How to Troubleshoot Sync Host Service on Windows Server 2016

Hello Dev, welcome to our guide on troubleshooting Sync Host Service on Windows Server 2016. Sync Host Service (SyncHost.exe) is a built-in Windows service that synchronizes PC settings and data with other devices. It plays an important role in ensuring seamless data transfer between devices. However, like any other service, Sync Host Service can also develop issues that can affect the normal functioning of your system.

What is Sync Host Service and How It Works?

Sync Host Service is a Windows service that is responsible for synchronizing user data and settings between devices using the same Microsoft account. This service is important for maintaining the consistency of data across different devices. When you sign in to a new device, Sync Host Service downloads your settings and preferences from your Microsoft account and applies them to the device. Similarly, when you make changes to your settings on one device, the service automatically updates the same settings across all devices using the same account.

The Sync Host Service uses the Windows Sync engine to synchronize data. The Sync engine is a platform that manages synchronization sessions between devices using different connection types such as Ethernet, Wi-Fi, and cellular data. The Sync engine also ensures that data is synchronized in the background when the device is idle or connected to a network.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what Sync Host Service is, let us look at some common issues that can arise.

Common Issues with Sync Host Service

Some common issues that can affect Sync Host Service on Windows Server 2016 include:

How to Troubleshoot Sync Host Service Issues?

Step 1: Check the Status of Sync Host Service

The first step in troubleshooting Sync Host Service issues is to check its status on your system. You can do this by following these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” in the box and press Enter.
3. Scroll down and locate “Sync Host” in the list of services.
4. Check the service status. If it is stopped, right-click on it and select Start.
5. If the service is running, right-click on it and select Restart.

If the Sync Host service fails to start or restart, you may need to check the dependencies and associated services that it relies on to function. You can also check Windows Event Viewer to identify any potential errors that may be affecting the service.

Step 2: Check for Malware and Resource Constraints

If Sync Host Service is consuming too much CPU and RAM, it may be encountering resource constraints or malware infection. You can identify and eliminate malware using a reliable antivirus program such as Windows Defender or Malwarebytes. You can also use the Task Manager to check for any resource-intensive programs that may be affecting the service.

Step 3: Reset Sync Settings

If Sync Host Service fails to synchronize data properly, you can try resetting the Sync settings. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click on Start and select Settings.
2. Select the Accounts option.
3. Click on Sync your settings.
4. Turn off the Sync settings toggle button.
5. Restart your computer.
6. Turn on the Sync settings toggle button and check if the service is working properly.

Conclusion

Sync Host Service plays an important role in synchronizing device settings and data across different devices. However, like any other service, it can also develop issues that may affect its normal functioning. If you encounter any Sync Host Service issues on your Windows Server 2016, you can use the steps outlined in this guide to troubleshoot and resolve them.

FAQs

What is the purpose of Sync Host Service?

The purpose of Sync Host Service is to synchronize user data and settings across devices using the same Microsoft account.

How do I check the status of Sync Host Service?

You can check the status of Sync Host Service by opening Services and checking its status. If the service is not running, you can start it. If the service is running, you can restart it.

What should I do if Sync Host Service is consuming too much CPU and RAM?

If Sync Host Service is consuming too much CPU and RAM, you can check for malware and resource-intensive programs that may be affecting its performance. You can also restart the service to regain control over system resources.

How do I reset Sync settings?

To reset Sync settings, go to Settings > Accounts > Sync your settings and turn off the Sync settings toggle button. Restart your computer and turn on the Sync settings toggle button. Check if Sync Host Service is working properly.