Synapse Not Starting (again) | Razer Insider
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OK, so this incessant problem with this crap software is really starting to grind my gears. I was plagued by this issue months back after adding a new Razer device (LED mat) - somehow got it working (did not take notes), and now it is back again after I updated my GPU (which would have involved unplugging / replugging Razer devices).



Razer Central and Cortex are both working. I am logged into my account. However, Synapse will not start. I verified that both service and process are running (why are they 32 bit?). I repaired, uninstalled / reinstalled, and followed several fan-made troubleshooting guides. I was unable to find anything by Razer itself to address this apparently very common problem, nor do they seem to accept any support requests on software topics, whereas via phone, e-mail or chat (please correct me if I am wrong about this).



Are there any freeware alternatives to Synapse? I am ready to walk away from it and not look back. Will never buy another Razer product.



For clarity, I am using 3.0. I have had this same problem with 2.0 at least twice before.
I am also having this problem / had it in the past. This software is absolutely trash it almost never works. Have you tried uninstalling / reinstalling it that has helped me in the past but for me not this time. Soon ill probably be looking to replace all my razer gear if this keeps being a problem.
OK, so I went thru their chat support by misrepresenting what I wanted (there is no option to start a chat session for software support). Did get thru to someone who attempted to support me on Synapse but they were useless.



However, I did get it to work. Here is what I ended up doing:



  • Windows restart to safe mode with networking

  • Try uninstalling all Razer software. Note - Synapse would actually not uninstall.

  • Use Everything (search tool) to find every "Razer" file/folder across all drives, delete them.

  • Control Panel > Programs and Features > Uninstall - if the Razer window does not load when you try to uninstall, you did everything right. Click thru the "software not found" prompt to remove from the listing.

  • Reboot

  • Device Manager - remove all mouses and keyboards, delete drivers. Remove the mouse LAST.

  • Unplug all Razer devices, wait 5 minutes, replug. Windows should update drivers automatically.

  • Reinstall Synapse. It will be saying "...failed to start" at this stage if you actually try to run it.

  • Reboot.

  • Uninstall Synapse.

  • Manually remove Razer Central Service by going to elevated command prompt and typing "sc delete RzActionSvc"

  • Reboot

  • Reinstall Synapse



Two wasted hours later, it works. Duck you Razer, looking forward to replacing your crap products as they break and permanently deleting you from my ecosystem.
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