What is password-manager-sync.exe?
Password Manager Sync Service is the background executable that coordinates vault encryption keys, encrypted data transfer, and cross-device synchronization for your password manager. It runs as a background process to maintain up-to-date credentials across devices.
The process communicates with cloud servers using TLS, handles queueing of vault changes, and distributes updates to connected devices while maintaining isolation between vault data and the host system.
Quick Fact: The sync service ensures end-to-end encrypted vault data and minimizes user-perceived latency by streaming updates.
Types of Password Manager Processes
- Sync Engine: Core service that handles encrypted vault synchronization
- Key Exchange: Manages cryptographic key rotation with cloud
- Queue Manager: Tracks and schedules vault change delivery
- Background UI Agent: Interfaces with tray/icon and status updates
- Telemetry Processor: Collects and reports anonymized usage metrics
- Updater: Checks for and applies sync-service updates
Is password-manager-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, password-manager-sync.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Password Manager, downloaded from official sources, and signed by a trusted vendor.
Is password-manager-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real password-manager-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if password-manager-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Password Manager\Sync\password-manager-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Password Manager\Sync\password-manager-sync.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click password-manager-sync.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show the vendor as "Password Manager, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-8% CPU and 40-150 MB memory while idle. Constant very high usage or spikes when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should run in the background only when sync is enabled. Long-term idle high CPU is a red flag.
Red Flags: If password-manager-sync.exe is found outside the official program directory, lacks a valid signature, or shows unusual network activity, run a full antivirus scan and compare with official installer hashes.
Why Is password-manager-sync.exe Running on My PC?
This service runs to coordinate vault changes between devices and push updates securely. It may run even when the app UI is closed to maintain syncing.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Device Sync: Vault changes are being synchronized across devices; the service handles crypto and data transfer.
- Background Sync Enabled: Sync is configured to operate in the background to keep vaults up to date without UI prompts.
- Startup or Scheduled Tasks: Windows may launch the sync service at login for seamless syncing.
- Key Rotation or Security Checks: Regular cryptographic key rotation tasks and security checks run periodically.
- Maintenance Tasks: Updates, health checks, and telemetry processing can run in the background.
Can I Disable or Remove password-manager-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable password-manager-sync.exe. Disabling may stop cross-device syncing until re-enabled. You can also disable startup or uninstall the password manager software.
How to Stop password-manager-sync.exe
- Pause Sync in App: Open the password manager app and toggle off Sync, or sign out from all devices.
- Close App UI: Quit the password manager application to stop background sync tasks.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup > disable Password Manager Sync
- Stop Windows Service (if applicable): Open services.msc, locate Password Manager Sync Service, set Startup type to Disabled.
- Block Network (last resort): Temporarily block outbound connections for the sync binary via firewall rules.
How to Uninstall Password Manager
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Password Manager -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Password Manager -> Uninstall
- ✔ Backup vault data before uninstall if you plan to switch providers
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If password-manager-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Active Synchronization: Normal during active device sync. If usage remains high, check devices and network status.
- Stuck Change Queue: Clear stuck vault changes by opening the app and forcing a resync.
- Background Extensions or Integrations: Disable or configure integrations that trigger heavy sync activity.
- Network Latency: Poor network can cause retries; ensure stable connection.
- Outdated Software: Update to latest app and sync service.
- Corrupted Vault Data: Repair vault or restore from a recent backup via the app's recovery options.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open the password manager app and review sync status
2. Pause or resume sync to test behavior
3. Check network connectivity
4. Update to the latest version
5. Clear localized cache for vault data if available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is password-manager-sync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate password-manager-sync.exe is part of the official password manager package and should reside in C:\Program Files\Password Manager\Sync with a valid digital signature.
Why is password-manager-sync.exe running all the time?
The service runs to keep vault data in sync across devices and to perform background checks, updates, and cryptographic tasks necessary for secure sync.
Can I disable or uninstall?
Yes. Disable sync in the app, stop the Windows service if present, or uninstall the password manager suite. Note data may not sync across devices.
Where is it installed?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Password Manager\Sync or C:\Program Files (x86)\Password Manager\Sync, depending on system architecture.
What should I do if it spikes CPU?
Identify whether a specific vault, device, or extension causes heavy usage. Pause sync, update, or contact support if the issue persists.
Can I keep it disabled permanently?
You can disable sync, but you may lose cross-device functionality. Re-enable when needed.