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What is Msosync.exe [Error Troubleshooting Guide]
Check expert fixes that work for all
6 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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When we talk of background processes, it’s only a few that come to mind. Why is that? Probably because one of these had, at some point, caused an issue, maybe high CPU usage, or the process crashed altogether. One such is msosync.exe.
When faced with a problem like this, your primary approach should be to identify the file size of the executable files, check the file location, and verify whether the process poses a security threat. Keep reading to find these aspects about msosync.exe!
What is msosync.exe, and what is its functionality?
The process, msosync.exe, is linked to Microsoft Office and is primarily responsible for cache management. Its job is to ensure that users can quickly access Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and OneDrive files.
The software component does so by actively running in the background, collecting the required data, and creating a cache such that the file, when opened, quickly shows up, thus eliminating any extended loading period and ensuring faster viewing.
The original file path for msosync.exe is (Xrepresents the version of Microsoft Office):C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\OfficeX
But the file, with an exe file extension, has often been a source of a wide range of problems. For some users, it triggered error messages, a few found thatMicrosoft Word was not working, while others reported msosync.exehigh CPU usage.
You may come across the msosync.exeSystem Errordue to problems with the process.
Here are a few reasons you may face issues with msosync.exe:
Ideally, you shouldn’t remove or disable msosync.exe in Windows. But if the process takes up a high CPU or there’s a corrupt file version, that could be a solution.
Though, your primary approach should be to identify any other suspicious files, and if any are found, maybe that’s causing problems with msosync.exe. A comprehensive approach will do wonders when troubleshooting issues with the client software, i.e., Microsoft Office.
How can I troubleshoot and resolve msosync.exe errors?
Before we start with the complex ones, here are a few quick solutions to try:
If none helped, move to the wide range of fixes listed next.
1. Rename the msosync.exe file
Once done, restart the computer for the changes to come into effect, and you shouldn’t face issues with the corrupt files anymore. By renaming the file, you prevent Microsoft Office from accessing it.
2. Kill the task in Task Scheduler
Many users found that the process was triggered by a sync task, and disabling it completely stopped msosync.exe. You may not find the task on a newer file version.
3. Download the missing DLL file
If you are facing an issue due to a missing DLL or file loss, it’s wise to download the missing DLL. While several websites claim to host DLLs, we recommend against these.
It’s best to either get the applicable version of the DLL from another PC running Windows or use aneffective DLL repair software. The latter should be the preferred approach, given that it’s automatic and most tools have a vast database comprising every DLL out there.
4. Repair Microsoft Office
Make sure you are connected to the Internet before starting an online repair of Microsoft Office since it would download a wide range of files, both corrupt files and one critical to the functioning.
And once the process is complete, you should, in all likelihood, not face issues with msosync.exe.
5. Uninstall OneDrive
If the solutions listed earlier didn’t help, the last option is to uninstall OneDrive since it’s been found to trigger the msosync.exe process, which led to high CPU usage.
Also, uninstalling won’t affect the files stored on the cloud service, and you candownload OneDrive from the Microsoft Store.
How do I remove msosync.exe?
We don’t recommend removing msosync.exe unless you need to. A simpler alternative is to head to the file location and rename it instead. So, if things don’t work out, you can always revert the changes and get things up and running.
Besides, if you have decided to remove msosync.exe, delete the file or uninstall Microsoft Office. For the latter, we recommend usingreliable uninstaller softwareto delete any leftover files and registry entries.
That’s all! You should now have the Windows operating system running without throwing errors or witnessingperformance issuesdue to increased resource consumption.
To prevent such issues from arising in the future, regularly scan your PC for malware, make sure all DLL files are present and accessible, and that nooperating system file is corrupt.
Before you leave, check some quick tips tomake Windows run faster than ever! Also, find out how tofix errors with the WINWORD.exe processin no time.
For any queries or to share what worked for you, comment below.
More about the topics:DLL errors,High CPU usage,Microsoft Office
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
