Quick Answer
carbonite.exe is safe. It's Carbonite's official backup client that runs in the background to monitor files, queue backups, and securely upload data to the cloud.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in Program Files\Carbonite\Carbonite.exe
Warning
Many processes normal
Backup client may spawn multiple processes for tasks like sync, encryption, and UI
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can pause backups or close the UI to stop activity; also disable startup if needed
What is carbonite.exe?
carbonite.exe is the executable for Carbonite's cloud backup client. It runs in the background to monitor file changes, queue backup jobs, and synchronize data with the Carbonite cloud, ensuring continuous protection for your files.
The process operates as a background service with multi-threaded workers handling file scanning, encryption, and network transfers using TLS to protect data in transit and at rest.
Quick Fact: Carbonite's client uses incremental backups and block-level delta transfers to minimize bandwidth while protecting recent changes.
Types of Carbonite Processes
- Service/Background Monitor: Core daemon that watches for changes and schedules backups
- Sync Engine: Handles uploading changed files to the cloud and syncing state
- Encryption/Key Management: Encrypts data before transfer and stores keys securely
- UI/Notification: User interface, status updates, and notifications
- Update/Installer: Manages client updates and component installation
- Scheduler: Executes scheduled backups and maintenance tasks
Is carbonite.exe Safe?
Yes, carbonite.exe is safe when it is the legitimate Carbonite client file located in the proper Program Files folder and signed by Carbonite, Inc.
Is carbonite.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real carbonite.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes mimics names to evade detection, so verify location and signature.
How to Tell if carbonite.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Carbonite\Carbonite.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Carbonite\Carbonite.exe. Any carbonite.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the carbonite.exe file in its folder → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Carbonite, Inc." as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU per process, 50-200 MB memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Carbonite should run as a background service with scheduled backups. Unexplained persistent activity or network traffic warrants a security scan.
Red Flags: If carbonite.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when Windows is not actively backing up, lacks a valid signature, or uses constant high resources, scan for malware. Be wary of similarly named files like 'carbonite32.exe'.
Why Is carbonite.exe Running on My PC?
Carbonite's backup client runs to protect files by detecting changes, buffering them for upload, and maintaining cloud sync regardless of user interaction.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup Job: A current backup is in progress, causing carbonite.exe to run and use network and CPU resources.
- Background File Monitoring: The client watches for file changes in designated folders to trigger backups automatically.
- Startup Launch: The Carbonite client may be configured to start when Windows starts, keeping protection continuous.
- Scheduled Backups: Backups scheduled for specific times can briefly increase activity and show carbonite.exe processes.
- Account/Policy Checks: Periodic checks for account status, licensing, and policy updates run in the background.
Can I Disable or Remove carbonite.exe?
Yes, you can pause or disable carbonite.exe. You can stop backups temporarily or uninstall the client if you no longer need cloud protection.
How to Stop carbonite.exe
- Pause or Stop Backups in UI: Open the Carbonite client and use Pause/Stop to halt backups temporarily.
- Close the Carbonite UI: Exit the application from the system tray or File → Exit.
- End Carbonite Processes: Open Task Manager, find carbonite.exe, and End Task if needed.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Carbonite.
- Disable Background Backup: In Carbonite Settings → General, turn off 'Start with Windows' or 'Continue running in background' as available.
How to Uninstall Carbonite
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Carbonite Backup Client → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Carbonite Backup Client → Uninstall
- ✔ If needed, reboot the system after removal
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If carbonite.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Backups with many small files: Pause large jobs, consider excluding unchanged folders, and allow incremental backups to run.
- Background File Monitoring: Limit monitored folders in Carbonite settings to essential locations.
- Network Congestion: Throttle bandwidth in the Carbonite UI or set up a policy for off-peak hours.
- Outdated Client: Update Carbonite to the latest version from Help → Check for Updates.
- Conflicting Extensions or Apps: Review startup programs and third-party tools that may clash with Carbonite.
- Corrupt local database: Repair or reinstall Carbonite to reset the local backup database.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Carbonite UI and pause active backups to reduce load
2. Exclude non-essential folders from backup in Settings
3. Restart the Carbonite client or reboot the system
4. Check for updates: Help → Check for Updates
5. Verify network stability and bandwidth settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is carbonite.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate carbonite.exe is the Carbonite backup client and should reside in C:\Program Files\Carbonite\Carbonite.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Carbonite\Carbonite.exe with a valid signature from Carbonite, Inc.
Why is carbonite.exe using so much CPU?
CPU usage spikes usually occur during active backups, large file changes, or when the client is indexing files. Check the Carbonite UI to identify the active job and pause if necessary.
Can I delete carbonite.exe?
You can uninstall the Carbonite backup client from Windows Settings → Apps or Control Panel. Your cloud backups may stop; ensure you have alternative protection if needed.
Can I disable carbonite.exe?
Yes. Disable startup under Task Manager → Startup, pause backups in the Carbonite app, or exit the application from the system tray.
Why is carbonite.exe running at startup?
If configured, Carbonite starts with Windows to maintain continuous protection. Disable this in Task Manager or in the Carbonite settings to prevent automatic startup.
How do I reduce Carbonite's memory usage?
Close unused folders from backup, optimize settings for bandwidth, and ensure the client is updated. Use incremental backups and fewer active sync jobs to reduce RAM usage.