What is OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe?
OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe is the executable that updates the OneDrive client in the background. It runs when OneDrive is installed and periodically checks for new versions to download and apply without surfacing to the user.
This updater operates as a lightweight background service that contacts Microsoft servers, validates signatures, downloads update packages, and triggers the OneDrive client to install updates automatically.
Quick Fact: The updater helps ensure security and feature parity across devices by delivering timely OneDrive client updates.
Types of OneDrive Update Processes
- Updater Process: Core background updater that checks for new OneDrive versions
- Background Sync Trigger: Signals OneDrive to apply updates during idle periods
Is onedrive-standalone-updater.exe Safe?
Yes, onedrive-standalone-updater.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft downloaded from official sources (onedrive.live.com or Microsoft Update).
Is onedrive-standalone-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real updater is NOT a virus. Malware might masquerade with similar names; verify location and signature.
How to Tell if onedrive-standalone-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\Update\OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\Update\OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe. Other paths are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from
Microsoft Corporation.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low during idle times; brief spikes during updates are normal.
- Behavior: Updater should run in the background and not prompt for user input.
Red Flags: If the file is outside the Update folder, lacks a valid signature, or shows signs of tampering, scan with antivirus and compare hash.
Why Is onedrive-standalone-updater.exe Running on My PC?
The updater runs to ensure the OneDrive client remains current with the latest features, performance, and security patches. It may start during boot and run intermittently.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Update Check: The updater periodically checks Microsoft servers for newer OneDrive versions.
- Background Update Scheduling: It can run during idle moments to download and stage updates without interrupting syncing.
- Startup Initialization: When Windows starts, OneDrive may spawn the updater to validate version and prepare updates.
- Partial Update Rollouts: During staged rollouts, the updater may run more frequently to apply new bits to the app.
- Resource Consolidation: It coordinates with OneDrive to minimize resource contention while updating.
Can I Disable or Remove onedrive-standalone-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable the updater, but this may delay or prevent updates. If you prefer to manage updates manually, you can disable startup or the background services, but keep in mind security and feature improvements may be missed.
How to Stop onedrive-standalone-updater.exe
- End Updater from Task Manager: Open Task Manager, locate OneDrive Standalone Updater or OneDriveUpdater, and End Task.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable OneDrive Standalone Updater.
- Pause Background Updates: Within OneDrive settings, disable 'Update automatically' if available.
- Uninstall OneDrive: If you no longer use OneDrive, uninstall from Settings → Apps.
- Re-enable When Needed: You can re-enable later if you want to receive updates automatically.
How to Uninstall OneDrive Standalone Updater
- ✔ There is no separate uninstall for the updater itself; update can be managed by adjusting OneDrive update settings or by reinstalling the OneDrive client.
- ✔ To fully remove OneDrive, remove the OneDrive product from Apps & Features and optionally remove leftover Update folders.
Common Problems: Update Failures or Spinning Updater
If the updater isn't functioning properly or consumes unusual resources, try these steps.
Common Causes & Solutions
- No Internet Connection: Ensure a stable Internet connection and allow the updater to reach Microsoft update servers.
- Update Cache Corrupted: Clear updater cache or reset OneDrive update state, then re-run OneDrive.
- Outdated Updater: Ensure OneDrive is updated by downloading latest OneDrive installer from Microsoft.
- Antivirus Interference: Exclude the OneDrive Update folder from real-time scanning.
- Conflicting Startup Programs: Disable other startup updater entries that may conflict with OneDrive's updater.
- Disk Permissions: Run as Administrator or ensure the Update folder has write permissions for the user.
Quick Fixes:
1. Check Internet connectivity
2. Restart OneDrive and the updater
3. Pause updates in OneDrive settings
4. Update to the latest OneDrive client
5. Run a malware scan if abnormal activity is observed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is onedrive-standalone-updater.exe safe?
Yes, as long as the file is located in C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\Update\ and signed by Microsoft Corporation. Malware can mimic names, so verify signature.
Why is the updater running even when I’m not using OneDrive?
The updater may run in the background to prepare updates and apply them when idle. This helps keep OneDrive secure and current.
Can I disable the updater?
Yes, you can disable startup or close it in Task Manager. Note that updates may not install automatically.
How do I verify the updater is authentic?
Check the file location, digital signatures (Microsoft Corporation), and ensure the file hash matches Microsoft values.
What happens if the updater fails to update?
OneDrive continues to function, but you may not receive the latest features or security fixes until the updater completes.
Where is OneDrive Standalone Updater located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\Update or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\Update.