Quick Answer
resilio-sync-driver-component.exe is safe. It is a legitimate Resilio Sync driver component that coordinates file changes, indexing, and I/O between the local system and peers.
Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be located in C:\Program Files\Resilio Sync\resilio-sync-driver-component.exe
Warning
Multiple processes may appear
Resilio Sync uses multiple worker processes for performance; this is expected
Can I Disable?
YES
You can disable the driver component by stopping Resilio Sync or turning off startup/driver services; ensure you still have sync enabled via the main app.
What is resilio-sync-driver-component.exe?
resilio-sync-driver-component.exe is a specialized binary that works with the Resilio Sync application to support low-level file watching, change detection, and data transfer coordination. It operates in the background, invisible to most users, enabling fast, secure, peer-to-peer syncing across devices while preserving UI responsiveness.
This driver component handles IPC with the main Resilio Sync process, coordinating file system events, local indexing, and network I/O. It runs with limited privileges and engages only when syncing or sharing content, boosting performance and stability.
Quick Fact: Resilio Sync uses a modular driver component to separate low-level sync tasks from the UI for better performance and resilience.
Types of Resilio Sync Processes
- Driver Component Process: Low-level I/O coordination and IPC with the main app
- UI/Main Process: Handles user interface and settings
- File Watcher/Indexer: Monitors filesystem changes for sync folders
- Network/Peer Discovery: Manages connections to peers for syncing
- Transfer/Worker: Performs actual block transfers between devices
- Background Services: Background tasks like scheduling and metadata updates
Is resilio-sync-driver-component.exe Safe?
Yes, resilio-sync-driver-component.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Resilio downloaded from official sources (Resilio's installer or the official website).
Is resilio-sync-driver-component.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real file is NOT a virus. Malware may disguise itself with similar names, so verify path and signature.
How to Tell if resilio-sync-driver-component.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\Resilio Sync\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Resilio Sync\ and the file name should be exactly resilio-sync-driver-component.exe.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer > Properties > Digital Signatures. Should show signer "Resilio, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal idle CPU is low; spikes during sync are expected. Consistently high usage when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Should start as part of the Resilio Sync ecosystem and exit when the main app stops; a persistent background driver without the main app warrants scrutiny.
Red Flags: If resilio-sync-driver-component.exe is located in unusual folders (Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when Resilio Sync is not open, lacks a valid signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly named files like "resilio-driver.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is resilio-sync-driver-component.exe Running on My PC?
The driver component runs to support syncing tasks and to maintain communication with peers; it may stay active if Resilio Sync is installed or configured to run at startup.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Sessions: You're actively syncing folders; the driver coordinates I/O and network transfers for all active jobs.
- Background Driver Tasks: The driver handles file watching, indexing, and coordination between local changes and remote peers.
- Startup Launch: Resilio Sync may be configured to start on system boot, starting the driver component automatically.
- Peer Discovery: The component participates in network discovery to locate and connect to peers on LAN or the internet.
- Folder Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of shared folders ensures prompt propagation of changes even when the UI is idle.
Can I Disable or Remove resilio-sync-driver-component.exe?
Yes, you can disable the driver component. It's safe to close Resilio Sync when not in use, and you can uninstall it completely if you prefer a different syncing solution.
How to Stop resilio-sync-driver-component.exe
- Exit Resilio Sync: Close the Resilio Sync application from the system tray or the main window.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable Resilio Sync
- Stop Background Tasks: Open Task Manager and end any remaining Resilio Sync related processes, if present.
- Prevent Background Running: In Resilio Sync settings, disable 'Continue running background apps when Resilio Sync is closed' if available.
- Uninstall or Reconfigure: If you no longer need Sync, uninstall via Settings > Apps > Resilio Sync or Control Panel > Programs > Uninstall a program.
How to Uninstall Resilio Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Resilio Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Resilio Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove residual data in C:\Users\<YourUserName>\AppData\Roaming\Resilio Sync and C:\ProgramData\Resilio Sync
Common Problems: Driver-Related Sync Issues
If resilio-sync-driver-component.exe exhibits issues or causes resource use problems, review these common causes and solutions.
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Active Sync Tasks: Reduce the number of active sync folders or pause non-critical transfers to lower I/O pressure.
- Outdated Driver or App: Update Resilio Sync to the latest version; reinstall if necessary to refresh the driver component.
- Background Indexing: Limit indexing in Resilio Sync settings or temporarily disable nonessential folders during heavy activity.
- Firewall or Network Block: Ensure Resilio Sync is allowed through the firewall and that required ports are open (outbound and inbound as appropriate).
- Antivirus Quarantine: Add Resilio Sync files to the antivirus allowlist and exclude its installation directory from real-time scanning.
- Corrupted Installation: Repair or reinstall Resilio Sync; verify the integrity of the installer from the official source.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Resilio Sync Task Manager to identify heavy processes and pause problematic folders
2. Restart Resilio Sync or reboot the system to clear stuck states
3. Check for and install updates to the Resilio Sync client
4. Disable nonessential folders or extensions from syncing
5. Whitelist Resilio Sync in antivirus and firewall settings
Frequently Asked Questions
Is resilio-sync-driver-component.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate file from Resilio is located in the official installation path (for example, C:\Program Files\Resilio Sync\resilio-sync-driver-component.exe) and should be digitally signed by Resilio, Inc.
Why is resilio-sync-driver-component.exe using CPU?
CPU usage increases during active syncing, folder indexing, and peer transfers. If the driver runs idle at high CPU for long periods, verify for malware or misconfigured folders and update the Resilio Sync client.
Where is resilio-sync-driver-component.exe located?
Typically in C:\Program Files\Resilio Sync\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Resilio Sync\, with the exact filename resilio-sync-driver-component.exe.
Can I disable resilio-sync-driver-component.exe?
Yes, by stopping Resilio Sync, disabling startup, or preventing the driver from launching at boot. This may impact background syncing until you re-enable it.
Do I need to uninstall Resilio Sync to remove the driver component?
Uninstalling Resilio Sync removes the driver component as part of the full uninstall. If you only disable syncing, the driver may still exist for background tasks.
How do I fix high resource usage by the driver component?
Pause unnecessary folders, update to the latest Resilio Sync, disable hardware acceleration if applicable, and ensure antivirus/firewall aren’t blocking or throttling the app.