Question:
After upgrading to Windows 10 CPU fan, it keeps running on high. I checked Task Manager to find out the cause & found two background processes, namely Microsoft Background Task Host – backgroundTaskHost.exe and Microsoft Download/Upload Host – BackgroundTransferHost.exe are taking 60-80% CPU resources. Can you help me fix the problem?
Solution:
The fastest and easiest way to fix backgroundtaskhost.exe is to optimize the hard disk, run SFC /scannow, and uninstall unwanted programs. This can be done both manually and automatically. If you want to do it automatically, we suggest using Advanced System Optimizer.
This excellent PC cleaner and optimizer performs all these tasks automatically. To use it, download and install the product. Click Disk Cleaners & Optimizers > System Cleaner.
To learn how to do it in detail, click here.
What is backgroundTaskHost.exe?
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, backgroundTaskHost.exe is an executable file and a Cortana – Windows virtual assistant software component. This file runs the Background Task Host utility, a process essential for the Windows OS.
However, in some cases, this executable file can damage the PC. Therefore, fixing it and determining if the file is legitimate or not is necessary.
Details about BackgroundTaskHost.exe
File Location: C:\Windows\System32
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Expected Location: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Corporation\Windows 10 Operating System\ subfolder
Expected Full Path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Corporation\Windows 10 Operating System\backgroundTaskHost.exe
Common error messages related to backgroundTaskHost.exe
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe not found.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe Application Error.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe failed.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe is not a valid Win32 application.”
- “Error starting program: backgroundTaskHost.exe.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe is not running.”
- “Cannot find backgroundTaskHost.exe.”
- “Faulting Application Path: backgroundTaskHost.exe.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
Before following any of the methods explained below, we suggest scanning your system for threats. This is advised because, most of the time, the virus hides behind backgroundTaskHost.exe due to which you face High CPU problems.
For this, you can run any antivirus tool or can check our post on the best antivirus for Windows. However, we recommend using Advanced System Optimizer because this is an all-in-one optimization tool. It not only helps clean the system but also checks the system for infections. For this, you can use the System Protector module and scan the system for errors.
If no threats are detected, you can then try following the steps below.
How to Fix BackgroundTaskHost.exe
The best way to avoid problems related to backgroundTaskHost.exe is to clean the hard disk using cleanmgr and run SFC \scannow command. In addition to this, you can also uninstall programs that are no longer needed.
To run Disk Cleanup Cleanmgr, follow the steps below:
1. In Windows, search bar type Disk Cleanup and press Enter
2. You will now see Disk Clean click it to launch.
3. You will now see the Disk Cleanup interface from where you can select the drive to scan. By default, the system drive is selected.
4. After selecting the drive, click OK. This will start scanning the disk to calculate the space that you can free up.
5. Select the files you wish to delete and click Ok
6. You can now delete Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, Downloaded Programs, etc. All that is unwanted.
7. To confirm the action, press Ok. This will permanently delete all the selected files.
How to run Sfc \scannow
Open elevated Command Prompt and type SFC \scannow. Let the command run once done; it will fix system file errors.
If all this sounds too much work, try using Advanced System Optimizer.
How to fix system errors via Advanced System Optimizer
To run Advanced System Optimizer and fix backgroundTaskHost.exe High CPU Usage, follow the steps below:
1. Download and install Advanced System Optimizer
2. Launch the product
3. Click Disk Cleaner & Optimizers > System Cleaner > Start Scan Now
4. Wait for the scan to finish.
5. Once done, fix the errors.
6. Afterward, click Disk Optimizer, followed by Disk Tools. This will help defrag the disk and fix probable disk issues causing backgroundTaskHost.exe High CPU Usage.
Once done, restart your PC. This should fix the backgroundTaskHost.exe issue on your PC. Isn’t it simple? Surely it is. So, without any delay, try using this fantastic product or follow the manual steps. This will help free up space and optimize the PC.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q1. What does backgroundTaskHost EXE do?
BackgroundTaskHost.exe is an operating system executable file. It helps in operating the tasks in the background, and it should not be disabled. It is a host process for the virtual assistant – Cortana.
Q2. How do I turn off backgroundTaskHost.exe in Windows 10?
It is advisable to keep the BackgroundTaskHost.exe turned on to have a smooth operation on Windows 10. Although it appears that the process is taking up high CPU usage, you can disable it by going to Settings> Cortana.
Q3. Why does backgroundTaskHost.exe crash?
If a file is corrupted or broken, it will crash. If you are facing the issue with BackgroundTaskHost.exe crashing on your computer, run the troubleshooting. Windows itself looks for fixing the errors but using Advanced System Optimizer helps make the process smooth.
Q4. How do I fix the Taskhost.exe application error?
If you face a Taskhost.exe application error on your computer, the file may be corrupted or broken. We advise you to keep your Windows operating system updated and use Smart PC Care of Advanced System Optimizer to fix computer problems.
Q5. Why is the Task host running in the background?
Task Host runs in the background to ensure all the background processes are closed before the computer shuts down. That’s why you see it right before shutting down the computer, as it prevents the system from unexpected shutdowns.
Q6. Is the task host window a virus?
No, BackgroundTaskHost.exe is not a virus. Although many times malware can enter your system and inhibit with a name similar to the system process to make it hard to be detected manually. If you are worried about a malware intrusion in your computer, use good antivirus software. We recommend using Systweak Antivirus to keep your system safe from malware, spyware, and virus.