Here’s how to permanently fix Taskhost.exe high CPU usage

by Madalina Dinita

Last update:March 8, 2021

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Taskhost.exe is a process that hosts various Windows processes running from a dynamic link library instead of the conventional .exes (executable files).

You see, libraries (.dlls) are only capable of running through .exe files and they have to rely on the Taskhost to support their execution.

Because Taskhost.exe can take any format that a dynamic link library file demands, it ends uploading multiple instances, each catering for certain DLL-based services.

This is how Taskhost ends up monopolizing lots of system resources which in turn causes high CPU usage. There are a couple of solutions that can eliminate this frustrating error as you will see shortly.

Taskhost.exe file is definitely not malware. It’s indeed a Windows system process, going by the name as host process for Windows tasks.

However, cunning developers of worms, viruses, and trojans sometimes name various malware processes Taskhost.exe to trick unsuspecting users.

Now let’s go directly into how to fix the Taskhost.exe high CPU problem.

How can I fix Taskhost.exe high CPU issues?

1. Fix corrupted DLL files

1. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del.
2. Click Task Manager.
3. Click on the Performance.
4. Look at the graphs under the CPU (the computer’s processor).
5. To track down apps/systems triggering the CPU strain, click on the Details.
   
6. Now click on the CPU. This sorts the results in that column in descending order.
7. Then look for the process(es) that repeatedly shows high usage (ignore the system idle process).
8. Right-click on each of these processes as necessary and choose End task.

In most cases, the challenge arises due to some .DLL files getting corrupted making it impossible for Taskhost.exe to open them on demand.

To fix your system, locate all the error-ridden DLL files and either replace or erase them. You can view in-depth performance data from the Windows resource monitor either from the system logs or in real-time.

It displays details about the utilization of hardware (CPU, disk, memory, and network) and software, as well as hardware usage in real-time.

You can use it to identify the programs/processes slowing down your PC and stop them.

You can also use a dedicated third-party tool to repair any corrupted .DLL files from your system. It scans and automatically fixes the files.

Restoro is a reliable third-party DLL fixer which uses a built-in automated system and an online library full of functional DLLs to replace and repair any files that might be corrupted or damaged on your PC. All you need to do to resolve your PC’s problems is to launch it, and simply follow the on-screen instructions to start the process, as everything else is covered by the software’s automated processes. This is how you can fix registry errors using Restoro:

1. Download and install Restoro.
2. Launch the software.
3. Wait for it to scan your PC for any stability issues and possible malware.
4. Press Start Repair.
5. Restart your PC for all the changes to take effect.

After this process is completed your PC will be as good as new, and you will no longer have to deal with BSoD errors, slow response times, or other similar issues. ⇒ Get Restoro Disclaimer: This program needs to be upgraded from the free version in order to perform some specific actions.

2. Reset the Windows reliability monitor

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Click System and Security.
3. Now select Security and Maintenance.
4. Select the View reliability history hyperlink under the Maintenance tab.
5. The Windows reliability Monitor Window opens. Scroll and find the view all problem reports (near the bottom).
6. Select Clear all problem reports in the next window.
7. Then click Clear all when prompted by the next dialog box.

Though not exactly popular, the reliability monitor feature has been part of the Windows operating system for some time now.

It keeps an eye on the system’s functionality and stability and will report on any critical occurrences that are affecting your PC.

Ironically, despite playing a crucial role in system maintenance, it can be the source of troubles on your PC, such as high CPU usage. To fix the problem, do the following:

Hopefully, your CPU usage will return to normal after performing these steps.

3. Check for corruption in system files

1. Locate the search box on your taskbar and type PowerShell.
2. Right-click on Windows PowerShell and choose Run as administrator then Yes.
   
3. Now type the following command (notice the spaces between dism.exe and / and each switch (/)): dism.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
4. DISM will try to find and replace any corrupted files. Wait for the process to finish and then restart your PC.
5. Repeat Steps 1 and 2 from above.
6. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to run it.
7. SFC will run and replace the affected files.
8. Restart your PC.

Problematic system files might also contribute to the Taskhost.exe high CPU error. You can check the status of these files and use the right tools to repair/replace those affected.

The first utility for this purpose is the powerful Deployment Image Service & Management Tool (DISM).

4. Scan your PC for malware

Since hackers may hijack the file and use it to corrupt and open countless other processes and put extra strain on your CPU, start with a virus check.

This will remove any traces of stressful infections on your computer and free up the CPU. Use a reliable antivirus and make sure its database is updated before starting.

We recommend you to use a third-party antivirus solution, enhanced with more extensive machine learning capabilities across multiple layers of protection. 

⇒ Get Bullguard

5. Restore your PC

1. Locate the search box on your Taskbar and type restore point.
2. From the displayed results, click Create a restore point.
3. Go to the System Protection option and select System Restore.
4. Select Next and select the restore point associated that you wish to revert to.
5. Click Next then Finish.
6. Let the system run the restore. It will restart after it’s done.
7. See if your computer is running normally.

If the Taskhost.exe high CPU issue arose after making some changes to your PC, for example, installing a new App or a driver/Windows update, it could be that your modification is what brought issues.

Tried to restore your PC but it did not complete successfully? Fix this error by following our guide.

The utility is an integral component of Windows, thus we wouldn’t encourage you to remove it. We hope that you managed to fix the problem with Taskhost.exe with one of our solutions. 

If you have any other suggestions or solutions that we should add to our guide, please write us a comment below.