When you open your Task Manager, you see that a Svchost.exe is running on multiple events together. What is this Svchost.exe? It is a Service Host process from Microsoft running on your Windows Operating System. It is responsible for the critical services always running on your Windows.
However, the issue is that the Service Host is causing High CPU Usage, as seen on the Task Manager CPU/RAM usage above 90 percent. Is it something specific in your case? No, the Svchost.exe running and causing High CPU Usage is not rare at all, as users have it daily.
On the other side, there are some methods you can use to fix the Svchost.exe causing High CPU Usage on your Windows PC. Sometimes the Antimalware Service Executable causes High CPU and RAM Usage as well.
What is the purpose of Svchost.exe?
As we mentioned, Svchost.exe is a Service Host responsible for running critical programs on your Windows. It was first introduced way back in the era of Windows 7 but kept with the Operating System til the latest version of Windows 11, as well as Windows 10.
Developers by none other than Microsoft, who are makers of Windows OS, and located in the C>Windows>System32, running as a load service for your system DLL Files.
Why is Svchost.exe using 90 percent CPU and RAM?
There are times when the Windows Operating System has trouble handling the services of your system. Therefore, it will take help from the Svchost.exe to manage those, resulting in your system using more RAM, GPU, and CPU power, ultimately running over 90 percent utilization of resources.
Why are multiple Svchost.exe services running?
In the previous Windows, Svchost.exe used to run differently for each service it was managing, resulting in your seeing multiple Svchost.exe services running. But, later on, in the latest version of Windows 10 or 11, they managed that to be only one Svchost.exe. It doesn’t matter whether you have 10 to 15 Svchost.exe running altogether or there is only one that is using all the resources.
Is Svchost.exe safe and not a virus?
Yes, Svchost.exe is completely safe, as it is a legitimate process running through the Microsoft Operating System. As you go into the details, you can find out that the Svchost.exe is signed by the Microsoft Corporation itself.
Yes, the hackers do make the process copy, and mirror it so that Windows doesn’t find it to be a threat, carrying illegal activities. So, there are chances that Svchost.exe might be a virus running on your system.
But, it is highly unlikely, as users can see Microsoft Digitally Signing this program running. You can also check its location by right-clicking and then expanding.
How to check if Svchost.exe is a virus or not?
- Open Task Manager (by right-clicking on the taskbar, or CTRL+SHIFT+ESC)
- In the tasks, look for Svchost.exe
- Check the name on the description
- Right Click on the exe
- Open File Location
- Match it with our: C>Windows>System32
If your Svchost.exe exists in the System 32 folder then it is not a virus and safe to be running on the system.
How to Fix Svchost.exe Service Host High CPU Usage?
There are multiple ways to fix the Service Host High CPU Usage on your Windows. Let’s get started with all of them below.
Windows Update Troubleshooter
When Windows is searching for updates it results in High CPU Usage. To tackle that, you will have to run the Windows Update Troubleshooter.
- Type System in Windows Search
- Find Troubleshoot
- Click on Run under Windows Update in the Troubleshoot section
Virus and Threat Scan
When Windows finds threats or viruses inside the system but can’t get a hold of them, it results in Service Host High CPU Usage.
- Type in Virus in the Windows Search
- Open Privacy and Security
- Go to Windows Security
- Click on Quick Scan under Virus and Threat Protection
Clear Even Viewer Logs
Svchost.exe High CPU Usage is due to the events that are running in the background. How to clear those?
- Windows key + R
- Type in eventvwr in the Run Dialogue Box
- Go to Windows Logs
- Right Click Application
- Select Clear Log
- Do the same for the Security Log, Setup Log, and System Log
Reboot once
Update Windows
Sometimes Svchost.exe starts running and draining your CPU resources because of the update pending in the background.
- Type in Update in Windows Search
- Press Enter
- Check for Updates
Disable BITS Service
Sometimes BITS or Background Intelligent Transfer Service starts using your bandwidth to the extent that it takes away your CPU power.
- Windows + R
- Type services.msc
- Scroll down to BITS (Background Intelligent Transfer Service
- Double click Services
- Go to Properties
- Disable under Startup Type
- Reboot once
Delete the Software Distribution Folder
Windows has all the updates that are downloaded and stored in the Software Distribution Folder. Sometimes it gets corrupted, resulting in the Svchost.exe High CPU Usage.
- Windows + R
- services.msc and OK or Enter
- Find Windows Update Service
- Right Click and Stop
- Find File Explorer
- Go to C>Windows
- Find Software Distribution and right-click to Delete
Reboot and the folder will be created again automatically, repairing itself in the process. Following the guide above will help you understand;
- What is Svchost.exe?
- Why is Svchost.exe causing Service Host High CPU Usage?
- How to fix Svchost.exe Service Host High CPU Usage?
