Is it a Virus?
NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\sugarsync\sugarsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SugarSync\sugarsync.exe
Warning
Multiple processes normal for sync tasks
SugarSync creates a per-folder watcher and a background sync engine; high counts are common during large transfers
Can I Disable?
YES
Close SugarSync UI to pause syncing or disable startup in Task Manager; keep a single background service running if needed
What is sugarsync.exe?
sugarsync.exe is the core executable for the SugarSync Desktop Client. It starts when you log in or launch the app and runs multiple background tasks to monitor selected folders, queue file changes, and communicate with SugarSync cloud. The design enables real-time, cross-device syncing and keeps your folder structure consistent, including selective sync options.
SugarSync uses a multi-process model: a UI process, a background sync engine, and folder watchers. It coordinates file changes, encryption, and network traffic to synchronize to the cloud while preserving folder structure and selective sync settings.
Quick Fact: SugarSync was among early cloud sync apps to use a background service architecture to keep files up to date while the UI remains responsive.
Types of SugarSync Processes
- UI/Main Process: User interface and control logic for SugarSync (one or few instances).
- Sync Engine: Background worker that handles uploads, downloads, and conflict resolution.
- Folder Watcher: Monitors file system changes in synced folders.
- Indexing Service: Maintains file metadata for fast sync and search.
- Update Service: Checks for and applies app updates in the background.
- Network Communication: Handles authentication, API calls, and cloud sync sessions.
Is sugarsync.exe Safe?
Yes, sugarsync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from SugarSync, downloaded from official sources (sugarsync.com or via reputable app store).
Is sugarsync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sugarsync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can imitate the name, so verify location and signature.
How to Tell if sugarsync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\sugarsync\sugarsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SugarSync\sugarsync.exe. Other locations are suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click sugarsync.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show 'SugarSync, Inc.' as signer.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-15% CPU per process and 50-200 MB memory. Constant high usage while idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: SugarSync should run when syncing and when you open the app. If it starts at startup with no user action, scan for malware.
Red Flags: If sugarsync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData, or System32), runs when SugarSync isn’t open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan with antivirus software. Beware of similarly-named files like 'sugarsync32.exe' from untrusted sources.
Why Is sugarsync.exe Running on My PC?
SugarSync runs to monitor folders and keep cloud copies up to date. It may run in the background even when the app UI is closed.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Sessions: You are actively syncing files; each folder may spawn a watcher and a transfer thread.
- Background File Watching: The Folder Watcher detects changes to keep the cloud and local copies synchronized.
- Startup Launch: SugarSync is configured to start with Windows to promptly catch changes.
- Scheduled Scans and Indexing: Periodic indexing and metadata refresh run in the background to support quick sync and search.
- Offline Caching: Local caching of recently used files allows offline access and faster re-sync when online.
Can I Disable or Remove sugarsync.exe?
Yes, you can disable sugarsync.exe. It's safe to pause syncing or uninstall SugarSync if you prefer another solution.
How to Stop sugarsync.exe
- Pause Sync in UI: Open SugarSync and click Pause on active syncs, or disable sync for specific folders.
- Close SugarSync UI: Quit the SugarSync window and exit to the system tray.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable SugarSync.
- Stop Background Service: Run Services.msc and stop the 'SugarSync Service' or 'SugarSync Agent'.
- Disable Background Apps: In SugarSync settings, uncheck 'Continue running background apps when SugarSync is closed'.
How to Uninstall SugarSync
- ✔ Windows Settings Apps Apps & Features SugarSync Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel Programs Uninstall a program SugarSync Uninstall
- ✔ Consider alternative cloud sync clients: OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If sugarsync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Many files under active sync: Pause or limit sync for large folders; enable selective sync to reduce workload.
- Large or ongoing file transfers: Pause transfers or schedule heavy syncing for off-peak times.
- Background indexing or scanning: Allow time for indexing to complete; adjust indexing options if available.
- Outdated SugarSync client: Update to the latest version via SugarSync app or website.
- Antivirus scanning SugarSync folders: Add SugarSync folders to antivirus exclusions or temporarily disable real-time scanning.
- Corrupted cache or local database: Clear the local sync cache or reinstall SugarSync to reset the database.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open SugarSync Task Manager or app to identify heavy sync tasks
2. Pause problematic folders or disable selective sync
3. Clear cache or reset local sync data if available
4. Update SugarSync to the latest version
5. Ensure SugarSync folders are excluded from real-time antivirus scans and network scans
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sugarsync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate sugarsync.exe from SugarSync is not a virus. Verify the path and signature; it should be in C:\Program Files\sugarsync\sugarsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SugarSync\sugarsync.exe with a valid signer.
Why is sugarsync.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually due to active syncing of large or many files, the presence of conflicting or locked files, or a problematic extension or artifact. Check SugarSync Task Manager, pause or limit sync, and update.
Can I delete sugarsync.exe?
Yes, you can uninstall SugarSync via Windows Settings or Control Panel. Your local files will remain on your machine but may stop syncing; ensure you no longer need the service.
Can I disable sugarsync.exe?
Yes. You can pause syncing, exit the UI, and disable startup in Task Manager. To stop background processes, disable startup in Task Manager and turn off 'continue running in background' in SugarSync settings.
Where is sugarsync.exe located?
Common locations are C:\Program Files\sugarsync\sugarsync.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\SugarSync\sugarsync.exe. If you find sugarsync.exe elsewhere, verify the signer and scan for malware.
How do I uninstall SugarSync?
Open Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → SugarSync → Uninstall, or use Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → SugarSync. You can switch to another cloud service if desired.