OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe

What is OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe?

onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe is the updater executable for the Microsoft OneDrive Standalone client. It runs in the background to check for new versions, download updates, and apply patches to keep the OneDrive experience secure and stable.

It uses a lightweight updater service that triggers during idle moments or startup to minimize impact on syncing. The updater operates with sandboxed tasks and checks for version compatibility with the installed OneDrive client.

Types of Updater Processes

• Updater Process: Core process that checks for and applies OneDrive Standalone updates
• Background Task: Runs periodically to perform update checks without user interaction
• Update Installer Task: Installs downloaded update packages for the OneDrive Standalone client
• Silent Helper: Handles silent patching to minimize disruption to active syncing
• Startup Monitor: Occasionally runs on Windows startup to verify update integrity

Is onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe Safe?

Yes, onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Microsoft and located in the official OneDrive directory.

Is onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe a Virus or Malware?

The legitimate file is not a virus. Malware can disguise itself with similar names; always verify location and signature.

How to Tell if onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Microsoft OneDrive\Update\OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Microsoft OneDrive\Update\OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from Microsoft Corporation.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is typically low (CPU 0-10%, memory 10-60 MB) and short-lived during checks. Constant high usage is suspicious.
4. Behavior: Should run during update checks or startup, not continuously and without user action.

Why Is onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe Running on My PC?

onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe runs to ensure the OneDrive Standalone client stays up to date and secure. It may start at boot or during active syncing to apply patches.

Reasons it's running:

• Active OneDrive Sync: Files are being synchronized; the updater may check for updates as part of the background maintenance.
• Background Update Checks: The updater periodically checks for new versions even when the user is not actively using OneDrive.
• Startup Launch: OneDrive Standalone Updater may start automatically on Windows startup to verify updates early.
• Scheduled Maintenance: Scheduled tasks or maintenance windows trigger updater activity to minimize impact on performance.
• Version Drift Prevention: To prevent running an outdated client, the updater ensures patches and security fixes are applied promptly.

Can I Disable or Remove onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe?

Yes, you can disable the updater, but doing so may prevent OneDrive from receiving updates. Disabling is sometimes used to reduce background activity, but keep in mind security and functionality may be impacted.

How to Stop onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe

• Disable Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab → find OneDrive Standalone Updater and select Disable
• Pause Updates in OneDrive Settings: Open OneDrive settings → Settings → pause update checks if available (not all builds expose this option)
• End Updater Tasks: Open Task Manager → Processes tab → locate OneDriveStandaloneUpdater.exe and End Task
• Disable Background Apps: Windows Settings → Privacy & Security → Background apps → disable OneDrive Standalone Updater if present
• Stop Related Scheduler Tasks: Open Task Scheduler → Microsoft > Windows > OneDrive Standalone Updater and disable the task

How to Uninstall OneDrive Standalone Updater

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → OneDrive Standalone Updater → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → OneDrive Standalone Updater → Uninstall
• ✔ Note: This may remove update capability for OneDrive Standalone; ensure you still have OneDrive client installed if needed

Common Problems: Update Failures or Background Activity

If onedrivestandaloneupdater.exe is behaving oddly, here are frequent causes and practical fixes specific to the OneDrive Standalone Updater.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Failed Update Check: Ensure internet connectivity, run Windows Update, and re-run the updater or manually check for updates in OneDrive settings.
• Frequent High CPU/Memory: Limit background activity by disabling unnecessary OneDrive features, close redundant syncing tasks, and check for conflicting extensions or antivirus interference.
• Invalid or Missing Signature: Verify file location and digital signature. Restore from official Microsoft sources if tampering is suspected.
• Conflict with Antivirus: Add the updater path to the antivirus allowlist and ensure real-time protection isn’t aggressively interfering.
• Outdated Updater: Manually check for updates or reinstall OneDrive Standalone to reset the updater component.
• Update Fails Quietly in Background: Review Windows Event Viewer for updater-related events, clear updater cache if applicable, and retry the update process.

Related Processes