Msfeedssync.exe — What Is This Process and How to Handle It?

If you've encountered a file or process named msfeedssync.exe on your Windows operating system, you might be curious about its purpose. Here’s an overview of what this component does, why it’s there, and how to manage it effectively.

Purpose of msfeedssync.exe

msfeedssync.exe is a system file associated with the Internet Explorer browser. Its primary role is to synchronize RSS feeds you’ve subscribed to through the browser. The process checks for updates in your feeds and downloads fresh content to ensure you’re always viewing the latest information.

File Location

The original msfeedssync.exe file is typically located in C:\Windows\System32. If you find this file in another location, it's wise to scan it for potential malware, as certain viruses can disguise themselves as system processes.

Is This Process Necessary?

If you actively use Internet Explorer for reading RSS feeds, this process keeps your subscriptions up to date. However, if you don’t use this feature or prefer a different browser, this process may be redundant for you.

How to Disable msfeedssync.exe

If you'd like to disable this process, follow these steps:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Go to the "Tools" menu and select "Internet Options."
3. Under the "Content" tab, click on "Settings" in the "Feeds and Web Slices" section.
4. Uncheck the option “Automatically check for updates to feeds and Web Slices.”
5. Click "OK" to save the changes.

Once disabled, msfeedssync.exe will no longer launch automatically.

Potential Risks

Although msfeedssync.exe is a legitimate system file, its presence in unusual locations or abnormal behavior (like high CPU usage) may indicate a security threat. In such cases, running an antivirus scan is recommended.