sync.exe

Sync Tool and Background File Synchronization

Application ProcessSafeFile Sync

CPU Usage

1-12%

Memory

50-300 MB

Location

Program Files\SyncTool

Publisher

Acme Sync, Inc.

Quick Answer

sync.exe is safe. It's the legitimate Sync Tool engine that runs background synchronization tasks for file backup and cloud storage.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be in Program Files\SyncTool\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\SyncTool\

Warning

Many processes normal

Each sync task creates worker processes; simultaneous operations are common

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Pause or quit Sync Tool UI, or disable startup to stop background syncing

What is sync.exe?

sync.exe is the executable for the Sync Tool, a background service that synchronizes files between a local folder and cloud storage or other devices. It runs as a background process and spawns workers to monitor changes, upload or download updates, and ensure consistency across destinations. This guide covers safety, behavior, and troubleshooting.

Sync uses a multi-threaded engine with a central service (sync.exe) coordinating watchers and worker tasks; it monitors file system changes and handles delta transfers to keep folders in sync with minimal bandwidth.

Quick Fact: The Sync Tool pioneered delta synchronization and background syncing to minimize bandwidth while keeping files up to date.

Types of Sync Processes

Launcher/Service Process: Main background service that coordinates syncing (one instance)
Watcher Process: Monitors file system changes in watched folders
Uploader/Downloader: Transfers file changes to/from the cloud or other devices
Conflict Resolver: Handles conflicting edits between sources
Encryption/Compression: Encrypts and compresses data in transit or at rest
UI/Agent Process: User interface and status reporting

Is sync.exe Safe?

Yes, sync.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from Acme Sync, Inc. downloaded from official sources (acmesync.com or bundled installer).

Is sync.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real sync.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.

How to Tell if sync.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\SyncTool\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\SyncTool\. Any sync.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the process in Task Manager → Open file location → Right-click sync.exe → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "Acme Sync, Inc."
Resource Usage: Normal usage is 1-12% CPU per active sync task, 50-300 MB total memory. Extremely high usage when idle is suspicious.
Behavior: Sync should run primarily during active syncing. Multiple instances when idle may indicate malware.

Red Flags: If sync.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp, AppData\Roaming, or System32), runs when no sync is active, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses excessive resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Be wary of similar names like "sync32.exe".

Why Is sync.exe Running on My PC?

sync.exe runs when you open the Sync Tool or when its background tasks are enabled to keep files current across devices.

Reasons it's running:

Active Sync Sessions: You're actively syncing files; each folder pair creates a worker process and network transfer.
Background Jobs: Scheduled checks and incremental syncs run periodically to detect changes.
Startup Launch: The Sync Tool is configured to launch on system startup for background availability.
Change Monitoring: Filesystem watchers monitor edits and additions in watched folders.
Network Transfers: The application uses network APIs to upload/download changes to cloud storage or other devices.

Can I Disable or Remove sync.exe?

Yes, you can disable sync.exe. It’s safe to close the Sync Tool when not in use, and you can uninstall it if you prefer another syncing solution.

How to Stop sync.exe

Pause Sync in UI: Open the Sync Tool UI and click Pause or Stop in the current sync session
Quit the App: Use the Exit or Quit option from the system tray or taskbar icon
End Background Tasks: Open Task Manager, locate sync.exe-related processes, and End Task
Prevent Startup: Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Sync Tool
Stop Background Sync: Settings → Sync → Turn off "Start sync at login" and "Continue running in background"

How to Uninstall Sync Tool

✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Sync Tool → Uninstall
✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Sync Tool → Uninstall
✔ Restart the computer after removal

Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage

If sync.exe is consuming excessive resources:

Common Causes & Solutions

Too Many Active Sync Tasks: Pause or stop less important sync tasks and avoid syncing very large folders simultaneously.
Resource-Heavy Sync Algorithms: Check for updates; newer versions optimize delta transfers and threading.
Network Bandwidth Contention: Limit bandwidth in settings or schedule transfers during off-peak hours.
Conflicts and Duplicates: Resolve conflicts in the UI and ensure unique file destinations.
Outdated Software: Update Sync Tool to the latest version from the official site.
Background Extensions or Add-ons: Disable or remove plugins that run in the background and are not essential.

Quick Fixes:
1. Open Sync Tool Task Manager and identify heavy tasks
2. Pause or cancel large transfers
3. Update Sync Tool to latest version
4. Limit bandwidth in Settings
5. Restart the Sync Tool

Frequently Asked Questions

Is sync.exe a virus?

No, the legitimate sync.exe from Acme Sync, Inc. is not a virus. Ensure the file is located in C:\Program Files\SyncTool\ and carries a valid digital signature from Acme Sync, Inc.

Why does sync.exe use so much CPU?

CPU usage spikes during large or numerous file transfers, real-time syncing, or conflicts. Check the Sync Tool Task Manager and disable or adjust syncs accordingly.

Can I delete sync.exe?

You can uninstall the Sync Tool from Windows Settings or Programs and Features. Your local synced files stay in your folders; cloud copies depend on your setup.

Can I disable sync.exe on startup?

Yes. Disable startup in Task Manager -> Startup to stop automatic launching. You can still run Sync Tool manually when needed.

Why is sync.exe running in the background?

The tool runs in the background to monitor changes and perform scheduled syncs, ensuring files stay updated across devices.

How can I reduce memory usage by sync.exe?

Close unused watched folders, reduce the number of active syncs, and update to the latest version with performance improvements.