Program file
sgtray.exe: the Veritas backup tray process
sgtray.exe is a process usually installed together with Veritas data backup utilities, for example Backup Exec Desktop Pro. It shows a system tray icon that reminds you to back up your data, and it starts when Windows starts. A copy in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 is a warning sign.
Prefer to check it yourself? The manual checks follow.
sgtray.exe is a legitimate process of Veritas data backup utilities. It is responsible for a system tray icon that can pop up as a reminder when you forget to back up your data.
Some malware programs use legitimate processes to hide. If the file is in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32, there is a high chance of an infection, and you must run a full system scan.
- Publisher
- Veritas
- Program
- Veritas data backup utilities, such as Backup Exec Desktop Pro
- Function
- System tray icon that reminds you to back up your data
- Startup
- Starts as soon as Windows starts
- Visible in
- Task Manager
- Suspicious folders
- C:\Windows and C:\Windows\System32
What sgtray.exe does
sgtray.exe is a process that is usually installed together with Veritas data backup utilities. It can appear on a computer after you install Backup Exec Desktop Pro or another product from Veritas.
It is responsible for a system tray icon, which tends to pop up as a reminder if you forget to back up your data.
Typically it can be found in Task Manager, and it starts as soon as Windows starts.
About .exe files. An .exe file is a program. It runs as a process you can see in Task Manager, so its name, folder and publisher are what to check.
How to check it
The folder and the signature are the first tests, because any executable name can be copied by malware.
- Open Task Manager. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc and find sgtray.exe on the Processes or Details tab.
- Find the folder. Right-click the process and choose Open file location. The genuine file belongs with the Veritas program. If it is in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32, run a full system scan at once.
- Check the signature. Properties > Digital Signatures should name Veritas. In PowerShell, with the path from the previous step:
Get-AuthenticodeSignature "<path to sgtray.exe>" | Format-List Status, SignerCertificate - Scan the PC. Run a full scan and an offline scan with Microsoft Defender (Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options). A scan confirms that nothing hides under this name.
Folder and signature show whether the file belongs to the program. They do not show that the rest of the PC is clean.
Do you need sgtray.exe?
Keep it if you use the Veritas backup software and want its reminders. If you do not, stop it starting or uninstall the backup program that installs it.
- Scan first. Run a full scan and an offline scan with Microsoft Defender (Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options). This is the step to take when the file sits in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32.
- Stop it starting. Open Task Manager > Startup apps, select the Veritas entry and choose Disable. The icon then no longer appears at Windows start.
- Uninstall the program. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, look for Backup Exec Desktop Pro or the other Veritas product, select it and choose Uninstall.
- Check the result. Restart the computer and check in Task Manager that sgtray.exe no longer runs.
Warning signs
| What you see | What it means |
|---|---|
| sgtray.exe in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 | A high chance of a virus, spyware, trojan or worm; run a full system scan. |
| sgtray.exe on a PC with no Veritas software | There is no reason for the file to exist. |
| Missing or non-Veritas digital signature | The file was not signed by the publisher. |
| A backup reminder icon you never set up | The icon belongs to Veritas backup software; check where it comes from. |
Questions people ask
What is sgtray.exe?
sgtray.exe is a process that is usually installed together with Veritas data backup utilities. It can appear after you install Backup Exec Desktop Pro or another Veritas product. It is responsible for a system tray icon that tends to pop up as a reminder if you forget to back up your data.
Is sgtray.exe a virus?
Not when it belongs to installed Veritas backup software. Some malware programs use legitimate processes to hide their presence, so check the location of the file. If it is in C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32, there is a high chance of a virus, spyware, trojan or worm, and you must run a full system scan with Microsoft Defender.
Why does sgtray.exe start with Windows?
It starts as soon as Windows starts, because it keeps the Veritas backup icon in the system tray ready to remind you to back up. You can find it in Task Manager. If you do not want the reminder, disable the Veritas entry in Task Manager > Startup apps, or uninstall the backup program.
How do I check that sgtray.exe is not malicious?
Check where the file is. In Task Manager, right-click sgtray.exe and choose Open file location. If the folder is C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32, run a full scan and an offline scan with Microsoft Defender. Also check the digital signature in the file's Properties, which should name Veritas.
How do I get rid of sgtray.exe?
Uninstall the Veritas backup product that installs it. Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps, find Backup Exec Desktop Pro or the other Veritas program, and choose Uninstall. If you only want the icon gone, disable its startup entry in Task Manager. If a scan finds the file to be malware, let Microsoft Defender remove it.
Sources
- MITRE ATT&CK: Masquerading (T1036)
- Microsoft Learn: Microsoft Defender Offline scan
- Microsoft Support: Configure startup applications in Windows
- Microsoft Support: Uninstall or remove apps and programs in Windows
Version data read on Oct 5, 2026.
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