Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Typically located in C:\Program Files\Resilio Sync\ and signed by Resilio, Inc.
Warning
Multiple processes during sync
Resilio Sync uses a multi-process model for speed and reliability
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can stop sync for specific folders or quit the app; disable startup if desired
What is bittorrent-sync.exe?
bittorrent-sync.exe is the executable for the Resilio Sync (BitTorrent Sync) client. It enables peer-to-peer folder synchronization across devices, creating a network of synced folders without central servers. You may see multiple bittorrent-sync.exe processes during active sync sessions.
Resilio Sync uses a distributed, P2P architecture to synchronize selected folders. The client runs as a service and as needed for UI, indexing, and network tasks, communicating via TLS and random ports for direct peer transfers.
Quick Fact: Resilio Sync pioneered efficient P2P folder syncing with selective sync and offline-first design.
Types of Bittorrent-Sync Processes
- Core Service: Background service handling DHT, indexing, and peer discovery
- UI Process: User interface and settings panel
- Sync Engine: Peer-to-peer syncing tasks for shared folders
- Updater: Background updater and version checks
- Network Helper: Firewall and port management utilities
- Notification Service: Alerts for sync status and conflicts
Is bittorrent-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, bittorrent-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Resilio, downloaded from the official website or installed by the operating system vendor.
Is bittorrent-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real bittorrent-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if bittorrent-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Resilio Sync\bittorrent-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Resilio Sync\bittorrent-sync.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from "Resilio, Inc."
- Resource Usage: Normal background usage is low when idle; spikes during syncing are expected.
- Behavior: Should only run when syncing or the UI is open. Constant background activity without folders configured is suspicious.
Red Flags: If bittorrent-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), or runs when you have no Resilio Sync folders configured, or lacks a valid signature, scan with antivirus and verify checksums from the official site.
Why Is bittorrent-sync.exe Running on My PC?
The Resilio Sync client runs when you have synced folders configured, or when the UI is open. Background components handle peer discovery and data transfer.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Sessions: You have one or more folders configured for syncing; the engine maintains connections with peers.
- Background Synchronization: The app polls for changes and transfers deltas even when the UI isn't visible.
- Startup Configuration: Resilio Sync is set to start with Windows or user login, keeping folders reachable.
- Firewall/NAT Traversal: Ports opened or NAT traversal optimizations are active to enable direct peer transfers.
- WebUI or Notifications: The UI or notification service may run to deliver status updates and alerts.
Can I Disable or Remove bittorrent-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable bittorrent-sync.exe. You can stop syncing, quit the app, or disable startup, and uninstall if desired.
How to Stop bittorrent-sync.exe
- Pause Sync for Folders: Open the Resilio Sync UI and pause individual folders
- Exit Application: Close the UI or use the tray icon to quit Sync
- End Process: Open Task Manager, locate bittorrent-sync.exe, end the process
- Disable Startup: In Windows Task Manager → Startup, disable Resilio Sync
- Stop Background Service: If installed as a Windows service, stop the service named 'Resilio Sync' or similar
How to Uninstall bittorrent-sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Resilio Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Resilio Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete leftover configuration folders under AppData and Documents if desired
Common Problems: High Network or Disk Usage
If bittorrent-sync.exe is consuming excessive network or disk resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large number of synced folders: Limit the number of folders or use selective sync to reduce transfers
- Active syncing with many peers: Pause syncing for busy folders or adjust bandwidth limits in settings
- Disk I/O contention: Move synced folders to faster disks or schedule syncs for off-peak times
- Antivirus scanning: Exclude the sync directories and executable from scans
- Outdated software: Update to latest version to benefit from performance improvements
- Port blocking or NAT issues: Check firewall rules and configure port forward if needed
Quick Fixes:
1. Open the Resilio Sync UI and pause all folders
2. Limit bandwidth in Settings → Network
3. Exclude sync folders from antivirus
4. Update to latest version
5. Restart the app or reboot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bittorrent-sync.exe safe?
Yes, as long as it is the legitimate Resilio Sync executable downloaded from the official site or installed by your OS vendor. Verify the path and digital signature if in doubt.
Why is bittorrent-sync.exe using bandwidth?
Bandwidth is used to transfer changes between devices. If you have many folders or peers, you may see noticeable usage. You can cap bandwidth in the UI.
Can I disable bittorrent-sync.exe at startup?
Yes. Use Windows Task Manager → Startup to disable Resilio Sync, or quit the app when not in use.
Where are my synced files stored?
By default, Resilio Sync stores folders in the user-specified locations. You can view and change the location in the Sync UI.
How do I uninstall bittorrent-sync?
Go to Windows Settings → Apps → Resilio Sync → Uninstall. Reboot after uninstall to ensure all services stop.
What ports does it use?
Resilio Sync uses a range of ports for P2P connections. The exact ports can be configured in Settings → Network; firewall rules may need adjustment.