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svchost.exe
Generic Host Process for Win32Services
svchost.exe. What is it?
Svchost.exe is a Windows system file. It is the Generic Host Process for Win32 Services. This file manages 32-bit DLLs as well as other services. Microsoft runs a lot of software functionality from DLL (dynamic link library) interface. But DLLs can’t launch themselves – they need an executable program. On startup, svchost.exe checks the services in the Registry and makes a list of services it has to load. Usually there are several svchost files running at the same time. Each svchost file instance can group services, so that separate services can be run depending on where and how it is started. The multiple executions of svchost.exe reduce the possibility of one process crashing the entire system, thus making the operating system more stable and secure.
The svchost.exe file should be in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. If you find it anywhere else, then svchost.exe could be a virus, trojan, worm, or spyware! Scan your computer with Auslogics Antivirus to make sure it's not infected.
Problems from Svchost.exe
Svchost.exe is known to cause high CPU usage problems. I’m sure you’ve been in a situation like this: you’re working on your computer and enjoying yourself when all of a sudden it becomes agonizingly slow and even starts freezing up. You press CTRL+ALT+DEL to open the Task Manager, click on the Processes tab, and see that there are several instances of svchost.exe running and one of them is using up 90% - 100% of CPU! (NB Windows Vista and Windows 7 users need to check Show processes from all users to be able to see all svchost.exe instances). Some people will think: “OMG! My computer’s got a virus!!!”. Well, that might be true, because some malware masks itself as svchost, but most likely it’s just Windows being Windows.
How to Stop It?
Now the question is how to stop svchost.exe from stealing CPU usage. First of all, you’ll need to find out which of the svchost file instances is the culprit and is causing your computer to slow down. Also you need to identify the actual application running it.
Luckily, it’s easy. There is a very useful free Microsoft (originally Sysinternals) tool called Process Explorer, that gives you detailed information for each running process. All you need to do is download it and click the .exe file - no installation is required.
Once you’ve got it running, hover the mouse point over each svchost process and a tooltip windows with all the information needed will appear.
How to Fix It?
First of all, if the process that is eating up CPU is not a Windows process, kill it and uninstall the program that runs it. Also scan your computer for viruses and other malware.
However, most likely it will be a Windows process, such as Task Scheduler, firewall, or Windows Update. Sometimes simply restarting your computer gets rid of the problem. If not, try downloading the most recent Windows Updates. If for some reason you can’t, go to the Control Panel - Administrative Tools - double-click the Services shortcut (or click Start - Run - type in services.msc - hit Enter), find the required service, right-click on it, go to Properties and select Disabled from the Startup type box. You can always re-enable it later, so don’t worry. Reboot your computer and then go to the Microsoft website and download updates. Install them, re-enable the service that you have stopped, and restart again. Hopefully everything will be working now.
Another way to get rid of svchost.exe high CPU usage problem is to open the Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL), find the process that is causing the problem, right-click on it, go to Set Priority and set it to Below Normal (or Idle if Below Normal doesn’t help). Keep in mind that setting it to Idle might interfere with your networking services, especially if you’re at work and part of a large network.
Learn more about svchost.exe...
Recommendation
Take care when disabling svchost process, because it is needed by essential applications to work properly.
Actions
Security risk: Free spyware & virus scanRegistry Errors: Free scan (run Registry Cleaner)Uninstallation: N/A Uninstall (run Unistall Manager)Disk & Memory Usage: N/A Free scan (run Task Manager)
Details
Author: Microsoft CorporationPart Of: Microsoft® Windows® Operating SystemCommon path(s): %system%\system32\svchost.exe
%SYSTEM%
subfolder %WINDOWS%
subfolder %SYSTEM%File size: 14,336 bytes (86% of all occurrence), 12,800 bytes, 22,016 bytes, 21,504 bytes, 13,312 bytes, 14,848 bytes, 17,408 bytes, 15,872 bytes, 23,040 bytes, 117,760 bytes, 123,904 bytes, 13,824 bytes, 90,624 bytes, 14,482 bytes
User opinions
Add your commentThis is the correct method and the best you can hope for, if this does not work then most likely you're cpu is outdated/weak and/or the programs you're running are just too intense....Another way to get rid of svchost.exe high CPU usage problem is to open the Task Manager (CTRL+ALT+DEL), find the process that is causing the problem, right-click on it, go to Set Priority and set it to Below Normal. I give this advice over the phone.
good article, solved my computer's speed problem. Thank you
i think this is safe file
good gud very gud
HP Printer Driver Service.
this file is usually safe, as per a clean system, but its a favourite for a large number of viruses to infect. I agree with Jimmy, give it a good scan with *reputable* antivirus and antimaleare software - but do it from safe mode, and disable system restore prior to scanning. much more likely to be successful in removing the infection.
