elgato-sync.exe

Elgato Sync Service

Background ServiceSafePeripheral Software

CPU Usage

0-8%

Memory

40-180 MB

Location

Program Files\Elgato\Sync

Publisher

Elgato Systems GmbH

Quick Answer

elgato-sync.exe is safe. It's Elgato's background synchronization service that coordinates device data and settings across Elgato hardware and software.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be located in Program Files\Elgato\Sync\elgato-sync.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Multiple worker threads may run during active sync or device changes

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close Elgato software or disable startup entry to stop background sync

What is elgato-sync.exe?

elgato-sync.exe is a background service that coordinates communication between Elgato hardware (Capture devices, Stream Deck) and the Elgato software stack. It handles synchronization of device states, scene data, and user profiles to keep settings consistent across apps and sessions.

Elgato Sync runs as a lightweight IPC-based service that monitors connected Elgato devices, exchanges configuration data with desktop clients, and coordinates updates. It remains idle when not syncing and ramps CPU usage during capture or profile changes.

Quick Fact: Elgato introduced centralized sync coordination to ensure consistent device and profile states across their software ecosystem.

Types of Elgato Processes Involved

Background Sync Service: Core synchronization engine managing device data and settings
Device Monitor: Watches connected Elgato hardware status and USB events
UI Helper: Support processes for Elgato UI components
Firmware & Update Checker: Checks for firmware and software updates for Elgato devices
Cache & Session Manager: Handles cached configurations and user sessions

Is elgato-sync.exe Safe?

Yes, elgato-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Elgato downloaded from official sources (elgato.com or the installed Elgato software suite).

Is elgato-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real elgato-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade under similar names.

How to Tell if elgato-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location:: Must be in C:\Program Files\Elgato\Sync\elgato-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Elgato\Sync\elgato-sync.exe. Any elgato-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature:: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures → Should show "Elgato Systems GmbH".
Resource Usage:: Normal usage is low CPU; sustained high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior:: Elgato Sync should run when Elgato software is active and not endlessly spawn processes when idle.

Red Flags: If elgato-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Elgato software isn't active, has no signature, or shows excessive resource usage constantly, scan with antivirus immediately. Beware of similarly named files.

Why Is elgato-sync.exe Running on My PC?

elgato-sync.exe runs to coordinate synchronization tasks between Elgato hardware and software, ensuring device states and profiles stay in sync across restarts and launches.

Reasons it's running:

Active Device Sync: You're using Elgato hardware and syncing scenes, profiles, or device settings across apps.
Background Tasks: The service handles background synchronization for Stream Deck profiles and capture device configurations.
Startup Program: Elgato software is configured to launch at Windows startup to maintain quick access to devices.
Background Updates: The service checks for firmware, driver, and software updates for Elgato devices.
Device Plug/Unplug Events: USB insert/remove events trigger the sync service to adjust active device states.

Can I Disable or Remove elgato-sync.exe?

Yes, you can disable elgato-sync.exe. It's safe to close Elgato software when not in use, and you can uninstall Elgato software if you prefer a different workflow.

How to Stop elgato-sync.exe

End Individual Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate elgato-sync.exe, and End Task
Close Elgato Software: Quit the Elgato app (Stream Deck, Game Capture, etc.) to stop background syncing
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Elgato Sync or Elgato software
Stop Background Apps: In Elgato software, disable Continue running background apps if available
Uninstall Elgato Software: Windows Settings → Apps → Uninstall Elgato software

How to Uninstall Elgato Software

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Elgato Software → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Elgato Software → Uninstall
✔ Consider alternatives: if you use Stream Deck or Capture, replace with native alternatives from other vendors

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If elgato-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Multiple Elgato devices connected: Disconnect unused devices or disable nonessential sync tasks in the Elgato software
Background Sync Enabled: Disable background sync in Stream Deck/Elgato settings when not actively using devices
Outdated Elgato Software: Update Elgato software and firmware to the latest version
Conflicting USB Drivers: Update USB controller drivers and ensure no driver conflicts with other hardware
Antivirus Heuristics: Whitelist elgato-sync.exe in your antivirus or temporarily disable real-time protection during troubleshooting
Corrupted Cache: Clear Elgato cache or reset profile data within the Elgato software

Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Elgato Task Manager within the software to identify high-usage items
3. Close unused profiles or streams and disable unnecessary devices
4. Update Elgato software to the latest version
5. Restart the Elgato services or reboot the computer
6. Whitelist elgato-sync.exe in your antivirus and check for driver updates

Frequently Asked Questions

Is elgato-sync.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate elgato-sync.exe from Elgato is not a virus. Ensure the file path is C:\Program Files\Elgato\Sync\elgato-sync.exe and that it is digitally signed by Elgato Systems GmbH.

Why is elgato-sync.exe using so much CPU?

CPU usage spikes during active synchronization or when multiple Elgato devices are updating profiles. Use Elgato Task Manager to identify hotspots and reduce active devices or update software.

Can I delete elgato-sync.exe?

You should not delete the executable file itself without uninstalling the Elgato software. Uninstalling via Windows Settings removes associated components safely.

Can I disable elgato-sync.exe?

Yes, you can disable it by closing Elgato software and disabling startup entries. This will stop background synchronization but may impact device updates and profile syncing.

Why does elgato-sync.exe start on Windows login?

Elgato software may be configured to start at login to ensure devices are ready when you start using them. Change startup behavior in Task Manager or the Elgato software settings.

How do I completely remove Elgato software?

Use Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features to uninstall Elgato software, then restart your PC. Remove any remaining folders under C:\Program Files\Elgato and verify no related services remain.