SyncBack Backup Service
syncback-service.exe is safe. It is the background Windows service for the SyncBack backup solution, handling scheduled backups and maintenance tasks without requiring the GUI.
SyncBack is a Windows backup and synchronization tool from 2BrightSparks. The syncback-service.exe is the background Windows service that runs scheduled backups, monitors source and destination folders, compares files, and performs maintenance tasks without requiring the main UI. This guide explains what it is, how it operates, and how to troubleshoot issues.
The service hosts the backup engine, coordinating file-copy jobs, scheduling, logging, and error handling. It runs under the Windows Service Manager with limited privileges and communicates with profiles configured in the SyncBack GUI.
Quick Fact: SyncBack's service-based architecture allows backups to occur in the background, ensuring data protection even when the main UI is closed.
Yes, syncback-service.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from 2BrightSparks downloaded from official sources and located in its proper installation folder.
The real syncback-service.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware sometimes disguises itself using similar names to trick users.
C:\Program Files\2BrightSparks\SyncBackSE\syncback-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\2BrightSparks\SyncBackSE\syncback-service.exe. Any other location is suspicious.Red Flags: If syncback-service.exe is located in temporary folders (Temp, AppData\Local\Temp), lacks a valid signature, or runs when no backups are configured, scan with antivirus software immediately. Be wary of similarly-named files in untrusted locations.
The backup service runs in the background to perform scheduled or on-demand backup tasks without requiring the graphical user interface to be open.
Reasons it's running:
Yes, you can disable syncback-service.exe. It is safe to stop the service when backups are not required, and you can uninstall SyncBackSE if you prefer another solution.
If syncback-service.exe has problems, review these common causes and solutions.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc) and identify running SyncBack workers
2. In SyncBackSE, review and adjust backup profiles; reduce scope if needed
3. Update SyncBackSE to the latest version
4. Ensure the service is set to start manually or disabled if not needed
5. Check destination accessibility and retry backups
Yes. The legitimate syncback-service.exe from 2BrightSparks should reside in C:\Program Files\2BrightSparks\SyncBackSE and be digitally signed by 2BrightSparks Pty Ltd.
The service can run on a scheduled backup or perform background maintenance tasks; it may also restart after updates or due to startup configuration.
Yes. Stop or disable the Windows service, and disable scheduled backups in SyncBackSE. Your existing backup data remains; you just won't have automatic runs until re-enabled.
Open Windows Settings > Apps > Apps & Features, select SyncBackSE, and click Uninstall. You may also uninstall via Control Panel > Programs and Features.
Check the file location (C:\Program Files\2BrightSparks\SyncBackSE\syncback-service.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\2BrightSparks\SyncBackSE\...), verify a valid signature from 2BrightSparks Pty Ltd, and review Event Viewer logs for SyncBackSE entries.
Backups are designed to run with minimal impact, using file-copy and verifications that are logged. You may notice temporary I/O activity during a run.