Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\\Program Files\\Brother\\Sync\\Application or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Brother\\Sync\\Application
Warning
Background processes are normal
Each sync task or watcher may run in its own process
Can I Disable?
YES
You can pause or disable auto-sync via the Brother Sync app or Windows settings
What is brother-sync.exe?
brother-sync.exe is the executable for the Brother Sync Client, a desktop syncing utility that keeps selected folders synchronized with Brother Cloud services and connected devices. It runs as multiple background and UI processes to monitor changes, queue transfers, and present configuration options to the user.
The client uses filesystem watchers, a transfer queue, and a background service to upload changes and retrieve updates from Brother Cloud. Its processes are designed to be isolated to minimize interference with other apps and keep data consistent across devices.
Quick Fact: Brother Sync pioneered continuous folder synchronization across devices, using a watch-based mechanism to detect changes and push them to cloud storage automatically.
Types of Brother Sync Processes
- Sync Engine Process: Core synchronization tasks, including change detection and transfer to Brother Cloud
- UI Process: User interface for settings, status, and manual sync controls
- Update Checker: Checks for software updates and applies patches
- Background Watcher: Monitors watched folders for changes even when the UI is minimized
- Cloud Connector: Maintains connection to Brother Cloud services and authentication
- Installer/Updater: Handles initial install and ongoing maintenance tasks
Is brother-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, brother-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Brother downloaded from official sources.
Is brother-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real brother-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may mimic names, so verify the path and signature.
How to Tell if brother-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\Brother\\Sync\\Application\\brother-sync.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Brother\\Sync\\Application\\brother-sync.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click brother-sync.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signer like "Brother Industries, Ltd." or an official certificate from Brother.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low to moderate while idle and higher during active sync; extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Brother Sync should run primarily when syncing or monitoring; persistent background activity with no user action can indicate malware.
Red Flags: If brother-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when not installed, has no valid signature, or consistently consumes abnormal resources, run a full antivirus scan. Be wary of similarly named files like "bsync.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is brother-sync.exe Running on My PC?
brother-sync.exe runs when you have Brother Sync configured to monitor folders or perform cloud synchronization in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Tasks: You are actively syncing files to Brother Cloud; the sync engine runs to transfer changes.
- Background Folder Watch: A watcher monitors designated folders for changes and queues transfers even when the app isn't open.
- Startup Service: The service is configured to start with Windows to keep folders in sync automatically.
- Cloud Connectivity: Persistent connection to Brother Cloud to maintain authentication, status, and availability.
- Update Checks: The client periodically checks for updates and may briefly run additional processes during an update.
Can I Disable or Remove brother-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable brother-sync.exe. You can pause automatic syncing, disable startup, or uninstall the product if you no longer need Brother Sync.
How to Stop brother-sync.exe
- Pause Sync in the App: Open the Brother Sync client and click Pause or disable background sync in Settings.
- Disable Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Brother Sync.
- Stop the Sync Service: Open Services (services.msc) → find 'Brother Sync Service' → Stop.
- Terminate Processes: Open Task Manager and end all running 'bsync.exe' related processes.
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Brother Sync → Uninstall (or use the Brother installer to remove the product).
How to Uninstall Brother Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Brother Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Brother Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart the computer after uninstall to remove residual services
Common Problems: Sync Performance and Resource Usage
If brother-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources or failing to sync, try these common fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many watched folders or files: Limit the number of watched folders or exclude large folders; enable selective syncing in the app.
- Network congestion or slow connection: Check your network, pause syncing during peak hours, or limit bandwidth in settings.
- Antivirus or firewall interference: Add an exception for the Brother Sync folder and executables; temporarily disable real-time scanning while testing.
- Outdated software: Update to the latest Brother Sync version via the app's update checker.
- Corrupted local cache: Clear the app cache or reset the settings within the Brother Sync app.
- Conflicting cloud accounts: Ensure the same Brother Cloud account is used on all devices; sign out and sign back in if needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Brother Sync and pause automatic syncing to safely inspect activity
2. Check the Sync Status panel for active transfers and queue items
3. Reduce watched folders and exclude large files from syncing
4. Update Brother Sync to the latest version
5. Add an exclusion for Brother Sync in your antivirus and firewall
Frequently Asked Questions
Is brother-sync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate brother-sync.exe from Brother is not a virus. Ensure it's located at C:\\Program Files\\Brother\\Sync\\Application\\brother-sync.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Brother\\Sync\\Application\\brother-sync.exe and has a valid signature from Brother Industries, Ltd.
Why is brother-sync.exe using CPU?
CPU usage occurs during active syncing or when the watcher detects many file changes. If CPU remains high after syncing, check for stuck transfers, conflicting apps, or malware impersonation.
Can I disable automatic syncing?
Yes. You can disable automatic syncing in the Brother Sync app settings or stop the startup item in Task Manager. You can also pause syncing from within the app.
How do I uninstall Brother Sync?
Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Brother Sync → Uninstall. You can also use the Brother installer or Control Panel to remove the product.
Where is brother-sync.exe located?
Typically in C:\\Program Files\\Brother\\Sync\\Application\\brother-sync.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\Brother\\Sync\\Application\\brother-sync.exe depending on system architecture.
My files aren’t syncing to the cloud. What should I do?
Check network connectivity, verify login status for the Brother Cloud account, confirm watched folders, and check the app’s error logs for any authentication or quota issues. Re-login if needed.