Razer Synapse

ApplicationRazer

Also called synapse 3, synapse 4, razer synapse

RazerDrivers

Razer device and Chroma host. Synapse 4 is current. Some older devices still need Synapse 3. It is not iCUE.

What you need to know

Synapse is Razer's host. Synapse 3 versus 4 matters for old devices.

Synapse 4 is current. Hardware Razer left on Synapse 3 will not migrate. iCUE is Corsair, not a Razer reskin.

What is it?: Razer device and RGB host
Still current?: Yes, see Current status
Official download?: Use the vendor link in this article

Feex says

If a 2016 Razer mouse vanished after Synapse 4, I check Razer's Synapse 3 list. I do not open iCUE for a Razer device.

What is Razer Synapse?

Razer Synapse stores profiles and Chroma lighting for Razer hardware. Synapse 3 versus 4 matters for old devices. It is not Corsair iCUE.

If you have never used it

If the device says Razer, this is the app for dpi, lighting, and macros. Install Synapse from razer.com. Synapse 4 is current. An older mouse may still need Synapse 3. iCUE will not see a Razer device.

What is it used for?

dpi and macros

Razer mice and keyboards. iCUE profiles do not apply here.

Chroma lighting

Razer lighting. OpenRGB is a different host and can fight Synapse.

Synapse 3 holdouts

Devices Razer left on Synapse 3. That is a compatibility list, not a broken Windows install.

Who is it for?

People with Razer peripherals
Users stuck on Synapse 3 for an old device
Desks that also run iCUE for Corsair gear

Current status

Razer Synapse (2018) is a current razer device and rgb host from Razer. The vendor still points Windows users at https://www.razer.com/synapse-3.

How old is it?

Synapse 2 was the 2010s host. Synapse 3 arrived in 2018. Synapse 4 is the current rewrite. A Synapse 2 profile is not a Synapse 4 import.

Versions

Major channels first. Exact build numbers are not all verified here.

Synapse 4

Synapse 3 (older devices)

Synapse 2 (legacy)

System requirements

Values follow the publisher's public guidance. Workload still changes the real need.

Minimum

Minimum system requirements
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.

Installed processes
RazerSynapse.exe	Synapse 3-era window. Synapse 4 often uses RazerAppEngine.exe
RazerAppEngine.exe	Synapse 4 app engine on current installs

Startup components

Synapse starts helpers so lighting and dpi load at sign-in. Turn them off in Synapse if you want a manual start.

File locations

Common Razer Synapse locations
Typical install	C:\Program Files (x86)\Razer\

Common problems

Old device missing after Synapse 4

Check Razer's Synapse 3 list. That is not iCUE's job.

Chroma fights OpenRGB or iCUE

Two hosts on one USB device drop lighting. Quit one host first.

Getting unstuck

Install from razer.com, then check 3 versus 4

If the device is absent in Synapse 4, Razer may still point at Synapse 3. Skip forum "Synapse full" zips.

Quit other RGB hosts before you re-pair

iCUE and OpenRGB can hold the same USB interface.

Repair from Apps

Settings > Apps > Razer Synapse. Do not delete Program Files by hand.

Alternatives

iCUE is Corsair. G HUB is Logitech G. OpenRGB is vendor-neutral and can conflict with Synapse.

Official help and downloads

Start with the vendor. Random exe sites are not a support channel.

Official contacts
Download	www.razer.com/synapse-3 Official installer or vendor page
Help	mysupport.razer.com/ Vendor support
Official site	www.razer.com/synapse-3 Start here, not a random exe host

Related hardware

Synapse talks to Razer USB and Chroma devices. It will not flash Corsair DRAM.

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.

Razer Synapse official site · Vendor product page
Razer Synapse help · Vendor support
Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

Was this article useful?

A yes or no is enough. Pick a reason if you want, or add a short note.