Quick Answer
elgato-sync.exe is safe. It’s the Elgato syncing service used by Game Capture and Stream Deck, coordinating device detection, firmware checks, and data transfers in the background.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Elgato\Elgato Game Capture or C:\Program Files (x86)\Elgato\Elgato Game Capture
Warning
Many related Elgato processes active
This service may spawn sub-processes for device discovery, firmware checks, and background sync
Can I Disable?
YES
Close Elgato apps or disable startup in Task Manager; ensure you still have access to devices via other software
What is elgato-sync.exe?
elgato-sync.exe is the background synchronization executable used by Elgato software to manage connected devices, software drivers, and firmware checks. It helps keep Stream Deck, Game Capture, and related apps in sync with the latest updates.
The process runs as a background service with multiple threads for device enumeration, firmware version checks, and data exchange with the local Elgato service. It minimizes UI latency by prefetching device info.
Quick Fact: Elgato’s sync service coordinates hardware state across multiple apps, reducing manual refresh needs during streaming.
Types of Elgato Sync Processes
- Device Discovery Process: Detects connected Elgato hardware (capture cards, Stream Deck, etc.)
- Firmware Update Process: Checks and applies firmware updates to devices
- Data Sync Process: Synchronizes profiles, scenes, and settings across apps
- Driver/Service Process: Manages driver state and communication with Windows services
- Background Utility Process: Handles non-UI tasks like telemetry and logging
- Overlay/Streaming Helper Process: Supports overlay data for streaming apps
Is elgato-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, elgato-sync.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Elgato and installed from official sources (elgato.com or bundled with the Elgato software).
Is elgato-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real elgato-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes masquerades with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if elgato-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Elgato\Elgato Game Capture or C:\Program Files (x86)\Elgato\Elgato Game Capture. Any elgato-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click elgato-sync.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show Elgato Systems GmbH.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU with occasional spikes during device detection.
- Behavior: Elgato sync runs primarily when Elgato software is active. Persistent background activity without software may indicate a problem.
Red Flags: If elgato-sync.exe is located outside typical Elgato folders (e.g., Downloads, Temp), lacks a valid signature, or runs constantly when the software is closed, scan with antivirus and validate the integrity of your Elgato software from official sources.
Why Is elgato-sync.exe Running on My PC?
elgato-sync.exe runs to coordinate device detection, firmware checks, and data synchronization for Elgato hardware when any Elgato app is active or configured to run in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Elgato App Use: You’re using Game Capture, Stream Deck, or related apps; the sync service ensures devices stay in sync.
- Background Synchronization: Profiles, scenes, and settings are synchronized with Elgato cloud and local profiles.
- Firmware/Driver Checks: Automatic checks for firmware updates and driver compatibility occur in the background.
- Device Auto-Discovery: New devices connect and appear; the service handles device enumeration.
- Startup/Background Service: Elgato software may be set to launch at startup, starting the sync service automatically.
Can I Disable or Remove elgato-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable elgato-sync.exe. It is safe to stop if you are not using Elgato hardware or software, but doing so may prevent automatic device detection and updates.
How to Stop elgato-sync.exe
- Close Elgato Apps: Exit Game Capture, Stream Deck, and any other Elgato software.
- End Process: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find elgato-sync.exe, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Elgato Sync or Elgato Software items.
- Uninstall Software: Windows Settings → Apps → Elgato Game Capture → Uninstall (if you won't use Elgato hardware).
- Check for Side Effects: If you later need device support, reinstall Elgato software from the official site.
How to Uninstall Elgato Sync/Software
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Elgato Game Capture -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Elgato Game Capture -> Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your PC after removing all Elgato components to ensure clean removal
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If elgato-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources, consider these causes and fixes.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent device reconnections: Ensure USB cables are stable; disable unnecessary extra devices in Elgato software if not in use.
- Background sync with many profiles: Limit active profiles or disable cloud sync temporarily.
- Outdated Elgato software: Update to the latest version from elgato.com.
- Conflicting software: Close other capture/overlay software that may conflict with Elgato drivers.
- Resource-heavy scenes or overlays: Simplify overlays and reduce scene complexity during streaming.
- Driver or firmware issues: Reinstall Elgato drivers and run firmware updates via the official app.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close unused Elgato apps via the system tray
2. Restart Elgato software and re-plug devices
3. Update Elgato software to the latest version
4. Disable cloud sync temporarily in settings
5. Check USB ports and power adapters for stability
Frequently Asked Questions
Is elgato-sync.exe safe?
Yes, when obtained from official Elgato sources (elgato.com) and located in C:\Program Files\Elgato\Elgato Game Capture. Beware of similar-named files from untrusted sources.
Why is elgato-sync.exe using CPU?
It runs device discovery, firmware checks, and data synchronization; CPU spikes occur during device changes or firmware updates.
Can I delete elgato-sync.exe?
You can uninstall Elgato software to remove the executable, but you may lose device functionality until reinstalled.
Can I disable elgato-sync.exe at startup?
Yes, disable the related startup entry in Task Manager -> Startup. If you use Elgato devices, you may want to keep it enabled.
Where is elgato-sync.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Elgato\Elgato Game Capture\Elgato-Sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Elgato\Elgato Game Capture\Elgato-Sync.exe.
What happens if I disable elgato-sync.exe?
Device detection and automatic updates may be slower or unavailable; you may still use captures but some features require the service.