mega-sync.exe

MEGA Cloud Storage Sync Client

Application ProcessSafeCloud Sync Client

CPU Usage

1-15%

Memory

50-300 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\Mega Limited\MegaSync

Publisher

MEGA Limited

Quick Answer

mega-sync.exe is safe. It's MEGA's official desktop sync client that keeps local folders in sync with your MEGA cloud storage using a background sync engine and per-folder watchers.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in C:\Program Files\Mega Limited\MegaSync\mega-sync.exe

Warning

Many processes normal

Each sync task and watched folder may run as separate processes

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close MEGA Sync UI to pause syncing; disable startup if needed

What is mega-sync.exe?

mega-sync.exe is the executable for the MEGA Sync Client. It keeps your local folders synchronized with your MEGA cloud storage by monitoring file changes, uploading new files, and downloading updates. It runs in the background to ensure your files stay current even when you aren’t actively using the app.

MEGA Sync uses a multi-process architecture: a UI process coordinates tasks, a background sync daemon handles transfers, and folder watchers monitor local changes. This separation improves stability during concurrent uploads and downloads and helps recover from errors without locking the UI.

Quick Fact: MEGA introduced robust client-side sync with per-folder watchers to minimize data loss during network hiccups.

Types of Mega Sync Processes

UI Process: Main window, settings, and user interactions
Sync Engine: Transfers files between local folders and MEGA cloud
Watcher Service: Monitors file system changes to trigger sync
Background Service: Keeps network tasks alive for upload/download
Update/Installer Helper: Handles updates and initial setup

Is mega-sync.exe Safe?

Yes, mega-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from MEGA Limited downloaded from official sources (mega.nz or bundled with the MEGA app).

Is mega-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?

The genuine mega-sync.exe is not malware. Malware may imitate names. Always verify file location and signature.

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

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Mega Limited\MegaSync\mega-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Mega Limited\MegaSync\mega-sync.exe. Any mega-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "MEGA Limited" as the signer.
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU per process and 50-300 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: MEGA Sync should run in the background when syncing. Regular background activity with no user action could indicate malware.

Red Flags: If mega-sync.exe is located outside the Program Files path, runs at startup without MEGA installed, lacks a digital signature, or uses constant high resources, scan with antivirus and verify the source.

Why Is mega-sync.exe Running on My PC?

mega-sync.exe runs when MEGA Sync is active or configured to monitor and transfer files. It can run on startup or in the background to keep folders in sync.

Reasons it's running:

Active Sync Operation: The client is actively uploading or downloading files between your local folders and the MEGA cloud.
Background Sync for Shared Folders: If you enabled syncing for multiple folders, separate watchers may run to handle each folder's changes.
Startup or Background Services: MEGA Sync may be configured to launch at Windows startup or remain resident for quick syncing.
Automatic Cloud Changes: Collaborators modifying cloud files can trigger local updates, keeping your copies in sync.
Initial Indexing: On first launch or after a reinstall, MEGA Sync may index large cloud drives which starts additional background tasks.

Can I Disable or Remove mega-sync.exe?

Yes, you can disable mega-sync.exe. It's safe to close MEGA Sync when not in use; you may uninstall it or disable startup to stop automatic syncing.

How to Stop mega-sync.exe

End Sync Tasks: In MEGA Sync, use the Pause/Stop option to halt active transfers.
Close the Client: Quit MEGA Sync from the system tray or the application's menu.
End All Processes: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), find mega-sync.exe, right-click → End Task
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable MEGA Sync
Stop Background Apps: MEGA Sync Settings → General → Disable 'Launch on startup' or similar option

How to Uninstall MEGA Sync

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MEGA Sync → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MEGA Sync → Uninstall
✔ Consider alternative cloud solutions if you need different sync behavior

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If mega-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too many folders syncing: Limit the number of synced folders in MEGA Sync settings.
Resource-heavy folders: Pause syncing for large or active folders; exclude large media folders if not needed.
Outdated MEGA Sync version: Update to the latest version from the official MEGA site or app.
Background indexing: Allow initial indexing to complete; reduce resource use by enabling a lower sync cadence.
Conflicting extensions or apps: Temporarily disable other backup/sync tools to identify conflicts.
Hardware acceleration issues: Disable hardware acceleration in MEGA Sync settings if available.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open MEGA Sync Task Manager and identify heavy tasks
2. Pause syncing for large files or folders
3. Restart MEGA Sync
4. Update to the latest version
5. If issues persist, reinstall MEGA Sync from the official site

Frequently Asked Questions

Is mega-sync.exe safe?

Yes. The legitimate mega-sync.exe is part of MEGA's official desktop client. Verify the file path is in C:\Program Files\Mega Limited\MegaSync and that the digital signature shows MEGA Limited.

Why is mega-sync.exe using so much CPU?

High usage usually occurs during active uploads/downloads, initial indexing, or when syncing large files. Use MEGA Sync Task Manager to identify the culprit and pause or resume as needed.

Can I delete mega-sync.exe?

You can uninstall MEGA Sync via Windows Settings → Apps. Deleting the executable alone may break syncing; uninstall completely to remove the client.

Can I disable mega-sync.exe?

Yes. You can disable startup, pause syncing, or quit the app. To stop background syncing, disable 'launch on startup' in settings and exit from the system tray.

Why does MEGA Sync start at startup?

MEGA Sync may be configured to launch at Windows startup to enable immediate syncing of changes. Disable it in Task Manager's Startup tab or MEGA Sync settings.

How do I change the local sync folder?

Open MEGA Sync, go to Settings → Sync, and change the local folder path for the desired synced directory. Re-select the cloud folder if necessary and confirm.