What is MEGASync.exe?
megasync.exe is the executable for MEGASync, the official cloud-sync client from MEGA. It runs as a background service that monitors your MEGA-linked local folders and synchronizes changes to the Mega cloud, using multiple processes to ensure reliable transfers and quick responsiveness.
MEGASync employs a multi-process design with a central client and dedicated workers for watching folders, transferring files, and handling UI tasks to maintain smooth, encrypted synchronization with MEGA.
Quick Fact: MEGASync supports selective sync and encrypted transfers, enabling efficient syncing of only chosen folders with MEGA.
Types of MEGASync Processes
- Client Process: Main MEGASync window and user interface (1 instance)
- Sync Engine: Core transfer and conflict resolution (handles uploads/downloads)
- Folder Watcher: Monitors linked folders for changes to queue for sync
- Uploader Process: Handles chunked uploads to MEGA cloud
- Downloader Process: Handles file downloads from MEGA cloud
- Tray/Background Service: System tray icon and background sync tasks
Is megasync.exe Safe?
Yes, megasync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from MEGA downloaded from official sources (mega.nz or MEGASync installer).
Is megasync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real megasync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to mislead users.
How to Tell if megasync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\MEGASync\MEGASync.exe or C:\Program Files\MEGASync\MEGASync.exe. Any megasync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Mega Limited".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-25% CPU during active sync, 80-350 MB memory. Persistent high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: MEGASync should run when syncing or when the UI is open. No linked folders or continued background activity without reason is suspicious.
Red Flags: If megasync.exe is found in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when Windows is idle, lacks a valid signature, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files like "megasync32.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is megasync.exe Running on My PC?
MEGASync runs to keep your local MEGA-linked folders synchronized with the cloud. It may run continuously in the background or start on user login to maintain up-to-date copies.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync or Transfers: Files are currently uploading or downloading between your PC and the MEGA cloud.
- Background Sync Enabled: MEGASync is configured to continue syncing even when the main UI is closed.
- Startup Program: MEGASync is set to launch at Windows startup to ensure folders stay in sync.
- Folder Monitoring: Linked folders are being watched for changes to queue for sync automatically.
- Conflict Resolution: MEGASync handles file conflicts by creating conflict copies or renaming files during sync.
Can I Disable or Remove megasync.exe?
Yes, you can disable megasync.exe. It's safe to pause or stop syncing, and you can uninstall MEGASync if you prefer another solution.
How to Stop megasync.exe
- Pause or Quit via UI: Open MEGASync and use the Pause/Exit options to stop syncing.
- Close Tasks: Right-click the MEGASync tray icon and choose Quit.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable MEGASync
- Pause Background Sync: In MEGASync settings, disable 'Continue running background apps when MEGASync is closed'.
- Check for Other Instances: Ensure no background helper processes remain; terminate via Task Manager if needed.
How to Uninstall MEGASync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → MEGASync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → MEGASync → Uninstall
- ✔ Consider using MEGA web interface or another sync client if you still need cloud access
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If megasync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large or numerous files in linked folders: Pause syncing for large folders, or exclude non-essential directories from syncing in MEGASync settings.
- Background synchronization enabled for idle folders: Limit or pause background syncing and re-evaluate which folders are linked.
- Antivirus interference: Add MEGASync to antivirus exclusions and ensure real-time protection isn't scanning files excessively.
- Outdated MEGASync version: Update MEGASync to the latest version from the official MEGA site.
- Network throttling or poor connectivity: Check network, reduce bandwidth limits in MEGASync settings, or pause syncing during heavy network usage.
- Corrupted local sync database: Rescan or re-link folders in MEGASync, or reinstall MEGASync after backing up settings.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open MEGASync Task Manager (or tray icon) and identify heavy syncing tasks
2. Pause syncing for large transfers or folders
3. Update MEGASync to the latest version
4. Exclude unnecessary folders from sync
5. Ensure MEGASync is allowed by antivirus and has network access
Frequently Asked Questions
Is megasync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate megasync.exe from MEGA is not a virus. Verify the file path is in C:\Program Files (x86)\MEGASync\MEGASync.exe or C:\Program Files\MEGASync\MEGASync.exe and that the digital signature shows 'Mega Limited'.
Why is megasync.exe running in the background?
MEGASync runs in the background to keep your linked folders synchronized with MEGA. It monitors file changes and uploads/downloads as needed, even when the main UI is closed.
Where is megasync.exe located?
Typical locations are C:\Program Files (x86)\MEGASync\MEGASync.exe or C:\Program Files\MEGASync\MEGASync.exe. If you find megasync.exe elsewhere, verify the source and signature.
How do I disable megasync from starting at boot?
Open Task Manager > Startup tab, locate MEGASync, and click Disable. You can also disable in MEGASync settings > General > Start at Windows startup.
Can I uninstall MEGASync but still access MEGA storage online?
Yes. Uninstall MEGASync if you prefer another client, but your MEGA cloud storage remains accessible via the web interface or another MEGA app.
How do I change the folders MEGASync watches?
Open MEGASync > Settings > Syncs, and add or remove linked folders. Remove folders you don’t want to sync, then re-check your sync configuration.