What is pcloud-sync.exe?
pcloud-sync.exe is the core executable for the pCloud Desktop Sync Client. It runs in the background to monitor designated local folders, detect file changes, queue them for upload, and synchronize with your pCloud account. It keeps local and cloud copies aligned, handles conflicts, and manages transfer queues.
This background service watches configured folders, coordinates transfer queues, and communicates with pCloud servers over TLS/HTTPS. It uses a local cache to maintain data integrity during ongoing sync operations.
Quick Fact: pCloud pioneered cloud sync with continuous background operation, enabling seamless file updates across devices.
Types of pCloud Sync Processes
- Sync Engine Process: Core service that coordinates file changes and transfers
- File Watcher Process: Monitors designated folders for changes
- Cloud Communication Process: Handles TLS/HTTPS communication with pCloud servers
- Encryption/Integrity Process: Manages local caching and data integrity checks
- UI Helper Process: Supports the user interface and task management
- Maintenance/Updater Process: Performs updates and background maintenance
Is pcloud-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, pcloud-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from pCloud downloaded from official sources (pcloud.com or official app stores).
Is pcloud-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real pcloud-sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if pcloud-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\pCloud\pcloud-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\pCloud\pcloud-sync.exe. Any pcloud-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click pcloud-sync.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "pCloud AG".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-20% CPU per process, 100-400 MB total memory. Constantly high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: pCloud Sync should run when there are active sync tasks or Windows startup configuration. If it runs constantly without tasks, investigate.
Red Flags: If pcloud-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Local, or System32), runs when idle or has no valid signature, scan with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly named files like "pccloud.exe" or "pclouds.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is pcloud-sync.exe Running on My PC?
pcloud-sync.exe runs when you use the pCloud Desktop Sync Client or when the service is configured to run in the background.
Reasons it's running:
- Active File Sync: You're actively syncing files to or from pCloud; each change triggers transfers.
- Background Watcher and Tasks: The app runs background watchers, queue managers, and scheduled tasks for continuous sync.
- Startup and Background Services: pCloud is configured to launch at Windows startup to keep files up to date automatically.
- Device-to-Cloud Connectivity: The client maintains TLS connections to pCloud servers to check for updates and status.
- Data Integrity Checks: Periodic integrity checks and conflict resolution run in the background to prevent data loss.
Can I Disable or Remove pcloud-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable pcloud-sync.exe. It's safe to close the app when not actively syncing, and you can uninstall or disable startup to stop automatic syncing.
How to Stop pcloud-sync.exe
- End Individual Sync Tasks: Open the pCloud Desktop app and pause or cancel individual sync tasks
- Quit the Client: Use the tray icon to quit the pCloud Sync Client
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable pCloud Sync Client
- Pause Background Sync: In pCloud settings, turn off ‘Continue running background apps when pCloud is closed’
- Uninstall: Windows Settings → Apps → pCloud → Uninstall
How to Uninstall pCloud Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → pCloud → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → pCloud
- ✔ Restart your PC after uninstallation to remove leftover cache
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If pcloud-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large number of files or frequent changes in synced folders: Pause or limit sync, or selectively disable folders. Consider pairing with selective sync or ignoring tiny files.
- Background file watcher-heavy activity: Reduce watched folders and disable unnecessary watchers in pCloud settings.
- Outdated client: Update to the latest pCloud Desktop Sync Client from the official site.
- Conflicting extensions or antivirus interference: Temporarily disable conflicting extensions or whitelist pcloud-sync.exe in antivirus.
- Network throttling or bandwidth limits: Adjust sync bandwidth in settings or schedule syncing during off-peak hours.
- Hardware acceleration issues: Disable hardware acceleration in pCloud settings if available or update graphics drivers.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open pCloud Desktop app and pause syncing for heavy folders
2. Update to the latest pCloud Sync Client
3. Restart the pcloud-sync.exe process from Task Manager
4. Clear local cache if recommended by support
5. Limit concurrent transfers in settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is pcloud-sync.exe safe?
Yes, the legitimate pcloud-sync.exe from pCloud AG is safe when located in C:\Program Files\pCloud\pcloud-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\pCloud\pcloud-sync.exe and signed by pCloud AG.
Why is pcloud-sync.exe using network bandwidth?
Because the Desktop Sync Client keeps folders up to date with your pCloud cloud, uploading changes and downloading updates as needed.
Can I disable pcloud-sync.exe without losing my files?
Yes. You can pause syncing, disable startup, or uninstall the client. Your existing files on the cloud remain accessible via the web interface.
How do I uninstall pCloud Sync?
Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → pCloud → Uninstall. You can reinstall later from pcloud.com if needed.
Why are there multiple pcloud-sync.exe processes?
The pCloud Desktop Sync Client uses multiple processes to separate tasks like file watching, transfers, and cloud communication for stability.
How can I reduce CPU usage by pcloud-sync.exe?
Limit watched folders, pause heavy transfers, update to the latest version, and enable any available memory or performance optimizations in the app.