google-backup-sync.exe

Google Drive Backup and Sync Client

Application ProcessSafeCloud Drive Sync

CPU Usage

1-15%

Memory

100-350 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync

Publisher

Google LLC

Quick Answer

google-backup-sync.exe is a legitimate Google Drive backup/sync tool. It synchronizes local files with Google Drive using background services and UI components to watch folders and upload changes.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\BackupAndSync.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each folder sync task may spawn a process

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close or disable startup

What is google-backup-sync.exe?

google-backup-sync.exe is the executable for Google's Backup and Sync client, which synchronizes files between your computer and Google Drive. It monitors designated folders, queues changes, and uploads or downloads files to keep local copies in sync with your Drive. It operates in the background while you work.

This process uses a multi-process architecture: a UI process plus background workers for file watching, transfers, and Drive integration, enabling reliable syncing and conflict resolution.

Quick Fact: Google Backup and Sync began as a consumer tool to bridge local files and Drive, evolving into Drive for Desktop with similar fundamentals.

Types of Backup and Sync Processes

UI Process: Main window and settings interface (1 instance)
Watcher Process: Monitors designated folders for changes
Sync/Transfer Process: Handles uploading/downloading files to Drive
Background Service: Runs tasks like conflict resolution and versioning
Helper / Tray Process: Tray icon and status updates
Network/Cache Process: Manages network operations and caching metadata

Is google-backup-sync.exe Safe?

Yes, google-backup-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Google downloaded from official sources (google.com/drive or pre-installed by manufacturer).

Is google-backup-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real google-backup-sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.

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

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\BackupAndSync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync\BackupAndSync.exe. Any google-backup-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click BackupAndSync.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Google LLC".
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per active task; 100-350 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Google Backup and Sync should run when configured to sync; if it runs unexpectedly or at odd times, check for malware.

Red Flags: If google-backup-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\\Roaming, or System32), runs when Drive isn't syncing, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files.

Why Is google-backup-sync.exe Running on My PC?

google-backup-sync.exe runs to keep local files in sync with Google Drive and to support the Drive for Desktop experience.

Reasons it's running:

Active File Sync: You're actively syncing files or folders to Google Drive; changes are queued for upload.
Background Drive for Desktop: The Drive for Desktop service runs in the background to monitor and sync changes without keeping a separate browser session open.
Startup Auto-Launch: The app is configured to start with Windows to maintain currentDrive synchronization state.
Real-Time Change Watching: File-system watchers detect edits in synced folders and trigger transfers immediately.
Selective Sync Active: Only folders chosen for syncing are actively tracked; other folders remain idle until selected.

Can I Disable or Remove google-backup-sync.exe?

Yes, you can disable google-backup-sync.exe. You can pause syncing or uninstall the app and use another solution if desired.

How to Stop google-backup-sync.exe

Pause Sync: Right-click the Google Drive/Backup and Sync tray icon → Pause syncing for selected folders or all sync.
Close Application: Use the tray icon to Exit or close the app completely.
Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Google Drive / Backup and Sync
Stop Background Services: Open Services (services.msc) and stop any Google Drive related services if present.
Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → Google Drive → Uninstall; consider alternatives like OneDrive, Dropbox, or another Drive client.

How to Uninstall Google Backup and Sync

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Google Drive / Backup and Sync → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Google Drive / Backup and Sync → Uninstall
✔ Install an alternative cloud-sync client if needed

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If google-backup-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Files or Large Folders: Large sync jobs or many files can spike CPU/memory. Narrow sync scope or pause non-critical folders.
Resource-Heavy Permissions or Filenames: Some filenames or permissions cause repeated retries. Check for problematic files and exclude them if possible.
Background Extensions or Plugins: Disable unnecessary extensions or plug-ins within Drive settings.
Outdated Version: Update Google Drive/Backup and Sync to the latest version via Google Drive settings or official site.
Network-Throttling: Limit upload/download speeds in settings if your network is congested.
Antivirus Interactions: Some antivirus software can slow file operations. Add exceptions for Backup and Sync executable paths.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open the Google Drive tray icon and use Task Manager (Shift+Esc) to identify the highest-usage tasks
2. Pause syncing for large folders or specific file types
3. Update to the latest version of Google Drive / Backup and Sync
4. Clear local cache if available in the app settings
5. Test with a small subset of files to verify normal operation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is google-backup-sync.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate google-backup-sync.exe from Google is not a virus. Verify the file path is in C:\Program Files\Google\Drive\Backup and Sync and that the digital signature shows Google LLC.

Why is google-backup-sync.exe using so much CPU?

High CPU can occur during initial index or large folder syncing, when many files change rapidly, or due to conflicting files. Check Chrome Task Manager-like view in Drive or pause nonessential syncing.

Can I delete google-backup-sync.exe?

You can uninstall Google Drive/Backup and Sync if you no longer need it. Your Drive data is stored in the cloud; local copies will be removed if you choose to delete offline copies without syncing.

Can I disable google-backup-sync.exe?

Yes. Pause syncing, exit the app, or disable startup in Task Manager. To stop background activity, adjust Drive settings to prevent continuing to run after close.

Why does google-backup-sync.exe run at Windows startup?

Startup launch is by design to keep Drive in sync automatically. Disable it in Task Manager → Startup, or adjust Drive for Desktop startup behavior.

Where are my Drive files stored locally?

Local cached copies are stored under the Drive folder in your user profile, typically C:\Users\<YourUser>\Google Drive or a Drive mount under C:\Users\<YourUser>\AppData. Check Drive settings for the exact path.