Is it a Virus?
orm NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\Syncthing\syncthing-updater.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Syncthing\syncthing-updater.exe
Warning
Updater activity is normal
Updater may spawn background tasks during update checks; multiple updater instances can appear briefly during updates
Can I Disable?
orm YES
Disabling is possible but may stop automatic updates. You can close it or disable startup to prevent background checks
What is syncthing-updater.exe?
syncthing-updater.exe is the updater executable for the Syncthing desktop client. It runs in the background to periodically check for new releases, download updates, and apply upgrades to your Syncthing installation. This keeps the software current with security fixes and new features without manual intervention.
The updater contacts Syncthing's distribution server to fetch update metadata, downloads the package, verifies the digital signature, and installs the new build. It may operate as a background task or Windows service depending on installation settings.
Quick Fact: Syncthing uses an updater to ensure you receive the latest secure builds without constantly re-installing manually.
Types of Syncthing Updater Processes
- Updater Process: Core executable responsible for version checks and downloads
- Launcher Process: Starts the updater and coordinates tasks
- Background Service: Windows service variant that handles update tasks in the background
- Installer Helper: Helps apply and configure the new Syncthing binaries
- Signature Verifier: Validates the digital signatures of downloaded updates
- Network Client: Manages network requests to fetch update metadata
Is syncthing-updater.exe Safe?
Yes, syncthing-updater.exe is safe when it is the legitimate updater from the official Syncthing project downloaded from syncthing.net or its official GitHub releases.
Is syncthing-updater.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real syncthing-updater.exe is NOT a virus. Malware may masquerade with similar names, so verify the file path and signature.
How to Tell if syncthing-updater.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Syncthing\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\Syncthing\ and contain the updater binary named syncthing-updater.exe.
- Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer → Properties → Digital Signatures. Should show "The Syncthing Project" or a valid signer from syncthing.net.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage is low to moderate CPU while checking updates and moderate network activity. Constant high resource use when idle is suspicious.
- Behavior: Updater should run to perform an update check and then terminate or idle. Persistent, unexplained background activity warrants a malware scan.
Red Flags: If syncthing-updater.exe is located in unusual folders (e.g., Temp, AppData\Roaming), runs when Syncthing isn't running, has no valid signature, or uses unusual network patterns, scan with antivirus and verify against official releases. Look for similarly named files with minor spelling changes.
Why Is syncthing-updater.exe Running on My PC?
The updater runs to ensure your Syncthing client stays current. It may operate in the background during checks, downloads, and installation of updates.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Update Checks: The updater runs to check for newer Syncthing builds and metadata for release notes.
- Background Downloads: Downloads may occur in the background to prepare for a seamless install.
- Startup Launch: Updater may start on Windows boot to verify whether updates are needed at startup.
- Update Application: It applies updates to the Syncthing binaries once downloaded and verified.
- Integrity Verification: Digital signature checks and hash verifications ensure authenticity before install.
Can I Disable or Remove syncthing-updater.exe?
Yes, you can disable syncthing-updater.exe. You can stop automatic updates or uninstall Syncthing if you no longer need it.
How to Stop syncthing-updater.exe
- Close Syncthing UI: Quit the Syncthing application to stop most updater activity
- Disable Startup: Open Task Manager → Startup tab → Disable Syncthing or Syncthing Updater entry
- Disable Automatic Updates: In Syncthing Settings → General → Updates, turn off automatic updates
- Stop Background Services: If a Windows Service exists for the updater, stop or disable the service via services.msc
- Manual Removal: If you must remove, uninstall Syncthing from Apps & Features or Programs and Features in Windows
How to Uninstall Syncthing (and Updater)
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → Syncthing → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → Syncthing → Uninstall
- ✔ After uninstall, remove remaining Syncthing folders in C:\Program Files\Syncthing and C:\Users\<username>\AppData\Local\Syncthing
Common Problems: Update Checks, Slow Downloads, or Failures
If the updater experiences issues, consider these typical causes and solutions.
Common Causes & Solutions
- No Internet Connection: Verify network connectivity and firewall permissions for outbound connections to syncthing.net and update endpoints.
- Date/Time Mismatch: Ensure system clock is correct; update checks can fail with large time differences.
- Firewall or Proxy Blocking: Allow updater traffic through the firewall or configure proxy settings for Syncthing.
- Corrupted Update Package: Delete incomplete downloads from the updater cache and re-run update checks.
- Outdated Updater: Manually update to the latest Syncthing version via the official installer if automatic updates fail.
- Insufficient Disk Space: Free space on the system drive to allow download and installation of updates.
Quick Fixes:
1. Open Syncthing Task Manager (if available) or check the updater process in Task Manager
2. Clear updater cache or temporary update files
3. Check for network restrictions and allow update endpoints
4. Update to the latest version manually from the official site
5. Restart your computer and re-check for updates
Frequently Asked Questions
Is syncthing-updater.exe a virus?
No, the legitimate syncthing-updater.exe is part of the official Syncthing release. Verify its path is in C:\Program Files\Syncthing or C:\Program Files (x86)\Syncthing and that the digital signature originates from The Syncthing Project.
Why is the updater running when I already have the latest version?
The updater may periodically check for newer builds or verify the integrity of the current installation. If it finds no updates, it will exit or idle until the next check.
How do I manually update Syncthing and its updater?
Download the latest Syncthing installer from the official site (syncthing.net), run the installer, and choose to replace existing components. This updates both the main app and the updater as needed.
Where is syncthing-updater.exe located by default?
Default locations are C:\Program Files\Syncthing\syncthing-updater.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Syncthing\syncthing-updater.exe, depending on your installation architecture.
Can I disable automatic updates without breaking syncing?
Yes. You can disable automatic updates in Syncthing settings. You will then need to check for updates manually to stay secure and supported.
What should I do if the updater fails to verify the signature?
If signature verification fails, avoid installing the update. Check for network issues, download integrity, and compare the installer with the official release. Contact Syncthing support if needed.