Quick Answer
firmware-updater-sync.exe is safe. It is the vendor's background updater service responsible for checking, downloading, and applying firmware updates with minimal user intervention.
Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\DeviceVendor\FirmwareUpdaterSync and signed by the vendor
Warning
Common background activity
Updater runs in background; not all checks require user interaction
Can I Disable?
4 YES
Disabling stops firmware updates; do so only if you understand the risk of missing critical firmware
What is firmware-updater-sync.exe?
firmware-updater-sync.exe is the vendor-supplied firmware updater synchronization service. It runs in the background to coordinate firmware checks, downloads, and installations for attached devices, ensuring firmware stays current without requiring manual updates.
It uses a multi-stage updater pipeline that contacts vendor servers, validates digital signatures, downloads firmware packages, and applies updates while minimizing user disruption.
Quick Fact: Firmware updater services often run as background tasks to ensure devices remain secure with the latest firmware.
Types of Firmware Updater Processes
- Updater Service: Core background service that coordinates update checks
- Downloader Process: Downloads firmware packages from vendor servers
- Signature Validator: Verifies firmware authenticity and integrity
- Installer: Applies firmware updates to devices
- Telemetry Logger: Sends update results to vendor telemetry
- Background Helper: Small tasks that support update orchestration
Is firmware-updater-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, firmware-updater-sync.exe is safe when it originates from the official DeviceVendor vendor and is installed from trusted sources.
Is firmware-updater-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real file is not a virus. However, malware may mimic names; verify with digital signature and location.
How to Tell if firmware-updater-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\DeviceVendor\FirmwareUpdaterSync\firmware-updater-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\DeviceVendor\FirmwareUpdaterSync\firmware-updater-sync.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a certificate from "DeviceVendor Tech LLC".
- Resource Usage: Normal background activity is low (1-6% CPU) and modest memory. Unusually high resources with no updates pending is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should only run when updates are available or on a scheduled maintenance window. Persistent activity when idle may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If firmware-updater-sync.exe is located outside vendor folders (e.g., Temp, AppData), lacks a valid signature, or runs constantly without update activity, scan for malware and restore from official vendor media.
Why Is firmware-updater-sync.exe Running on My PC?
The updater runs to manage firmware checks and deployments for connected devices. It can execute during normal use or on a scheduled maintenance window.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Update Checks: Your device is eligible for firmware updates and the service is scouting for new releases.
- Background Update Service: The updater runs as a background service to perform routine checks without user action.
- Scheduled Maintenance Windows: Updates can be triggered during defined maintenance times to minimize disruption.
- Device Attachment/Change: Connecting a new device or changing firmware targets activates the updater to prepare firmware packages.
- Vendor Telemetry: The service may collect and report update success/failure data for rollout validation.
Can I Disable or Remove firmware-updater-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable or remove it, but doing so may prevent firmware updates. Disabling is recommended only if you understand the risks and alternative update methods.
How to Stop firmware-updater-sync.exe
- Stop the Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'Firmware Updater Sync', Right-click -> Stop
- Disable Startup: In Services, set Startup Type to Disabled, or use Task Manager > Startup to disable related entry
- Disable Background Running: Vendor Control Panel or Settings may offer a toggle 'Allow background updates' to turn off
- Prevent Automatic Updates: If supported, disable automatic firmware checks in the vendor software settings
- Stop Network Activity: Block firmware-draining network activity via firewall rules for the updater executable
How to Uninstall Firmware Updater
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> DeviceVendor Firmware Updater -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> DeviceVendor Firmware Updater -> Uninstall
- ✔ Follow vendor instructions for complete removal if bundled with device management software
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If firmware-updater-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent firmware checks: Limit check frequency in vendor software or schedule updates during off-peak times
- Large firmware packages: Pause or defer large updates, ensure sufficient network bandwidth and disk space
- Background telemetry: Disable non-critical telemetry or reduce log level in vendor software
- Outdated updater: Update to the latest firmware updater version from the vendor
- Conflicting security software: Temporarily adjust AV/Firewall for updater, then re-enable protection with exceptions if needed
- Malware masquerading: Run full system antivirus scan and verify vendor certificate and path
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Services and restart the updater service
2. Restart the device to reinitialize update workflow
3. Check vendor dashboard for any pending firmware advisories
4. Update firmware updater to latest version
5. Review firewall/antivirus exclusions for the updater executable
Frequently Asked Questions
Is firmware-updater-sync.exe safe?
Yes, when it comes from the official DeviceVendor firmware updater and resides in the vendor's approved folder with a valid signature.
Why is firmware-updater-sync.exe running at startup?
To ensure devices receive critical firmware updates automatically and to validate compatibility with your system.
Can I disable firmware-updater-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable or stop it, but this may prevent automatic firmware updates. Use vendor tooling to control behavior.
How do I uninstall it?
Use Windows Settings > Apps & Features > DeviceVendor Firmware Updater > Uninstall, or the vendor-provided removal tool.
Where does it download firmware from?
Firmware packages download from the vendor's secure servers specified in the updater settings; verify TLS and certificate validity.
What should I do if it uses high CPU for no reason?
Check for pending updates, verify no malware, run a vendor diagnostic tool, and ensure you're on the latest updater version.