Quick Answer
protonvpn-sync.exe is safe. It is Proton VPN's background synchronization component that keeps server lists, configuration data, and device registrations current across the Proton VPN client.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Licensed Proton AG software; usually located under C:\Program Files\ProtonVPN\ and digitally signed by Proton AG
Warning
Multiple background processes may run
Sync and related background tasks operate alongside the main Proton VPN client
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling sync may affect cross-device updates; you can disable via Proton VPN app settings or Windows Startup
What is protonvpn-sync.exe?
protonvpn-sync.exe is the background synchronization component of the Proton VPN Windows client. It runs as a lightweight service to keep server lists, account settings, and device registrations current across your Proton VPN installations. It communicates securely with Proton's cloud over TLS and runs quietly in the background to support multi-device sync.
This executable coordinates cross-device data sync for Proton VPN, using a dedicated process to fetch updated server lists, profiles, and settings from Proton's cloud and apply changes to the local client securely.
Quick Fact: Proton VPN uses a modular sync architecture to keep configurations consistent across devices without heavy foreground impact.
Types of Proton VPN Sync Processes
- Sync Service: Core background service that handles cloud communication and data reconciliation
- Sync Worker: Background threads that apply updates to local settings and server lists
- Startup Synchronizer: Runs on user login or system start to ensure initial synchronization
- Background Task Manager: Monitors ongoing sync tasks and retries failed operations
Is protonvpn-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, protonvpn-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Proton VPN installed via official Proton VPN clients.
Is protonvpn-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real protonvpn-sync.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may imitate it. Always verify the file location and digital signature.
How to Tell if protonvpn-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\ProtonVPN\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\ProtonVPN\. Any protonvpn-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show signer as "Proton AG" or "Proton VPN".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low CPU and modest memory. Unusually high usage when idle is a red flag.
- Behavior: The process should run in background only when Proton VPN is installed and configured for sync; persistent activity when the app is closed may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If protonvpn-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs when Proton VPN is not in use, has no valid signature, or uses continuous CPU, scan with antivirus immediately. Watch for similarly-named files like "vpn-sync.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is protonvpn-sync.exe Running on My PC?
protonvpn-sync.exe runs to keep your Proton VPN configuration, server lists, and device registrations synchronized across devices and app instances. It may run at startup or during active VPN connections to ensure consistent data.
Reasons it's running:
- Active VPN Setup: You have Proton VPN installed and a configured account; the service may synchronize initial and ongoing settings.
- Cross-Device Sync: Syncing your device list, server preferences, and account status across devices linked to your Proton account.
- Startup or Background Launch: If you enable startup or background syncing, the process will run when Windows starts or when the app initializes.
- Account or Subscription Changes: Changes to your Proton account, such as license status or new devices, trigger the sync component to update local data.
- Server List Updates: Proton VPN periodically refreshes available servers and routing rules; the sync component handles applying those updates.
Can I Disable or Remove protonvpn-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable protonvpn-sync.exe but doing so may affect cross-device syncing and automatic updates of server lists and settings.
How to Stop Proton VPN Sync
- End Individual Tasks: In the Proton VPN app, disable 'Sync across devices' under Settings > General. Alternatively, end related tasks via Task Manager.
- Close the App: Exit Proton VPN completely to stop sync activity.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Proton VPN or Proton VPN Sync Service.
- Stop Background Apps: In Windows Settings > Privacy > Background apps, toggle off Proton VPN related background tasks.
- Manual Service Stop: Open Services (services.msc) and stop Proton VPN Sync Service if present.
How to Uninstall Proton VPN (and Proton VPN Sync)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Proton VPN → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Proton VPN → Uninstall
- ✔ Note: Uninstalling Proton VPN will remove the sync component along with the main client.
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If protonvpn-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Frequent server list refresh: Check Proton VPN settings and limit automatic updates or reduce refresh frequency where available.
- Multiple devices syncing simultaneously: Sign out from devices you no longer use or pause syncing in the Proton VPN account settings.
- Background sync conflicting with firewall: Ensure Proton VPN sync is allowed through the firewall and network permissions.
- Outdated Proton VPN client: Update to the latest Proton VPN version; older builds may have inefficient syncing.
- Malicious or tampered binary: Run a full system scan and verify the file signature and location match Proton VPN's official install path.
- High memory due to many devices: Limit the number of devices or disable non-essential background features in the Proton VPN app.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify protonvpn-sync.exe resource usage
2. Restart Proton VPN client to apply fresh sync state
3. Update Proton VPN to the latest version
4. Disable unnecessary background features in the Proton VPN settings
5. Run a virus scan on the Proton VPN install directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Is protonvpn-sync.exe safe?
Yes. Protonvpn-sync.exe is a legitimate component of the official Proton VPN client. Verify its location as C:\Program Files\ProtonVPN\protonvpn-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ProtonVPN\protonvpn-sync.exe and ensure a signature from Proton AG.
What does protonvpn-sync.exe do?
It coordinates cross-device data sync for Proton VPN, including server lists, profile data, and device registrations, so your configurations stay current across devices.
Why is protonvpn-sync.exe using CPU?
CPU usage typically spikes during active synchronization, initial setup, or when updating server lists. If it stays high, check for many devices connected or possible misbehavior from a compromised install.
Where is protonvpn-sync.exe located?
Common install paths are C:\Program Files\ProtonVPN\protonvpn-sync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\ProtonVPN\protonvpn-sync.exe. Confirm the digital signature shows Proton AG.
Can I disable protonvpn-sync.exe safely?
Yes, you can disable cross-device syncing in the Proton VPN app settings, or stop the Windows startup entry. This may limit cross-device updates and automatic server list refreshes.
How do I completely remove protonvpn-sync.exe?
Uninstall the Proton VPN client via Windows Settings → Apps, or Control Panel → Programs. Removing the main app will also remove the sync component; you may reinstall later if needed.