Quick Answer
sourcetree-sync.exe is safe. It's a background synchronization service used by SourceTree to sync repositories, credentials, and settings with Atlassian's servers, running as a separate process for stability.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Atlassian\SourceTree\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Atlassian\SourceTree\.
Warning
Background service is normal
Sourcetree-sync runs in the background to keep repository data and credentials in sync with your remote hosts.
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Stopping SourceTree or disabling startup will stop sourcetree-sync from running.
What is sourcetree-sync.exe?
sourcetree-sync.exe is the background synchronization service used by Atlassian SourceTree. It coordinates automatic syncing of repository metadata, credentials, bookmarks, and user preferences with remote hosts and your Atlassian account. Running separately from the GUI helps keep data current without slowing down the interface.
This daemon periodically polls Git hosting services and local data stores, applying credential helpers, refreshing indexes, and syncing settings. It runs under the user context and communicates with the Git client and the SourceTree data directory.
Quick Fact: SourceTree pioneered multi-process syncing to keep repositories and credentials synchronized without blocking the UI.
Types of SourceTree Processes
- Background Synchronization: sourcetree-sync.exe handles credential syncing, repo metadata, and settings updates
- GUI Interaction: sourcetree.exe provides the user interface for SourceTree
- Git Command Runner: git.exe invoked by SourceTree for repository operations
- Notification/Update Daemon: Helps deliver push/pull status and update checks
Is sourcetree-sync.exe Safe?
Yes, sourcetree-sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Atlassian downloaded from official sources.
Is sourcetree-sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sourcetree-sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if sourcetree-sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location:: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Atlassian\SourceTree\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Atlassian\SourceTree\. Any sourcetree-sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature:: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show a signature from Atlassian Pty Ltd.
- Resource Usage:: Normal usage is 1-10% CPU and 50-200 MB memory when idle. Persistent high usage may indicate a problem.
- Behavior:: Should run as a background service and be tied to SourceTree activity. If it launches without SourceTree, investigate further.
Red Flags: If sourcetree-sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, System32), runs when SourceTree 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 "sourcetree-sync64.exe" or "sync.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is sourcetree-sync.exe Running on My PC?
sourcetree-sync.exe runs to keep SourceTree data and credentials synchronized with remote services and your Atlassian account. It operates in the background so the GUI remains responsive.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Use: You're actively using SourceTree or have repositories configured to sync; the service handles ongoing synchronization.
- Background Account Sync: Credentials, tokens, and account settings are refreshed in the background to prevent login prompts during Git operations.
- Startup and Auto-Start: SourceTree or the sync service may be configured to launch at login to ensure immediate availability of data.
- Indexing and Cache Updates: The service updates local repo indexes and caches so searches and operations complete quickly.
- Cloud Repository Integrations: If you enable cloud or remote repository integrations, the sync process runs to keep data consistent across devices.
Can I Disable or Remove sourcetree-sync?
Yes, you can disable sourcetree-sync. It is safe to stop the service, and you can uninstall SourceTree if you no longer need it.
How to Stop sourcetree-sync
- End Individual Tasks: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate sourcetree-sync.exe, and End Task for the active processes.
- Close SourceTree: Close all SourceTree windows to stop related sync activity.
- End All Processes: If needed, repeat for any remaining sourcetree-sync.exe processes.
- Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable SourceTree (and any sourcetree-sync related startup entries).
- Stop Background Sync: In SourceTree Settings → General → ensure background sync is disabled or configure sync intervals to minimum.
How to Uninstall SourceTree
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → SourceTree → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → SourceTree → Uninstall
- ✔ Optionally remove leftover Atlassian data directories from C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Local and C:\Users\<User>\AppData\Roaming
Common Problems: High Sync CPU or Memory Usage
If sourcetree-sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too Many Repositories or Frequent Sync: Limit the number of repos linked to SourceTree and adjust sync frequency in Settings to reduce background activity.
- Background Credential Helpers Running: Review and limit credential helpers; disable unnecessary authentication refreshes in SourceTree.
- Large Cache or Index Data: Clear local caches or prune index data via SourceTree settings and repository maintenance actions.
- Antivirus Interference: Add an exception for sourcetree-sync.exe and SourceTree executables in your antivirus software.
- Outdated Software: Update SourceTree and Git to the latest versions to ensure optimal performance.
- Git LFS or Large Files: Disable or optimize handling of large files; consider configuring LFS filters and limiting large file scans.
Quick Fixes:
1. Quick Fixes:
2. 1. Open Windows Task Manager and identify sourcetree-sync.exe processes
3. Clear repository caches via SourceTree or manually remove data in AppData
4. Disable unnecessary sync-related features in SourceTree settings
5. Update SourceTree to the latest version
6. Add an exception for sourcetree-sync.exe in your antivirus
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sourcetree-sync.exe safe?
Yes. The legitimate sourcetree-sync.exe is a background service from Atlassian SourceTree that keeps repository data and credentials synchronized. Verify the path is in C:\Program Files\Atlassian\SourceTree or C:\Program Files (x86)\Atlassian\SourceTree and that the digital signature shows Atlassian Pty Ltd.
Why is sourcetree-sync.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU usage typically occurs during heavy repo activity, large numbers of remotes, or during credential refresh cycles. Use Task Manager to identify the specific repos or operations involved and adjust sync settings or update SourceTree.
Can I delete sourcetree-sync.exe?
No, you should not delete the executable directly. To stop its activity, disable or uninstall SourceTree or suppress its background sync in settings. Deleting the file can break functionality and update processes.
Can I disable sourcetree-sync?
Yes. You can prevent it from running at startup and disable background syncing in SourceTree settings. You can also end the process via Task Manager if needed.
Why is sourcetree-sync.exe running at startup?
If SourceTree is configured to launch at login or to start background syncing automatically, sourcetree-sync.exe will run at startup to keep data ready for use.
Where is sourcetree-sync.exe located?
Typically it resides in <code>C:\Program Files\Atlassian\SourceTree\</code> or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Atlassian\SourceTree\</code>. If you find it elsewhere, be cautious and verify the digital signature.