I came here for info "sent by WINDOWS thinking it was safe but as they won't even allow my real explanation to what this site say and DOES, I'll just say read the article and RUN! Get out clicking on nothing but the "back"button..I "uploaded" cr** now I have to check with my antivirus, etc. Its another "covert" site trying to either get IN ur computer or sell u something...trust me, I HATE sites like this!
i deleted it from my system and now my computer no longer starts up
Thank you for this article! Very well done :)
thanks for the article. it really helped me.
Clear and complete info! Thanks!
Posts like this brighten up my day. Thanks for tkanig the time.
The information is really good. All the instructions can be very useful and effective, you should try to perform them. But if they will not solve your problem (and it really can be because every case is unique), then you are welcome to use our instructions: http://www.svchost-errors.com/71/svchostexe-high-cpu-usage-svchostexe-high-cpu-usage-reducing/
Capital I in Ignatz, apostrophe between n and t to make it can't, your should be you're and only one l in already. Yes, if you can't spell on a computer you ARE fucked as you say.
ignatz is right,most of these people cant spell worth a shit! and if you cant spell on a computer,your allready fucked!
Since I am experiencing high CPU usage messages-This pages are extremely helpful. Where do I find all the Active X files?
safe is the best
Ignatz... lose the rage man.
thanks man, my problem z fixed, wasn't a virus but was a windows service dat was eatin all my b/w
Where the fuck did all you people learn to spell? Dumbfucks.
Why do I boethr calling up people when I can just read this!
If ifnoartmion were soccer, this would be a goooooal!
None can doubt the veracity of this artlice.
Great common sense here. Wish I'd thoghut of that.
Ppl like you get all the brnais. I just get to say thanks for he answer.
Wowza, prboelm solved like it never happened.
Full of salient points. Don't stop believing or wrtiing!
No more s***. All posts of this qulaity from now on
A piece of eduriiton unlike any other!
This is an airtcle that makes you think "never thought of that!"
Great article on the subject.
Evil Microsoft want to conTROLL the world
Evil Microsoft want to conTROLL the world
My system was behaving dead slow due to svchost file. After I read these details, I immediately use the tool as recommended by FI. Its good to see that issue is no more taunting my system.
My system was behaving dead slow due to svchost file. After I read these details, I immediately use the tool as recommended by FI. Its good to see that issue is no more taunting my system.
Haven't used this process yet but will try, sounds easy enough to do as Im pretty savvy with computer stuff. wish me luck!
robs at his again
After some investigating into the 0X745f2780 SVCHOST error, it became apparent the problem is a corrupted Windows Update in Windows XP. Try checking this guide on svchost.exe if you need more detailed steps.
From what I have read, scvhost.exe is a safe file..It is a core file of the the Windows OS and therefore shouldn't be removed nor altered at all...
hallo haalo thand your for we kommen
this file is usually safe, as per a clean system, but its a favourite for a large number of viruses to infect. I agree with Jimmy, give it a good scan with *reputable* antivirus and antimaleare software - but do it from safe mode, and disable system restore prior to scanning. much more likely to be successful in removing the infection.
@Sarah try using Process Explorer to see which applications are running svchost.exe. Also scan your computer with good antivirus and antimalware software. syswow64 is also a system folder, so a legitimate svchost.exe process could be there too.
You say that if the svchost file is anywhere but the System32 folder, then it's a virus. Is that true even when using the Vista 64-bit operating system? I have an svchost file in my System32 folder as well as in my c:\windows\syswow64\ folder? I think I might have an infected svchost file; not sure which one to delete?
To verify that this file is safe check path. If it's executed from any place other than %system32% block it
This is a totally save Microsoft file.
This is safe file