# Razer Synapse

Application: Razer

Also called synapse 3, synapse 4, razer synapse

Razer, Drivers

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

| 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.

| 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

| 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.

| Download      | [www.razer.com/synapse-3 ](https://www.razer.com/synapse-3)Official installer or vendor page |
| ------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Help          | [mysupport.razer.com/ ](https://mysupport.razer.com/)Vendor support                          |
| Official site | [www.razer.com/synapse-3 ](https://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

Technical details

Vendor version numbers change. This article does not pin a build.

## Related

These entities connect to this article. Type is shown on every link.

[OpenRGB: Application](https://feex.it/wiki/software/openrgb)[iCUE: Application](https://feex.it/wiki/software/corsair-icue)[How to read Task Manager: Guide](https://feex.it/wiki/software/system/how-to-read-task-manager)

## Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. [How we research](https://feex.it/wiki/research).

- [Razer Synapse official site ](https://www.razer.com/synapse-3)· Vendor product page
- [Razer Synapse help ](https://mysupport.razer.com/)· Vendor support
- [Foxhole process map ](https://foxhole.feex.it/)· 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.

Quick facts

The short identity of this page. Specs, sources, and the full story stay in the article.

- **Developer**: Razer

  **Category**: Razer device and RGB host

  **Process**: RazerSynapse.exe

  **License**: Free companion for Razer hardware

  **First released**: 2018

  **Official site**: [razer.com/synapse-3](https://www.razer.com/synapse-3)

  **Mapped by Feex**: Seen on Windows PCs in Foxhole

Feex Reviewed: Last verified August 2026

---

Source: [Canonical Feex Wiki page](https://feex.it/wiki/software/razer-synapse/)

[Developer guide](https://feex.it/wiki/developers/) | [API policy](https://feex.it/developers/api-policy/) | [Agent guidance](https://feex.it/wiki/llms.txt)