive Backup and Sync
- Stop Background Apps: In Drive Settings → Preferences → General, uncheck 'Continue running background apps when Google Drive is closed'
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Google Drive Backup and Sync → 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 Backup and Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, consider Google Drive for Desktop as an alternative
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If backupandsync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Folders or Large Files: Limit the number of folders being backed up; exclude large, non-critical folders; adjust selective sync.
- Resource-Heavy Media: Pause sync for large media folders during peak work times; reconfigure to back up only essential folders.
- Background Extensions: Disable unnecessary extensions and unnecessary features in the Drive client.
- Outdated Client: Update Drive Backup and Sync to the latest version via the app or google.com/chrome.
- Network or Disk Throttling: Check network QoS settings and ensure drive has adequate disk I/O; consider limiting bandwidth in settings.
- Corrupted Cache: Clear app cache or reinstall the Drive client to reset local state.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Drive Backup and Sync Task Manager and identify heavy watchers
2. Pause or resume syncing as needed
3. Update to the latest version
4. Limit folders in Backup and Sync settings (Selective Sync)
5. Restart the application or computer if resource usage remains high
Frequently Asked Questions
Is backupandsync.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate backupandsync.exe from Google is safe when located in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\backupandsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\backupandsync.exe and signed by Google LLC.
Why is backupandsync.exe using CPU on startup?
Startup syncing and initial cloud indexing can cause brief CPU spikes as the client initializes file watchers and validates local and cloud state.
Can I disable backup-and-sync from starting with Windows?
Yes. Use Task Manager → Startup to disable Google Drive Backup and Sync, or uninstall the application entirely.
How do I change which folders are backed up?
Open the Drive Backup and Sync client and adjust Selective Sync or choose which folders to back up in the preferences.
Will uninstalling backupandsync.exe delete my Google Drive data?
Uninstalling the client stops local backups and syncs, but your existing Drive data remains in Google Drive. You can install Drive for Desktop to resume syncing.
What should I do if syncing is stuck or won’t start?
Check network connectivity, restart the Drive client, reconfigure backup folders, or reinstall the software to re-establish the connection.