MEGA
Also called megasync, mega.nz, mega.io
A cloud client known for a large free quota and MEGA's encryption story. The process is MEGAsync.exe. It is not Dropbox.
What you need to know
MEGAsync.exe is MEGA. Dropbox.exe is Dropbox.
MEGA's desktop client syncs a mega.io account. Dropbox is a different vendor. A mega.nz link can also download in a browser without this exe.
- What is it?
- Cloud sync
- Still current?
- Yes, see Current status
- Official download?
- Use the vendor link in this article
What is MEGA?
MEGA is Mega Limited's cloud. MEGAsync.exe is the Windows sync app. Dropbox is a different company. The website can download a file without this exe.
If you have never used it
If someone sent a mega.nz or mega.io link and you want a synced folder, this is MEGA, not Dropbox. Download MEGAsync from mega.io/desktop. Dropbox.exe is Dropbox, Inc. MEGA advertises client-side encryption and a large free allowance. Those claims are MEGA's, not Dropbox's.
What is it used for?
A MEGA folder in Explorer. Dropbox.exe will not see that namespace.
The free allowance is a MEGA plan detail. Dropbox's free tier is smaller and a different contract.
MEGA documents keys and zero-knowledge marketing. Dropbox is not this model. Read MEGA's own help, not a forum summary.
Who is it for?
- People who already have a MEGA account
- Users who want a large free cloud and accept MEGA's terms
- Anyone who should not install Dropbox for a mega.io folder
Current status
Actively developed. This article is the Windows MEGAsync client, not MEGAchat alone.
How old is it?
MEGA launched in 2013 after Megaupload. Dropbox launched in 2008. They are different vendors and different encryption stories. A 2010s "Megaupload" headline is not this client.
Versions
Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.
System requirements
Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.
Minimum
| Operating system | A current supported Windows 10 or Windows 11 release, per the vendor |
|---|---|
| RAM | Enough for Windows plus this app. Heavy projects want more. |
Resource profile
- CPU demand
- Follows what you open inside the app
- RAM demand
- Follows documents, tabs, or libraries
Installed processes
These executables belong to this product when it is installed.
| MEGAsync.exe | MEGA desktop client |
|---|
Startup components
MEGAsync can start with Windows from its own setting. That is not Dropbox.
File locations
| Typical install | C:\Users\<you>\AppData\Local\MEGAsync\MEGAsync.exe |
|---|
File formats
Common problems
Two clouds on one folder
MEGA plus Dropbox on the same tree double-writes. Move one root.
Transfer quota messages
MEGA has transfer limits on some plans. That is an account cap, not a broken disk.
Getting unstuck
Install from mega.io/desktop
A "MEGA sync free" search ad is the wrong file. Dropbox.com/install is the sibling.
Confirm MEGAsync.exe under the MEGA folder
Dropbox.exe is Dropbox. Open file location if both trays are busy.
Use mega.io in a browser for a one-off download
You do not need the desktop client to fetch a single shared file.
Alternatives
Dropbox, OneDrive, and pCloud overlap. Dropbox is the sibling this article is not.
Official help and downloads
Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.
| Download | mega.io/desktop Official installer or vendor page |
|---|---|
| Help | help.mega.io/ Vendor support |
| Official site | mega.io/desktop Start here, not a random exe host |
Related hardware
First sync wants disk and network. An SSD helps.
Technical details
Technical details
Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.
Sources and verification
Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.
- MEGA official site · Vendor product page
- MEGA help · Vendor support
- MEGA help: desktop app · Windows client notes
- Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.
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