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Computer programs are seen by the system as a service. Some programs can run as a standalone service, while some require a “Service Host” to operate. These programs that require a host are called Dynamic Link Libraries (DLLs).
The primary aim of the Service Host (svchost.exe) is to classify and run DLL services efficiently without putting unnecessary load on the system. While this works for the most part, there is only so much efficiency a Service Host can provide. After a point, you start noticing high CPU usage, which can hinder your system’s performance. In this article, we will discuss seven different ways to reduce Service Host CPU usage.
7 Ways To Reduce High CPU Usage Caused By Service Host
1. Disable unwanted svchost.exe services
Since various Windows programs use the Service Host, it has to run multiple programs simultaneously. You can single out these programs and disable the unwanted ones. Here is how to do it:
- Step 1: Open the Task Manager on your computer by right-clicking on the taskbar.
- Step 2: On the Task Manager, go to the Details tab.
- Step 3: Right-click on svchost.exe and select Go to service(s). You will now be shown a list of all the programs using the Service Host to operate.
- Step 4: If you find an unwanted program, such as Windows Updates, right-click on it and click Stop. This will stop the program. Repeat the process until you find all unwanted programs that are clogging your CPU.
- Step 5: To disable the program(s), first switch to the Services tab on the Task Manager.
- Step 6: Find the program(s), right-click on them, and go to Properties.
- Step 7: On the General tab, find Startup Type and select Disabled from the drop-down menu.
- Step 8: Restart your computer. The program will now be disabled to run in the background automatically. See if your issue is fixed.
2. Scan your system for viruses
If your computer has ongoing virus issues, it can clog your system memory through Service Host (svchost.exe). This will result in high CPU usage, disallowing your active programs to run optimally.
We recommend scanning your system for viruses or malicious programs using anti-virus software. If you have one installed, scan and remove the viruses. If not, you can download one or use Windows Defender, which is prebuilt on Windows systems.
3. Update Windows
The Windows Update program uses Service Host (svchost.exe) to operate. As the operating system always persists users to stay updated to the latest version, the program continues to run in the background, taking up unnecessary memory space.
To update Windows to the latest version, type “Windows Updates” on the search bar of your system. Launch the program Check for Updates. If there are any, go through them. If not, run the troubleshooter by going to the “Troubleshooter” tab on the program. If neither of these fixes reduce CPU usage, Windows Updates aren’t causing the clogging.
4. Fix corrupt files using System File Checker
Sometimes certain files on your computer can go corrupt due to a bottleneck in the system. System File Checker is an inbuilt Windows program that helps fix this issue. Here is how to use it:
- Step 1: Press the Windows and X keys on your computer simultaneously.
- Step 2: Select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” from the options. If you are prompted with a menu asking whether you wish to allow the app to make changes, select Yes.
- Step 3: Once the program launches, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
- Step 4: Once the scan finishes, type Repair-WindowsImage -RestoreHealth to repair corrupt files.
- Step 5: Restart your computer. See if your issue is fixed.
5. Empty Event Viewer Log
The Event Viewer is an inbuilt Windows tool that logs all Windows events while it is active. These events include system and application crashes, security risks, system warnings, and much more. It is an efficient tool for monitoring and troubleshooting Windows errors. However, the log can get clogged up if your computer stays active for a long while. To empty the Event Viewer log, follow the steps below:
- Step 1: Press your computer’s Windows and R keys simultaneously to launch Run.
- Step 2: Type eventvwr on the text box and press Enter.
- Step 3: Select Windows Logs from the left side panel.
- Step 4: Go to the Application menu.
- Step 5: Select Clear Log from the right side panel.
- Step 6: Repeat the same for Security, Setup, and System menus. You will find these under Windows Logs as well.
- Step 7: Restart your computer. See if your issue is fixed.
6. Update Windows Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause a bottleneck for programs using Service Host to run improperly. To update Windows Drivers, you can manually update them from the Device Manager one by one. If you wish to scan for all driver updates at once, use these steps:
- Step 1: Download and install Driver Easy on your Windows computer.
- Step 2: Launch Driver Easy and scan for updates. The application will list down all outdated drivers with updates for them.
- Step 3: Update all outdated drivers.
- Step 4: Restart your computer. See if your issue is fixed.
7. Disable SuperFetch
SuperFetch is a Windows software that ensures faster booting times and efficiently launches essential applications. You can see this software in most Windows 8 or higher systems. Though it promises high speed and efficiency, it has been identified as a CPU clogger, hindering the optimacy of system programs. To disable SuperFetch, follow these steps:
- Step 1: Press the Windows and X keys on your computer simultaneously.
- Step 2: Select “Command Prompt (Admin)” from the options. If you are prompted with a menu asking whether you wish to allow the app to make changes, select Yes.
- Step 3: Once the program launches, type net.exe stop superfetch and press Enter.
- Step 4: Restart your computer. SuperFetch will now be disabled to run in the background automatically. See if your issue is fixed.
Conclusion
Service Host (svchost.exe) plays a crucial role in running Windows computers to perform optimally. It is responsible for running a host (pun intended) of files, including various default programs such as Windows Updates. While it generally does a great job of handling these programs, there are numerous ways your CPU usage could get high directly or indirectly. The article above discusses seven ways to reduce CPU issues caused by Service Host programs.
