Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Should be located in C:\Program Files\NotesSync\NotesSync.exe
Warning
Background activity is normal
Notes Sync runs in the background to keep data current; multiple background tasks may run during sync
Can I Disable?
YES
You can disable Notes Sync from the app settings or Windows startup
What is notes-sync.exe?
notes-sync.exe is the Windows executable for the Notes Sync application. It runs as a background service to keep your notes synchronized across devices, handle secure data transfer, and apply offline edits when you reconnect. Depending on settings, it may start at boot or run on-demand.
It uses a local cache and sync engine, communicates with cloud endpoints over TLS, and employs a pool of worker threads to process changes, resolve conflicts, and apply remote edits without interrupting foreground work.
Quick Fact: Notes Sync pioneered cross-device note synchronization, enabling offline edits with automatic conflict resolution.
Types of Notes Sync Processes
- Sync Engine: Core component that coordinates data changes with the cloud
- Background Task: Periodic workers that perform uploads/downloads
- Conflict Resolver: Merges concurrent edits from multiple devices
- Local Cache Manager: Maintains the note cache and search index locally
- Offline Queue Processor: Processes queued changes when the network becomes available
- Cloud API Worker: Handles authenticated calls to the Notes Sync cloud service
Is notes-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, notes-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from NoteTech Ltd downloaded from official sources.
Is notes-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real notes-sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate names to mislead users.
How to Tell if notes-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\NotesSync\NotesSync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\NotesSync\NotesSync.exe. Any notes-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show NoteTech Ltd as the signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-15% CPU and 60-180 MB RAM when syncing. Persistent high usage outside active sync is suspicious.
- Behavior: Notes Sync should run as a background service with visible activity during sync. Continuous high activity without a reason warrants a malware check.
Red Flags: If notes-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (e.g., Temp, AppData\Roaming), runs when you haven’t installed Notes Sync, has no digital signature, or uses unusual network activity constantly, run a full antivirus scan. Beware of similarly-named files like "notes-sync_x86.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is notes-sync.exe Running on My PC?
notes-sync.exe runs to keep your local notes synchronized with the cloud, handle changes, and ensure data remains current across devices and platforms.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync or Note Editing: You're actively editing or syncing notes; the engine runs in the background to upload changes and fetch updates.
- Background Sync Enabled: The app is configured to run in the background so it can sync automatically even when the UI is minimized.
- Startup Launch: Notes Sync is configured to start with Windows or user login, so the process appears at startup.
- Offline Changes Queue: Edits made offline are queued and processed when network access returns, keeping local and cloud data in sync.
- Background Services/Watchers: Indexing, search updates, and watch services run in background to support fast access and cross-device syncing.
Can I Disable or Remove notes-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable notes-sync.exe. You can stop syncing, prevent startup, or uninstall Notes Sync entirely if you prefer a different solution.
How to Stop notes-sync.exe
- Pause or End Sync Tasks: Open Notes Sync tray icon or UI and choose 'Pause Sync' or 'Stop All' to halt syncing.
- Close the Application: Close the main Notes Sync window to stop active processes.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Notes Sync
- Stop Background Tasks: Settings > General > Background Sync > Turn off
- Stop the Service: Open Services (services.msc), locate 'Notes Sync Service', right-click > Stop
How to Uninstall Notes Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Notes Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Notes Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after the uninstallation completes
Common Problems: Sync Failures or High Resource Use
If notes-sync.exe is having issues, try the following targeted fixes to restore normal operation.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Devices or Large Offline Queue: Pause syncing on less-used devices, and clear local queues in the app settings.
- Outdated Notes Sync Version: Update Notes Sync to the latest version via Settings → Help → Check for updates.
- Network or Firewall Block: Ensure network access and allow Notes Sync through the firewall; test with VPN off.
- Corrupted Local Cache: Clear local cache in Settings → Data & Cache → Clear Local Cache.
- Authentication Failure: Sign out and sign back in to re-authenticate your cloud account.
- Antivirus Interference: Exclude Notes Sync directories from real-time scanning and ensure the process is trusted.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Notes Sync tray icon and use 'Pause Sync' to halt heavy activity
2. Restart Notes Sync from the tray or Task Manager
3. Check for updates and apply them if available
4. Clear local cache from Settings > Data & Cache
5. Disable startup to prevent auto-launch on boot
Frequently Asked Questions
Is notes-sync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate notes-sync.exe from NoteTech Ltd is not a virus. Verify its location in C:\Program Files\NotesSync\NotesSync.exe and ensure it has a valid digital signature from NoteTech Ltd.
Why is notes-sync.exe using CPU when I’m not actively using Notes Sync?
Notes Sync can run background tasks to check for updates or process offline edits. If usage seems excessive, open the app’s task manager view and pause syncing, then investigate active devices.
Can I delete notes-sync.exe?
You can uninstall Notes Sync via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Deleting the executable directly can leave orphaned files; use the standard uninstall flow.
Can I disable notes-sync.exe from starting at Windows startup?
Yes. Use Task Manager > Startup tab to disable Notes Sync, or disable the service in services.msc. This won’t remove the app, it only stops auto-start.
Why are there multiple notes-sync.exe processes shown in Task Manager?
Notes Sync uses a multi-process architecture: a main UI, background sync, and various helper components. This helps reliability and performance during syncing.
How do I troubleshoot sync problems across multiple devices?
Verify account sign-in on all devices, ensure network access, update to the latest version, and review the app’s sync history in Settings to identify failing devices or queues.