Quick Answer
razer-sync.exe is safe. It's Razer Synapse's background service that manages device lighting, firmware updates, and peripheral configuration in a lightweight, multi-process setup.
Is it a Virus?
4 NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe or C:\Program Files\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe
Warning
Process may spawn multiple tasks
Razer Synapse spawns background tasks for devices and lighting profiles
Can I Disable?
YES
Disabling may limit lighting control and firmware updates; disable startup unless you need it
What is razer-sync.exe?
razer-sync.exe is the Razer Synapse background service that coordinates device profiles, lighting, and firmware updates for Razer peripherals. It runs as a separate process to keep core UI responsive while devices are managed in the background.
Razer Synapse uses a modular, multi-process approach where razer-sync.exe handles device coordination and background tasks, enabling lighting control and firmware checks without blocking the main UI.
Quick Fact: Razer Synapse runs several background services to support lighting profiles across multiple devices concurrently.
Types of Razers Processes
- Background Service Process: Core razer-sync.exe coordinating lighting, firmware checks, and profile sync
- Driver/Device Handler: Low-level processes communicating with USB devices
- UI Helper Process: Supports the main Razer Synapse user interface without blocking
- Updater/Sync: Background updater ensuring firmware compatibility
- Tray/Helper: System tray presence and quick access helper
- Telemetry/Settings: Collects usage data and applies settings
Is razer-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, razer-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Razer downloaded from official sources (razersupport.com or razer.com).
Is razer-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real razer-sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate file names; verify digital signature.
How to Tell if razer-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe or C:\Program Files\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe. Any razer-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager -> Open file location -> Right-click razer-sync.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Razer Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage should be modest (a few percent CPU and tens of MB). Extreme constant usage beyond 5% may indicate issue.
- Behavior: Razer Synapse background services are expected to run when devices are connected or at system startup. No suspicious network activity without user action.
Red Flags: If razer-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Synapse isn't open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files like "razer-sync.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is razer-sync.exe Running on My PC?
razer-sync.exe runs to coordinate connected Razerr peripherals, apply lighting profiles, and ensure firmware updates are applied, even when you aren’t actively using the main Synapse UI.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Peripheral Connection: Razer Synapse coordinates lighting and settings for currently connected devices, which can keep razer-sync.exe active.
- Background Sync: Synapse may synchronize profiles, firmware, and cloud settings in the background for seamless experiences.
- Startup Program: Razer Synapse can be configured to launch automatically when Windows starts, keeping razer-sync.exe running...
- Firmware Updates: Device firmware checks and updates may run through razer-sync.exe without explicit user action.
- Background Services: Tray and helper processes keep lighting and device configuration responsive, even if the main UI is closed.
Can I Disable or Remove razer-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable razer-sync.exe. It's safe to stop it if you don't use Razer Synapse features; however, you may lose lighting profiles and device firmware updates.
How to Stop razer-sync.exe
- End Synapse Tasks: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and end razer-related processes such as RazerSynapse.exe and any RazerSys processes
- Close Razer Synapse Tray Icon: Right-click the tray icon and select Exit
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Razer Synapse
- Disable Background Apps: Razer Synapse Settings -> General -> Disable the option to 'Launch on startup' or 'Continue running background apps when Synapse is closed'
- Uninstall (optional): Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Razer Synapse -> Uninstall
How to Uninstall Razer Synapse
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Razer Synapse -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Razer Synapse -> Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your PC after uninstall
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If razer-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Devices Connected: Disconnect unnecessary devices or disable certain profiles in Synapse.
- Background Lighting Profiles: Limit background lighting by turning off certain profiles when not needed.
- Outdated Software: Update Synapse to latest version.
- Corrupted Profiles: Reset lighting profiles to default and re-create as needed.
- Driver Conflicts: Update device drivers via Synapse or Windows Update.
- Malware Impersonation: Run a full system antivirus scan and verify the digital signature of razer-sync.exe.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Razer Synapse Task Manager to identify heavy profiles/devices
2. Stop or disable unnecessary devices in Synapse
3. Update Synapse to latest version
4. Clear software cache or reset profiles
5. Disable startup or background apps if not needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is razer-sync.exe a virus?
The legitimate razer-sync.exe is part of Razer Synapse; verify location and signature. If found in an unusual folder or without a valid signature, investigate further.
Why is razer-sync.exe using CPU?
It coordinates connected Razerr peripherals and runs background tasks for lighting profiles and firmware checks; multiple devices or faulty profiles can raise CPU usage.
Can I disable razer-sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable startup or exit Synapse; however, this will limit lighting customization and firmware updates for your devices.
Where is razer-sync.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe or C:\Program Files\Razer\Synapse3\RazerSynapse.exe.
How do I uninstall Razer Synapse?
Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Razer Synapse -> Uninstall. You can also use Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> Razer Synapse -> Uninstall.
Do I need razer-sync.exe for hardware lighting?
Yes, razer-sync.exe coordinates lighting profiles and device interactions; without it, lighting customization may not apply correctly.