Quick Answer
handybackup.exe is safe. It is Novosoft's official backup utility that runs as a launcher with separate job runners to execute backup tasks, restore operations, and scheduler actions.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\HandyBackup\handybackup.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\HandyBackup\handybackup.exe
Warning
Multiple processes are normal during backups
Launcher + Job Runner(s) + Scheduler may run simultaneously
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close backups or stop tasks from Handy Backup UI to reduce usage
What is handybackup.exe?
handybackup.exe is the executable for Handy Backup, a Windows-based backup and restore tool from Novosoft. It manages scheduled tasks, incremental backups, and cloud destinations, protecting important data with encryption and verification features.
Handy Backup uses a modular design with a launcher, job runners, and a scheduler to execute backup tasks. It supports local, network, and cloud destinations, encryption, and compression for reliable data protection.
Quick Fact: Handy Backup supports flexible scheduling, incremental backups, and cloud destinations, with retention rules to optimize storage.
Types of Handy Backup Processes
- Launcher Process: Main Handy Backup window launcher that starts tasks
- Job Runner Process: Executes individual backup tasks (files/folders)
- Scheduler Process: Schedules and triggers backups according to plan
- Restore Engine: Handles file-level or image restores from backups
- Driver/Plugin Process: Supports plugins for cloud destinations and special sources
- Utility/Service: Background services for monitoring and verification
Is handybackup.exe Safe?
Yes, handybackup.exe is safe when it originates from Novosoft and is downloaded from official sources (novosoft.com, or bundled by a reputable installer).
Is handybackup.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real handybackup.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may impersonate it; always validate path and signature.
How to Tell if handybackup.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\HandyBackup\handybackup.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\HandyBackup\handybackup.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click handybackup.exe in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Novosoft LLC".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically 1-8% CPU and 60-300 MB RAM during operation. Constant high usage or idle spikes are suspicious.
- Behavior: Handy Backup should run only when backups or restores are scheduled or initiated by the user.
Red Flags: If handybackup.exe is located in unusual folders (AppData\Local\Temp, Downloads), runs when no backups are scheduled, has no valid signature, or shows unexpected network activity, scan with a reputable antivirus and verify source.
Why Is handybackup.exe Running on My PC?
handybackup.exe runs when Handy Backup is performing a scheduled task, monitoring changes, or maintaining its background services.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Backup Job: A backup task is actively running or a previous job is finishing.
- Scheduled Backups: The built-in scheduler starts tasks automatically at set times or events.
- Cloud Destination Sync: Backups configured to transfer to cloud storage may spawn extra worker processes.
- Verification and Reporting: Post-backup integrity checks or status reports can run after a backup completes.
- Background File Monitoring: Folder monitoring or real-time protection features may keep Handy Backup active.
Can I Disable or Remove handybackup.exe?
Yes, you can disable Handy Backup. You can stop backups temporarily or uninstall if you no longer need it.
How to Stop handybackup.exe
- Pause/Stop Tasks in UI: Open Handy Backup, select running tasks, and click Stop or Pause.
- Close the Application: Use the close button or Alt+F4 to exit Handy Backup.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Handy Backup.
- Stop Background Service: Open services.msc, locate HandyBackup Scheduler Service, and Stop/Disable.
- Uninstall Handy Backup: Windows Settings → Apps → Handy Backup → Uninstall, then follow prompts.
How to Uninstall Handy Backup
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Handy Backup → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Handy Backup → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider migrating backups to another solution if needed
Common Problems: Backup Performance and Stability
If Handy Backup is misbehaving or running slowly, try these common causes and solutions.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large backup sets: Limit the scope or perform incremental backups; exclude unnecessary files and use compression settings wisely.
- Network bottlenecks: Throttle bandwidth, adjust transfer mode, or schedule during off-peak hours to prevent congestion.
- Insufficient disk space: Free space or change destination; enable retention rules to delete older backups.
- Antivirus interference: Add Handy Backup to exception lists and temporarily disable real-time scanning for backup folders.
- Outdated software: Update to the latest Handy Backup version and install any service pack or hotfix from Novosoft.
- Cloud destination errors: Check credentials and OAuth tokens; verify network access to cloud providers and re-authenticate if needed.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Handy Backup Task Manager to identify the job causing high resource use
2. Pause or cancel unnecessary backups
3. Review backup source and destination paths for correctness
4. Update Handy Backup to the latest version
5. Run a basic test backup to verify operation
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Handy Backup?
Handy Backup is a Windows backup and restore utility from Novosoft LLC that supports scheduled and incremental backups, encryption, compression, and cloud destinations.
Can Handy Backup back up to cloud storage?
Yes. Handy Backup supports numerous cloud destinations (like Google Drive, Amazon S3, FTP/SFTP) and can transfer backups to cloud storage via secure protocols.
How do I schedule backups?
In Handy Backup, create a backup task, set a schedule (daily/weekly), select sources and destinations, and enable the task. The scheduler will run automatically.
Can I restore individual files quickly?
Yes. Handy Backup provides a restore wizard to locate and restore specific files or folders from a backup image without restoring the entire backup.
Is Handy Backup safe for business data?
Yes, Handy Backup supports encryption, retention policies, and role-based access. Always store backups on trusted media and test restores regularly.
What happens if a backup fails?
Handy Backup logs errors, sends notifications if configured, and allows you to retry the task or run a manual backup after addressing the issue.