What is atkexComSvc.exe & How to Fix its High CPU Error

The atkexComSvc.exe process in the Task Manager stands for ASUS ATK Hotkey Express Communication Service. It’s present by default on all ASUS PCs and is responsible for updating the BIOS and drivers. But, it’s not a critical service/process and can be safely disabled if you are facing issues!

Problems with atkexComSvc.exe include frequent crashes, high CPU usage, high RAM consumption, errors when waking up the PC from sleep, and, at times, a BSOD (Blue Screen of Death).

Also, if the file is flagged as a threat by your antivirus, verify its credentials. Threat actors often disguise malware as critical files related to Windows or third-party programs to avoid detection.

How can I fix atkexComSvc.exe errors in Windows?

1. Scan for malware to verify if atkexComSvc.exe is genuine

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security, and click on the relevant result.
2. Click on Virus & threat protection.
3. Click on Scan options.
4. Click the Full scan entry and then click on Scan now.
5. Wait for the malware scan to complete. It may take 10-30 minutes.

Besides a malware scan, you can also check atkexComSvc.exe’s location to verify whether it’s indeed from ASUS or a malware. To do that, simply check the file’s location from Windows error logs or the Task Manager.

By default, atkexComSvc.exe is stored in (version may vary): C:\Program Files (x86)\ASUS\AXSP\4.00.42

If the file is in any other folder, you should immediately get an advanced antivirus solution to run a deeper scan.

2. Terminate the atkexComSvc.exe process

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, and go to the Details tab.
2. Right-click on the atkexComSvc.exe process, and select End task.
3. Once done, verify whether the CPU usage comes down to normal levels.

3. Disable the ASUS COM Service

1. Press Windows + S to open Search, type Services in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
2. Scroll down, right-click on the ASUS COM Service, and select Properties.
3. Choose Disabled from the Startup type dropdown menu, and then click on Stop under Service status if it’s currently running.
4. Click Apply and OK to save the changes and then restart the computer.

If atkexComSvc.exe keeps running every time you boot Windows, it’s likely that the ASUS COM Service is configured for automatic startup. So, to fix the atkexComSvc.exe high CPU, you will need to disable the service.

Also, after making the changes, verify that there are no adverse effects on the PC like RGB lighting not working. If so, you will have to revert the changes!

4. Delete the atkexComSvc.exe file

1. Open the Task Manager, go to the Details tab, right-click on atkexComSvc.exe, and select Open file location.
2. Once in the AXSP folder, delete the atkexComSvc.exe file.
3. If you get an error, make sure you are signed in with an administrator account to have the required privileges.

While removing atkexComSvc.exe didn’t affect the core functioning of the PC for most, I would recommend moving the file to another folder, then restarting the PC, and if everything works fine, you can delete the file.

5. Update the BIOS

For 2 out of 5 users who found atkexComSvc.exe crashing in Windows, updating the BIOS did the trick!

Remember, the BIOS update is a critical process, and any mistakes during it can render the PC unusable. So, you should check the manufacturer’s official website for the exact steps.

6. Remove all ASUS software from the PC

1. Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
2. Select the ASUS entries listed here individually, and click Uninstall.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process and then restart the PC.

Programs developed by the system manufacturer that are a part of the default OS installation are considered bloatware in Windows, and these often trigger errors, as you have seen with atkexComSvc.exe. So, if you don’t actively rely on the pre-installed ASUS software, uninstalling them is the best solution!

If a quick removal doesn’t work, use a top-rated software uninstaller to delete any leftover files and Registry entries that might be conflicting with Windows.

In my experience, deleting atkexComSvc.exe or removing other ASUS software shouldn’t affect the PC. But if it does on your end, simply disabling the ASUS COM Service will also fix issues with atkexComSvc.exe.

Before you leave, find out expert tips to lower CPU usage in Windows and improve the PC’s performance!

For any queries or to share more solutions with our readers, drop a comment below.