Quick Answer
razer-synapse.exe is safe. It's the official Razer Synapse 3 software that configures and manages devices, lighting, and macros for Razer peripherals; it runs as a background service.
What is razer-synapse.exe?
razer-synapse.exe is the executable for Razer Synapse 3 software. It initializes Razer device drivers, applies lighting profiles, loads macros, and handles cloud-based profile synchronization for your peripherals.
Razer Synapse uses a modular architecture with a central UI and background services that initialize devices, apply lighting, and load user profiles. It communicates with the cloud to sync settings and updates, while spawning helper processes for drivers and effects.
Quick Fact: Razer Synapse centralized RGB control and macro features across many devices, often requiring multiple helper processes for real-time effects.
Types of Razer Synapse Processes
- Core Service: Main engine initializing devices and overseeing config
- Device Driver: Per device drivers for mice, keyboards, headsets
- Lighting Engine: RGB lighting calculations and effects
- Cloud Sync Service: Uploads settings to Razer ID accounts
- UI/Tray Helper: System tray interface and UI resources
- Profiling Engine: Profiles and macros management
Is razer-synapse.exe Safe?
Yes, razer-synapse.exe is safe when sourced from official Razers downloads (razer.com) or installed via legitimate vendor channels.
Is razer-synapse.exe a Virus or Malware?
The legitimate razer-synapse.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names; verify digital signature.
How to Tell if razer-synapse.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Should be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe or C:\Program Files\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe depending on architecture.
- Digital Signature: Right-click razer-synapse.exe Open file location Properties Digital Signatures. Should show "Razer Inc." as signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-10% CPU and 120-420 MB memory. Abnormal spikes while idle may indicate issues.
- Behavior: Should run when Razer Synapse UI activates or on system start if configured.
Red Flags: If razer-synapse.exe is found in unusual folders (Temp, AppData), runs when the system is idle, lacks a valid signature, or consumes excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus. Be wary of similarly named files like "razer_synapse.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is razer-synapse.exe Running on My PC?
razer-synapse.exe runs as part of the Razer Synapse 3 software to manage device drivers, lighting, and macros. It may stay active to support background features, profile syncing, and rapid device readiness.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Peripheral Control: Razer devices require ongoing drivers and lighting management, keeping the process alive.
- Cloud Sync and Profiles: If you use Razer ID, cloud sync keeps settings updated and ready for devices.
- Startup and Background Services: Razer Synapse can launch at Windows startup and run in background for quick device readiness.
- UI/Tray Helper: System tray utilities load with Windows to provide quick access and updates.
- Firmware Checks and Updates: Automatic firmware checks and device firmware updates may trigger background processes.
Can I Disable or Remove razer-synapse.exe?
Yes, you can disable razer-synapse.exe. If you don't use Razer peripherals, disabling or uninstalling is safe, but you will lose lighting customization and macros.
How to Stop razer-synapse.exe
- End Background Task: Open Task Manager, locate razer-synapse.exe, and End Task
- Exit from Tray: Right-click the Razer Synapse icon in the system tray and exit
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Razer Synapse
- Uninstall Software: Windows Settings → Apps → Razer Synapse 3 → Uninstall
- Verify Device Impact: If you plan to re-enable later, keep Razer Central installed for device updates
How to Uninstall Razer Synapse
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Razer Synapse 3 → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Razer Synapse 3 → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart computer after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If razer-synapse.exe is using excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Background lighting effects: Reduce lighting profiles or disable RGB lighting for devices not in use.
- Sync heavy device updates: Pause cloud sync or limit device checks in settings.
- Outdated software: Update to the latest Synapse 3 version.
- Multiple devices with complex profiles: Consolidate profiles or disable features you don't use.
- Third-party plugins: Disable or uninstall plugins that run within Synapse.
- Driver conflicts: Update device drivers via Windows Update or manufacturer's site.
Quick Fixes:
1. Close hardware profiles you don't need
2. Disable non-essential lighting effects
3. Check for updates and install
4. Restart Synapse
5. Run built-in diagnostics if available
Frequently Asked Questions
Is razer-synapse.exe safe?
Yes, Razersynapse.exe is legitimate when installed from razer.com or a trusted vendor; verify its signature.
Why is razer-synapse.exe using CPU?
If you have many devices or active lighting, CPU use increases. Check in Task Manager and adjust lighting profiles.
Can I uninstall Razersynapse?
Yes, if you don't use Razer devices. You can uninstall via Settings → Apps.
Will uninstalling affect devices?
Lighting customization and macros will be removed; devices will still work with default Windows drivers.
How to disable at startup?
Task Manager → Startup → Disable Razer Synapse.
Where are Razersynapse configs stored?
Settings stored in AppData under Razer or in C:\ProgramData\Razer\Synapse3\.