Adobe Content Synchronizer showing high CPU usage on my Windows machine

Learn about Adobe Content Synchronizer (previously called CoreSync) and its use. Also, see what to do if it shows high CPU usage on your Windows machine.

What is Adobe Content Synchronizer?

Adobe Content Synchronizer (previously called CoreSync) is a component of the Creative Cloud desktop app and part of its installation. It's responsible for syncing data between your machine and Creative Cloud. It syncs all the files in the Creative Cloud Files folder on your machine with Adobe servers. Adobe Content Synchronizer also syncs cloud documents created in applications like Adobe XD and Adobe Photoshop.

Why is CoreSync.exe showing high CPU usage?

CoreSync.exe is the installer app name for Adobe Content Synchronizer. The CoreSync.exe process should not impact CPU performance when your machine is idle. It may take up some CPU for a few seconds when syncing folders with the Creative Cloud. But if you see continuous high CPU usage by CoreSync.exe, it may indicate that it's not genuine. See How do I know if CoreSync.exe running on my machine is genuine?

How do I know if CoreSync.exe running on my machine is genuine?

Follow the steps below to check if the copy of CoreSync.exe running on your machine is genuine:

  1. Open the Task Manager (Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc, or type Task Manager on Windows Search).

  2. Select the Details tab. (If the Task Manager opens in a minimized view, select More details at the bottom of the Task Manager.)

    Maximize the Task Manager
    Click More details

    Click the Details tab
    Click the Details tab

  3. Find CoreSync.exe on the list.

  4. Right-click CoreSync.exe and select Open file location.

  5. Check if it's located at C:\Program Files (x86)\Adobe\Adobe Sync\CoreSync. If the location is different, you have a non-genuine copy of Adobe Content Synchronizer and your data might be compromised. See Non-genuine copy of CoreSync.exe?

Note:

There should only be one process running on the Task Manager with the name CoreSync.exe. If you see more than one CoreSync.exe, check all the file locations.

What should I do if CoreSync.exe is a non-genuine copy?

If you have or think you may have a non-genuine copy of CoreSync.exe running on your machine, it is possibly a malicious application that is responsible for the high CPU usage. It should be removed from the machine.

How do I remove non-genuine Adobe Content Synchronizer?

It is recommended that you take the following measures to remove the non-genuine copy of Adobe Content Synchronizer and get a genuine copy:

  1. Select the Details tab in the Task Manager.

  2. Close all the Creative Cloud processes. Right-click each Creative Cloud process and select End task.

    Close them in the order given below:

    1. Creative Cloud.exe

    5. AdobeUpdateService.exe

    9. AdobeIPCBroker.exe

    2. Adobe Desktop Service.exe

    6. CCLibrary.exe

    10. AdobeNotificationClient.exe

    3. Adobe CEF Helper.exe

    7. CCXProcess.exe

    11. Creative Cloud Helper.exe

    4. Adobe Installer.exe

    8. CoreSync.exe


  3. Go to the folder location of the non-genuine copy of CoreSync.exe and delete the folder.

  4. Launch the Creative Cloud desktop app and wait for it to update. 

    Note:

    To prevent any future malicious attacks on your computer, ensure you have anti-virus software installed, and that it is up to date.

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