Quick Answer
notes-sync-service.exe is a legitimate Windows service. It runs in the background to synchronize notes across devices, handle offline changes, and keep data consistent with your cloud account.
What is notes-sync-service.exe?
notes-sync-service.exe is the background component that keeps your notes synchronized across devices and apps. It monitors local notes, queues changes, transmits updates to the cloud, resolves conflicts, and ensures encrypted data transfer so you can access the latest versions on any device without manual syncing.
It runs as a Windows service and uses delta-based syncing over TLS to the provider backend, applying changes locally and on other devices while preserving version history and offline queue support.
Quick Fact: Notes-sync-service uses delta-based syncing with end-to-end encryption to minimize data transfer while preserving data integrity across devices.
Types of Notes Sync Processes
- Sync Engine (Main Service): Orchestrates delta syncs and queue processing
- Indexing/Note Scanner: Scans local notes for changes to detect deltas
- Background Networking: Maintains TLS connections and API requests
- Conflict Resolver: Merges concurrent edits using a CRDT-like approach
- Notification/Update Pinger: Pushes remote updates and UI refresh signals
- Logging/Diagnostics: Captures events for troubleshooting and auditing
Is notes-sync-service Safe?
Yes, notes-sync-service is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official provider downloaded from official sources.
Is notes-sync-service a Virus or Malware?
The real notes-sync-service is NOT a virus. However, malware may masquerade with similar names. Verify via location and signature.
How to Tell if notes-sync-service is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\\Program Files\\NotesSync\\notes-sync-service.exe or C:\\Program Files (x86)\\NotesSync\\notes-sync-service.exe. Any other location is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the exe BB Properties BB Digital Signatures. Should display a signer like "Notes Sync Team" or the official vendor.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU per process and 20-120 MB memory. Constant high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: The service should run in background and only activate sync when you or a device triggers changes.
Red Flags: If the executable is located outside the Program Files path, lacks a valid digital signature, runs when you aren't syncing, or uses resources constantly, scan with antivirus and verify with vendor support.
Why Is notes-sync-service Running on My PC?
notes-sync-service runs when you install the Notes app or when you enable automatic sync. It stays resident to monitor changes and keep data consistent across devices.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Note Edits Across Devices: You or collaborators are editing notes on another device, triggering the sync engine to propagate changes.
- Background Sync Enabled: The service is configured to sync in the background to minimize manual triggers.
- Startup Auto-Launch: Notes Sync is configured to start with Windows or user login to ensure availability.
- Offline Queue and Retry Logic: Even when offline, the service queues changes and processes them when network returns.
- Conflict Resolution and Version History: The engine resolves conflicts and stores version history, which keeps it active during sync cycles.
Can I Disable or Remove notes-sync-service?
Yes, you can disable notes-sync-service. It's safe to disable sync when not needed, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer another solution.
How to Stop notes-sync-service
- Stop the Windows Service: Open services.msc, locate Notes Sync Service, click Stop.
- Pause in App UI: If available, use the app's sync panel to pause automatic syncing.
- Disable Startup: In Task Manager > Startup tab, locate 'Notes Sync Service' and set Disabled.
- Turn Off Background Sync: In Settings > Sync, toggle off 'Continue running in background' or similar option.
- Uninstall: Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features > Notes Sync > Uninstall
How to Uninstall Notes Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Notes Sync -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Notes Sync -> Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative note apps: OneNote, Obsidian, Evernote
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If notes-sync-service is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Local Notes or Large Attachments: Archive old notes or exclude large attachments from syncing when possible; monitor with the app's indexer.
- Resource-Heavy Background Tasks: Review active devices and disable unnecessary devices from the sync settings.
- Conflict-heavy Edits: Resolve conflicts in the sync UI and ensure version history is properly managed.
- Outdated Software: Update to the latest version: Settings > Help > Check for updates.
- Excessive Logging: Limit log verbosity in settings or rotate log files.
- Poor Network Conditions: Stabilize network connection or schedule sync for when bandwidth is available.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open the sync dashboard and identify high-usage notes or devices
2. Pause active syncing and restart the service
3. Check for updates and install the latest version
4. Clear application cache or local data related to sync
5. Rebuild the note index and re-enable syncing
Frequently Asked Questions
Is notes-sync-service safe to run on my machine?
Yes. It is designed to run as a background sync service for notes. Ensure it is downloaded from the official provider and located in C:\Program Files\NotesSync or C:\Program Files (x86)\NotesSync with a valid digital signature.
How does notes-sync-service sync my notes across devices?
It monitors local notes, queues changes, and sends deltas to the cloud over TLS. Changes are applied to other devices signed into the same account, preserving version history.
Can I disable it from starting with Windows?
Yes. Use Task Manager > Startup to disable, or stop the Windows service via services.msc. You can re-enable later if needed.
Why is notes-sync-service consuming CPU when idle?
Occasional background checks or pending sync operations can cause brief CPU spikes. Check for stuck or conflicting edits and ensure you are on the latest version.
Will uninstalling notes-sync-service delete my notes?
Uninstalling removes the sync client, but your notes stored in the cloud or local app data may persist. If you want to wipe local data, follow the backup/restore options in the app.
How can I reduce resource usage by notes-sync-service?
Limit active devices, disable non-essential sync features, reindex less frequently, update software, and consider enabling a low-power or memory-saver mode if available.