reaper-sync.exe

What is reaper-sync.exe?

reaper-sync.exe is the synchronization helper that ships with REAPER. It coordinates template sharing, track presets, and plugin data between local REAPER installations or collaborators, often running in the background during REAPER sessions.

This executable acts as a lightweight worker separate from reaper.exe, communicating via IPC to exchange settings, templates, and plugin data. It enables multi-machine collaboration and ensures consistent project environments without blocking the audio engine.

Types of REAPER Synchronization Processes

• Main Sync Process: Handles core coordination between REAPER instances
• Background Sync Engine: Performs periodic data exchange without UI interruption
• Template Sync: Syncs track templates and project templates
• Plugin Data Sync: Synchronizes plugin presets and state
• Session Coordination: Coordinates session-wide settings and routing data
• Auxiliary Helper: Supports ancillary syncing tasks and IPC

Is reaper-sync.exe Safe?

Yes, reaper-sync.exe is safe when it comes from official REAPER distributions (installed via the official installer) or reputable package sources.

Is reaper-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?

The genuine reaper-sync.exe is not a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names; verify the digital signature and location.

How to Tell if reaper-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\REAPER (x64)\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\REAPER\. Any reaper-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from Cockos Incorporated.
3. Resource Usage: Normal usage is 0.5-5% CPU and 20-100 MB memory while active. Consistently high usage without an active REAPER session is suspicious.
4. Behavior: REAPER's sync component runs only during REAPER sessions or when a sync task is scheduled. Standalone background execution in idle state is a red flag.

Why Is reaper-sync.exe Running on My PC?

reaper-sync.exe runs to coordinate synchronization tasks between REAPER instances, templates, and plugin data. It may run when REAPER is active or configured to sync in the background.

Reasons it's running:

• Active REAPER Session: A project is open in REAPER and synchronization tasks are triggered to share templates or plugin states.
• Background Sync Enabled: REAPER is set to sync in the background to cloud services or collaborators, keeping environments in sync.
• Startup or Auto-Launch: REAPER or the sync component is configured to start with Windows or with REAPER startup.
• Template/Project Sync: You’re syncing templates or project presets across machines or user accounts.
• Continuous Collaboration: Teams using shared templates and presets rely on the sync process to keep settings aligned.

Can I Disable or Remove reaper-sync.exe?

Yes, you can disable reaper-sync.exe. If you don't rely on collaborative syncing, you can disable it from REAPER preferences or system startup, or uninstall REAPER entirely if desired.

How to Stop reaper-sync.exe

• Disable in REAPER Settings: Open REAPER → Options → Preferences → Start/Stop behavior and turn off automatic sync or background tasks.
• End Sync Tasks: In REAPER, pause or stop syncing tasks via the synced template manager.
• Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable REAPER or reaper-sync-related startup entries.
• Block Background Runner: If installed as a separate service, disable the service named reaper-sync or adjust service startup type.
• Remove from System: If you truly want to remove, uninstall REAPER or ensure no sync plugins remain.

How to Uninstall or Remove Reaper Sync

• ✔ REAPER Settings: Options → Preferences → General → Reset to Factory Defaults (to remove sync settings)
• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → REAPER → Uninstall
• ✔ Delete Affected Folders: C:\Program Files\REAPER (x64)\ and C:\Users\[User]\AppData\Roaming\Cockos\REAPER (for sync data)

Common Problems: Sync-Related Issues

If reaper-sync.exe is misbehaving or consuming resources, try the following troubleshooting ideas.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Sync conflicts between projects: Resolve conflicts by ensuring the same project version and templates are used across machines, or pause syncing during edits.
• High CPU from frequent syncing: Limit sync frequency in REAPER settings; disable background sync when not needed.
• Outdated REAPER or plugin versions: Update REAPER and plugins to latest versions; ensure compatibility with reaper-sync.
• Antivirus blocking sync: Add reaper-sync.exe to allowed list or create exception; temporarily disable AV to verify.
• Network path permissions: Ensure proper permissions on shared folders or cloud sync endpoints; check path accessibility.
• Corrupted sync data: Clear sync cache or reset templates; re-run initial sync with correct data.

Related Processes