Quick Answer
onedrive-updater.exe is safe. It's Microsoft's official updater for OneDrive. It runs in the background to fetch and apply OneDrive client updates, ensuring your cloud syncing stays secure and current.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDriveUpdater.exe
Warning
Background updater running
OneDriveUpdater may run briefly during update checks or when updates are being applied
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling updater may block automatic OneDrive updates; plan to update manually if needed
What is OneDriveUpdater.exe?
onedrive-updater.exe is the background updater component for Microsoft OneDrive. It checks for new OneDrive client updates, downloads them securely, and applies changes without interrupting file syncing. It runs automatically, typically with low CPU usage, and helps keep the cloud sync experience current and secure.
This updater queries Microsoft's update channel, validates signatures on downloaded packages, and applies incremental updates to the local OneDrive client. It runs as a low-priority background service and coordinates with the main OneDrive process to minimize user impact.
Quick Fact: OneDrive's updater operates in the background to ensure the client stays current without requiring frequent user intervention.
Types of OneDrive Updater Processes
- Updater Service: Main background updater that checks for updates and applies them
- Signature Verifier: Validates downloaded update packages
- Background Sync Helper: Coordinates silent checks while syncing
- Installer Runner: Runs the update installer in a controlled environment
- Telemetry/Status Reporter: Sends anonymous status of updates
- Crash Recovery Helper: Handles rollback if an update fails
Is onedrive-updater Safe?
Yes, onedrive-updater.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft downloaded from official sources (microsoft.com/onedrive or the built-in Windows OneDrive components).
Is onedrive-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real onedrive-updater.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if onedrive-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDriveUpdater.exe or in the standard OneDrive updater path. Any updater outside these locations is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer t Open file locationt Right-click OneDriveUpdater.exe t Properties t Digital Signatures. Should show "Microsoft Corporation".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low to moderate CPU (0.5-8%) and 60-240 MB memory during update checks. Consistently high usage outside updates is suspicious.
- Behavior: Updater should run only when checking for or applying updates. Persistent, unrelated activity may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If onedrive-updater.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when OneDrive isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "onedriveupdater2.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is onedrive-updater.exe Running on My PC?
onedrive-updater.exe runs to manage and apply updates for the OneDrive client, ensuring the synchronization service remains secure and up to date. It can also run briefly during startup to check for new versions.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Update Check: The updater checks for new OneDrive client updates to keep the application current.
- Background Update Application: When an update is downloaded, the updater coordinates the installation without user interaction.
- Scheduled Update Tasks: Update checks may be scheduled by OneDrive or Windows Task Scheduler to run periodically.
- Background Sync Coordination: The updater coordinates with the main OneDrive process to minimize disruption during file synchronization.
- IT/Policy-Driven Updates: In managed environments, administrator policies may trigger more frequent updater activity to enforce security fixes.
Can I Disable or Remove onedrive-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable updaters. If you disable updates, you may miss important security fixes. You can stop it temporarily, or uninstall OneDrive if you no longer need the service.
How to Stop onedrive-updater.exe
- End Individual Updater Task: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate OneDriveUpdater.exe, and End Task
- Quit OneDrive Client: Right-click the OneDrive cloud icon in the system tray and choose Quit OneDrive
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Microsoft OneDrive or OneDriveUpdater if present
- Disable Background Updates: OneDrive Settings > Settings > uncheck options related to starting automatically and background updating
- Uninstall Updater (not recommended): If you must stop updates entirely, you can uninstall OneDrive from Apps & Features, but this also removes the cloud client
How to Uninstall OneDrive Updater (via OneDrive client)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Microsoft OneDrive → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Microsoft OneDrive → Uninstall
- ✔ Reinstall OneDrive later if needed from https://www.microsoft.com/onedrive
Common Problems: Update Checks, CPU, and Memory
If onedrive-updater.exe is causing issues or high resource usage:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Frequent Update Checks: Review scheduled tasks and OneDrive settings to adjust the frequency or timeout of update checks.
- Large Update Downloads: Pause active syncs, allow the update to complete, then resume syncing.
- Background Extensions or Interference: Disable non-essential OneDrive extensions or third-party sync tools that may interact with updater activity.
- Outdated Updater: Ensure Windows and OneDrive are up to date; install the latest OneDrive update from Microsoft.
- Network or Firewall Blocking: Make sure the updater can reach Microsoft update servers (allow outbound traffic on required ports).
- Malformed Update Cache: Clear OneDrive updater cache or reset the updater via OneDrive Settings or Troubleshooter.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager and identify OneDriveUpdater.exe resource usage
2. Pause or resume syncing as needed
3. Update OneDrive to the latest version
4. Check Windows Update and OneDrive settings for automatic updates
5. If issues persist, reset OneDrive from Settings or reinstall
Frequently Asked Questions
Is onedrive-updater.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate onedrive-updater.exe is the Microsoft OneDrive updater. Verify it is located in C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive and has a signature from Microsoft Corporation.
Why is onedrive-updater.exe running so much?
The updater runs to check for and apply OneDrive client updates. It may run briefly during startup or while updates are installed; persistent activity outside update windows may indicate an issue.
Can I disable onedrive-updater.exe without affecting syncing?
Disabling updater may prevent automatic security updates. You can disable it temporarily or manage updates manually, but syncing should remain functional as long as OneDrive is installed.
Where is onedrive-updater.exe located?
Common location is C:\Users\%USERNAME%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\OneDrive\OneDriveUpdater.exe. Always verify the path and digital signature to confirm legitimacy.
What should I do if OneDriveUpdater.exe stops updating the client?
Check network access, ensure Windows/OneDrive are updated, restart OneDrive, and consider reinstalling OneDrive if updates continue to fail.
Is it safe to uninstall OneDrive Updater?
Uninstalling the updater will stop automatic OneDrive updates. You can still use OneDrive, but you may miss security fixes; re-install OneDrive to re-enable updates when needed.