Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Sync or C:\Program Files (x86)\Sync
Warning
Multiple worker-like processes normal
Sync uses background tasks to monitor and transfer files; not all are user-visible
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
You can pause syncing or exit the client to stop activity temporarily
What is Sync.exe?
sync.exe is the Windows desktop client for Sync.com, a cloud storage service that securely synchronizes your files between devices. The client runs in the background to monitor folders marked for sync, upload new or changed files, and ensure your local copies reflect updates stored in your Sync.com account.
Sync.com uses client-side encryption and a lightweight orchestration process to manage file watching, transfer, and conflict resolution while keeping the user interface responsive.
Quick Fact: Sync.com launched a client that emphasizes end-to-end encryption and zero-knowledge storage, with sync.exe handling the local-to-cloud synchronization tasks.
Types of Sync Processes
- Browser/UI Process: User interface for configuring sync and viewing status (single instance)
- Watcher Process: Monitors file system changes in configured sync folders
- Uploader/Downloader: Handles file transfers to and from Sync cloud
- Encryption/Integrity: Performs client-side encryption and integrity checks
- Background Service: Keeps connections alive and syncs in the background
- Conflict Resolver: Manages conflicts when identical files change concurrently
Is sync.exe Safe?
Yes, sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Sync.com downloaded from official sources.
Is sync.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Sync\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Sync\. Any sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in File Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Sync, Inc.".
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is 2-12% CPU per process, 120-380 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when the app is idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Sync should run when you launch the client or perform a sync task. Continuous background activity with no UI may indicate malware.
Red Flags: If sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when Sync is not open, has no digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software immediately. Beware of similarly-named files such as "sync32.exe" or "syncdata.exe" from untrusted sources.
Why Is sync.exe Running on My PC?
sync.exe runs when you open the Sync.com Desktop Client or when a sync task is active. It may also run in the background to monitor changes and keep files up to date across devices.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Sync Use: You're actively syncing files or watching for changes in a synced folder; each file event may spawn work threads
- Background Monitoring: The client monitors configured folders for changes and new file uploads even when the window is closed
- Startup Launch: The Sync client is configured to start with Windows or when you log in, ensuring immediate availability
- Selective Sync Changes: Changes in folders marked for selective sync trigger sync.exe to manage which items are uploaded or downloaded
- Conflict and Version Handling: The client may run additional processes to resolve file conflicts and maintain version history
Can I Disable or Remove sync.exe?
Yes, you can disable sync.exe. You can pause syncing or exit the client, and you can uninstall the Sync.com desktop client if you no longer need it.
How to Stop sync.exe
- Pause or End Sync Tasks: In the Sync client, pause syncing for selected folders or use the system tray icon to pause
- Exit the Desktop Client: Close the Sync app from the UI or use the sign-out option to stop background activity
- End Task in Task Manager: Open Task Manager → Processes → select Sync.exe → End Task
- Disable Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Sync if you never want automatic startup
- Stop Background Sync: Sync Settings → General → Disable 'Continue running background apps when Sync is closed'
How to Uninstall Sync
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Sync → Uninstall
- ✔ Restart your computer after uninstallation
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Too many files or large file changes in a synced folder: Pause syncing for large transfers or enable selective sync to limit active folders
- Outdated Sync client: Update to the latest version of Sync using the official app or website
- Sync conflicts or ongoing scans: Resolve conflicts and allow the process to finish its queue; check for stuck transfers
- Real-time antivirus scanning overhead: Add Sync.exe and the Sync data folders to your antivirus exclusions
- Hardware acceleration issues: Disable hardware acceleration in Sync settings if available
- Insufficient system resources: Close other heavy applications or upgrade RAM to improve performance
Quick Fixes:
1. Open the Sync client and use Pause Sync to stop ongoing transfers
2. Pause or limit syncing for large folders via Selective Sync
3. Update Sync to the latest version
4. Add Sync.exe to antivirus exclusions and re-scan
5. Restart the Sync client or reboot the computer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is sync.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate sync.exe from Sync.com is not a virus. Verify the file is located at C:\Program Files\Sync\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Sync\ and has a valid digital signature from "Sync, Inc.".
Why is sync.exe using so much CPU?
High CPU is usually caused by large or many files being transferred, active folder changes, or conflicts. Use the Sync task manager, pause non-essential Sync tasks, and ensure the client is up to date.
Can I delete sync.exe?
You can uninstall the Sync.com desktop client from Windows Settings → Apps. Deleting the executable manually may leave partial data; uninstalling ensures proper cleanup.
Can I disable sync.exe?
Yes. You can pause syncing, exit the client, or disable startup and background syncing in the Sync settings.
Why does Sync start at startup?
Sync is configured to start with Windows to ensure your files are kept up to date across devices. Disable startup in Task Manager → Startup tab if undesired.
How do I reduce Sync's memory usage?
Limit the number of folders, enable selective sync, pause unnecessary transfers, update the client, and consider freeing system RAM or upgrading hardware.