Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Element\Element Sync or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\Element Sync
Warning
Typically multiple worker processes
Element Sync uses separate processes for file watching, transfers, and conflict resolution
Can I Disable?
YES
Disable via Element app settings or Task Manager when not syncing
What is element-sync.exe?
element-sync-exe is the core background process for the Element Sync desktop client. It continuously watches the folders you designate for synchronization, detects changes, and transfers updates to Element servers so your files appear on other devices. It runs silently in the background, coordinating local caching, conflict handling, and encrypted transfers.
element-sync.exe runs as a background service that monitors designated folders, detecting changes and syncing them with Element's cloud via TLS. It uses multi-threaded workers to transfer deltas, update the local cache, and keep files consistent across all connected devices.
Quick Fact: Element Sync pioneered cross-device file synchronization by using dedicated worker processes to isolate transfers and reduce conflicts.
Types of Element Sync Processes
- Main Sync Process: Orchestrates startup, user authentication, and high-level sync coordination
- File Watcher Process: Monitors local folders for changes (create/modify/delete)
- Transfer Worker: Handles encrypted data transfer to Element servers
- Conflict Resolver: Manages file version conflicts and conflict copies
- Cache Manager: Maintains local cache of synced files for quick access
- Background Helper: Performs ancillary tasks like delta computation and index updates
Is element-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, element-sync.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Element, downloaded from official sources or installed by the app package.
Is element-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real element-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can masquerade with similar names, so validate location and signature.
How to Tell if element-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Element\Element Sync\element-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\Element Sync\element-sync.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file or in Task Manager > Open file location > Right-click element-sync.exe > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Element, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-5% CPU and 40-120 MB RAM. Persistent high usage when idle warrants a check for tampering.
- Behavior: Should run primarily when the Element app is syncing. Unexpected activity when the app is closed or not installed is suspicious.
Red Flags: If element-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, System32), starts without the Element app, lacks a valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files like "element-sync32.exe".
Why Is element-sync.exe Running on My PC?
element-sync.exe runs to keep your files in sync across devices. It can start at login or when the Element app is active, and may run in the background to handle ongoing sync tasks.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Session: You have files or folders configured for real-time synchronization; the service monitors and transfers changes.
- Background Sync Enabled: Background sync settings keep the app syncing even when you aren’t actively using the UI.
- Startup Launch: Element is configured to start with Windows, launching element-sync.exe at login.
- Conflict Resolution: The service runs extra processes to resolve file conflicts when simultaneous edits occur on multiple devices.
- Cache and Metadata Updates: Periodic cache refreshes and index updates require the syncing service to stay active.
Can I Disable or Remove element-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable element-sync.exe. Stopping the sync client will pause syncing; you can uninstall Element Sync to remove it entirely.
How to Stop element-sync.exe
- Pause Sync in App: Open Element app > Settings > Sync and disable real-time syncing
- Close App Windows: Exit the Element app fully to stop background tasks
- End Process: Open Task Manager, locate element-sync.exe, right-click > End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Element Sync
- Stop Background Apps: In Element Settings, turn off 'Continue running in background' if available
How to Uninstall Element Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Element Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Element Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove remaining Element cache folders in %LOCALAPPDATA% and %APPDATA%
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If element-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many files or large folders syncing: Limit syncing to essential folders (Selective Sync) and exclude large, non-critical directories.
- Background extensions or plug-ins: Disable or remove unnecessary extensions from the Element app
- Unstable network: Check network stability; pause sync during peak bandwidth usage
- Outdated client: Update Element Sync to the latest version via the app or website
- Corrupted local cache: Clear cache from Element settings or reinstall the client
- Antivirus interaction: Whitelist element-sync.exe in antivirus and ensure it has network access
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) to identify high-usage folders
2. Pause or resume sync from the Element app
3. Clear or limit cached data in Element settings
4. Update Element Sync to the latest version
5. Whitelist element-sync.exe in antivirus software
Frequently Asked Questions
Is element-sync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate element-sync.exe is part of the Element Sync client. Verify its location at C:\Program Files\Element\Element Sync\element-sync.exe and check the digital signature for Element, Inc.
Why is element-sync.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by many active file changes, large file transfers, or problematic folders. Check the Element Task Manager, pause syncing on problem folders, and ensure you’re running the latest version.
Can I delete element-sync.exe?
You should not delete the file directly. To remove syncing, uninstall Element Sync via Settings or Control Panel. Deleting the executable can break the app.
How do I reduce Element Sync’s data usage?
Limit folders, enable selective sync, disable background syncing when not needed, and ensure you aren’t uploading very large files unnecessarily.
Where is element-sync.exe located?
The typical path is C:\Program Files\Element\Element Sync\element-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Element\Element Sync\element-sync.exe. Non-standard locations may indicate tampering.
How do I disable startup of Element Sync?
Open Task Manager > Startup tab > find Element Sync > Disable. This stops automatic launches but does not uninstall the app.