2023 Author: Gordon Kinson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-06-04 23:58
It seems that the conversation about certain Windows errors can become endless. In fact, it’s hard to deny the fact that it’s quite normal to run into errors on your computer if you don’t take timely care of its health. This time let's try to deal with the problem with the svchost process on Windows.
The computer began to slow down and freeze. What could be the reasons?
So, the problem is as follows: the computer suddenly began to slow down, freeze, while the programs stop responding, and pressing the buttons does not lead to anything.
The reason may be prolonged active surfing the Internet, due to which the system accumulates gigabytes of temporary files.
A basic solution for disinfecting a computer may be to delete the cache with special "cleaning programs" followed by defragmentation. If that doesn't work, try rolling back to an earlier state using System Restore.
Naturally, this option is appropriate if you created a restore point (System Properties → System Protection → Create).
If neither restarting Windows nor System Restore was able to help, then the problem may be due to the svchost.exe process.
What is the general svchost.exe file in Windows 7, 8 or 10. Literally, this name stands for Service Host - the main process for services loaded from dynamic system libraries. The use of a single svchost.exe process for the operation of several services can significantly reduce the cost of RAM.
What can affect the stable operation of svchost.exe processes
There can be many reasons, but we will focus on the most common ones.
Error downloading automatic updates. In this case, we recommend that you manually download the service pack from the Microsoft website and then install it yourself.
Viruses masquerading as svchost.exe. The solution can be the use of antivirus or analysis of the svchost.exe files in the Windows Task Manager (more details below).
Use Windows 10 Task Manager to end the Svchost process
It may well be that the svchost services are the root cause of the error. Let's try using the Task Manager and try to find the faulty service by disabling it.
1. Right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager from the list.
2. Now in the "Task Manager" window, find the "Details" tab and go to it.
3. Look carefully at the list and find svchost.exe in it.
4. You will almost certainly come across a lot of svchost.exe.
This can be confusing - it is not clear what kind of process we need. Pay attention to the load on each process. If some svchost.exe process has a load close to 100%, then it is likely that this is the main culprit of the problem.
Typically, the svchost.exe system processes in Windows have the following usernames:
- SYSTEM
- LOCAL SERVICE
- NETWORK SERVICE
Viruses can hide (but not always) under the username of the Windows account or simply ADMIN. It is also possible for a virus to spread that uses the real Svchost, but performs harmful actions, for example, such a virus is Kido.
5. End the svchost.exe process that has a high system load. To do this, right-click and select End Process Tree. Restart your computer and try to scan the system with an antivirus.
Don't worry if you accidentally terminate the normal svchost.exe process. Windows will restore the required process after reboot.
Clear Event Viewer logs to fix Svchost process
1. Search for “Event Viewer” using the search box located on the left corner of your system screen and launch the application.
2. In the Event Viewer, click on Windows Logs located on the left sidebar.
3. When you expand this item, click on "Application".
4. Now on the right side of the log, in the "Actions" window, click on "Clear log …", as shown in the picture.
5. After the pop-up menu appears on the screen, click "Clear".
6. Complete the above step with the Security, Installation, System, and Forwarded Events logs.
7. Restart your computer.
Stop Windows update to get rid of the problem
1. Press the Win + R keys at the same time to open the Run window.
2. Enter the services.msc command. and click OK.
3. Find "Windows Update" in the list, right-click on this item. Click Stop.
4. Now in Explorer go to This PC → Local drive (C:) → Windows.
5. Find the SoftwareDistribution folder and delete it.
6. Restart your computer.
Conclusion
We hope that one of the above methods will help you solve the problem with svchost.exe in Windows 10, 8, 7. There is one more point from which, perhaps, it is generally worth starting - install antivirus software. The thing is that there is a possibility of viruses or malware appearing in the system. This is why svchost.exe is so CPU intensive in Windows 10. Be sure to install an antivirus program if you enjoy exploring new websites and experimenting with programs.
In some cases, the Dr. Web CureIt, which does not require installation and is capable of searching and neutralizing viruses on affected systems.
Are we missing something and have you found another efficient way to fix the problem with svchost on Windows? Let us know in the comments.
See also:
- 32- or 64-bit Windows: What's the Difference and Which System Should I Install?
- How to speed up Windows 10, 8 or 7 by disabling unnecessary operating system services.
- How to automatically switch the language (layout) on the keyboard in macOS or Windows.
