idrivesync.exe

What is idrivesync.exe?

idrivesync.exe is the executable for IDrive Sync Desktop Client. IDrive Sync uses a local client that monitors designated folders and uploads changes to your IDrive cloud, offering real-time or scheduled sync, selective sync, and versioning. It runs in the background to keep files up to date.

The process manages file monitoring, transfer retries, encryption, and conflict resolution across a network connection, using a lightweight multi-threaded model to minimize impact on active tasks.

Types of IDrive Sync Processes

• Client Process: Main IDrive Sync window and control interface (1 instance)
• Sync Engine: Uploads/downloads and delta detection for file changes
• Background Service: Runs in the background to monitor folders and queue transfers
• Update & Scheduler: Checks for updates and schedules sync tasks
• File Watcher: Monitors filesystem events for designated sync roots
• Security & Encryption Thread: Handles client-side encryption before transfer

Is idrivesync.exe Safe?

Yes, idrivesync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from IDrive, downloaded from official sources (idrive.com) or installed via the official client.

Is idrivesync.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real idrivesync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names.

How to Tell if idrivesync.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\IDrive\IDriveSync\idrivesync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\IDrive\IDriveSync\idrivesync.exe. Any idrivesync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the executable in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from "IDrive, Inc.".
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically modest when idle; during active sync it may spike temporarily.
4. Behavior: IDrive Sync should run when the client is active or Windows starts, not continuously without user interaction.

Why Is idrivesync.exe Running on My PC?

idrivesync.exe runs when IDrive Sync is active or when Windows is configured to launch it at startup. It may also run during background backups and when monitoring changes.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Sync: You're actively syncing or a folder is being monitored; the client keeps the cloud up to date.
• Background Sync Enabled: Background tasks for continuous backup and versioning occur even when the main window is closed.
• Startup Launch: Windows startup entry or sign-in triggers the sync client to initialize quietly in the background.
• Selective Sync: If you configured selective sync, the process watches specified folders for changes and queues transfers.
• Scheduled/Auto-Update Jobs: The client runs scheduled tasks, including update checks and re-queuing transfers after local changes.

Can I Disable or Remove idrivesync.exe?

Yes, you can disable idrivesync.exe. It's safe to pause syncing when not needed, and you can uninstall the client if you prefer another solution.

How to Stop idrivesync.exe

• End Sync Tasks: In IDrive Sync UI, pause or cancel active transfers; or use Task Manager to End Task for idrivesync.exe.
• Quit the Client: From the system tray, right-click IDrive Sync and choose Exit or Quit.
• Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable IDrive Sync.
• Stop Background Sync: In IDrive Sync Settings → Preferences → Background Sync, turn off the option.
• Disable Scheduling: In IDrive Sync Settings → Schedule, disable automatic sync.

How to Uninstall IDrive Sync

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → IDrive Sync → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → IDrive Sync → Uninstall
• ✔ Delete residual folders: C:\Program Files\IDrive\IDriveSync, C:\ProgramData\IDrive, C:\Users\Public\Documents\IDrive Sync

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If idrivesync.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Files or Large File Sets: Pause syncing, check the Pending queue in the IDrive UI, and re-run selective sync to limit scope.
• Resource-Heavy Folders: Exclude non-critical folders from syncing via Selective Sync and pause during heavy workloads.
• Bandwidth-Intensive Uploads: Limit upload bandwidth in IDrive Sync settings or schedule heavy transfers for off-peak times.
• Outdated Client: Update IDrive Sync to the latest version to fix leaks and performance issues.
• Conflicting Extensions or Apps: Disable other cloud-sync apps and third-party backup tools that may compete for network resources.
• Corrupted Cache: Clear IDrive Sync cache via Settings → Advanced → Clear Cache, then restart the client.

Related Processes