The high CPU utilization issue of Taskhost.exe is caused by the task host process, which is an executable file that runs in the background. This file is a system file and is recognized as a host protocol. It is linked with other DLL files and dynamic link library services.
Dll files are used by the operating system to launch certain functions, find applications, processes, and enable programs. Therefore, often in the Task Manager, you can see several running Taskhost.exe processes, which in some cases leads to high consumption of computer resources. It should also be borne in mind that malicious software can disguise itself as this process, so the option of infecting the system with a virus is not excluded.
Some problems with this executable also appear in the form of specific error messages:
- Taskhost.exe – Access denied;
- Taskhost.exe Application Error;
- Taskhost.exe error.
One way or another, there are several ways to solve the problem with this process. By executing each of them in turn, you can identify the cause of the high CPU utilization and troubleshoot.
Solution 1. Recovering damaged system files
One of the main reasons Taskhostw.exe consumes a lot of CPU resources is system files corruption.
It is necessary to carry out diagnostics with the built-in scanner:
- To do this, right-click on the Windows icon (bottom, left).
- Select Command Prompt (Admin).
- In the opened system window, write the following:
- sfc / scannow
- Press Enter to start the process of scanning the system for errors and corrupted files.
- At the end of the diagnostics, the application will report the corrected errors, if any.
- Then restart your computer.
Solution 2: Reset Windows Stability Monitor
How to do it:
- Right click on the Windows icon and select Control Panel.
- Go to the Support Center, and expand the Maintenance section.
- Select Show stability log.
- At the bottom, click View All Issue Reports.
- Then Clear all problem reports.
- In the pop-up window, confirm your selection by clicking Clear All.
Solution 3. System Restore
Instructions:
- Go to the control panel by right-clicking on the Windows icon.
- Select Recovery, and then – Start System Restore.
- In the next window, click Next, and select a point to restore.
- If you do not see restore points, or there are very few of them, select the “Show other restore points” checkbox.
- Select the required date to which you want to rollback, and click next.
- Follow the further instructions in the System Restore Wizard to return your computer to settings when everything was working fine.
- During this process, the system will be rebooted, so you should first save all open documents and applications.
Solution 4. Check for corruption using PowerShell
Manual:
- Go to the Control Panel again as shown in the examples above.
- Select the Administration section.
- Run the PowerShell application as an administrator by right-clicking on it and selecting the appropriate item.
- In the pop-up window, confirm your selection, and then enter the following line:
- dis.exe / Online / Cleanup-image / Restorehealth
- The process will replace any corrupted files and fix problems.
- Reboot your system.
Solution 5. Check your computer for malware
As mentioned above, one of the reasons for the CPU utilization by Taskhost.exe processes can be viruses masquerading as system applications. Therefore, you should scan the system with a third-party or built-in antivirus. If your computer does not have adequate third-party protection installed, you can always use Windows Defender. It is a completely reliable tool that you can rely on.
- Open Control Panel and go to Windows Defender.
- On the right side, check the box next to Full scan and start scanning.