What Is The Taskhostw.Exe Process In Windows 10? Is It A Virus, Or Is It Safe?

If you have noticed High CPU Usage because of the taskhostw.exe process in Task Manager, it’s understandable that you are worried. So, if you want to know more about it and how to take care of the taskhostw.exe process, keep reading the post.

Here we will explain what is taskhostw.exe, what it does, and if it is harmful or not.

What Is taskhostw.exe, And How To Fix It?

Taskhostw.exe is an executable file developed by Microsoft. This file is associated with Windows 10 and is identified as Host Protocol. The primary purpose of this executable file is to launch DLL services during boot time in Windows 10.

Location of Taskhostw.exe

C:\windows\system32 is the location where the genuine taskhostw.exe file is stored. This is a hidden Microsoft-signed Windows file and cannot be viewed easily. However, you can see the process running in Task Manager. The file is safe unless infected. So, when you see a taskhostw.exe consuming high CPU power, it means the file is infected.

Is taskhostw.exe a virus?

No, the file is not a virus, but if it slows down the system and consumes too much power, it is infected or corrupt.

That said, hackers usually hide malicious files behind the genuine file name so that the user doesn’t suspect them. In such a case scanning the system regularly with the best Windows antivirus is recommended. To know more about it, read our post on the best antivirus for Windows.

Alongside you can use Systweak Antivirus, one of the top-rated antiviruses that offers real-time protection, malware, and exploit protection. To get this tool, click here.

How Can You Know If taskhostw.exe Is Infected or Not?

If the taskhostw.exe file is not at C:\windows\system32, it is infected. If the file is located in the C:\Program Files subfolder, it is dangerous or saved under in C:\documents and settings\username or C:\Users\username, then it is undoubtedly infected.

Reasons for Taskhostw.exe High CPU Usage

1. Accidentally Deleting System File

If system files associated with taskhostw.exe or other related files DLL files are deleted, you might face problem due to taskhostw.exe

2. Incorrect uninstallation of apps

If you have uninstalled or installed any application improperly, you might face issues with taskhostw.exe.

3. Corrupt DLL files

Uninstallation or removal of DLL files is a common reason for High CPU consumption by taskhostw.exe. This means, when the DLL file that calls taskhostw.exe is corrupt, an error or more of memory consumption takes place.

4. Invalid registry entries

If you have corrupt or invalid registry keys, the taskhostw.exe file will show errors.

5. Virus attack

Virus or malware can damage the taskhostw.exe resulting in errors.

6. Problem with device driver

Outdated or corrupt device drivers also interfere with DLL files that lead to issues with taskhostw.exe.

How To Fix taskhostw.exe High CPU Usage

1. Scan the system for infections

Hackers, threat actors mask their methods as taskhostw.exe, causing problems and consuming High CPU power. Therefore, to ensure the file running in Task Manager is not infected, scanning the system for threats is necessary. This will help clean infections and will prevent the system from further damage. A powerful security program like Systweak Antivirus will help clean all the infections from the system. Compatible with Windows 10 and older versions, this is the best security tool with real-time protection.

2. Perform System File Checker

Due to improper shutdown, system files might get corrupted. Hence, to repair such files running System File Checker Windows built-in file is recommended. To run it, follow the steps below:

1. Open elevated Command Prompt

2. Now type the following command one after the other. Make sure you press enter after each command:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the process to finish.

3. After performing the above action, type sfc /scannow and hit Enter/

The command will scan the system for Windows OS files. If any damaged files are detected, they will be replaced by a cached copy of those files saved in a compressed folder at C:\Windows\System32\dllcache.

3. Restore your PC

Another way to resolve taskhostw.exe High CPU is to perform system restore. This effective way restores your system to the system when there was no such problem. To perform a system restore, follow the steps below:

1. Type System Restore in Windows search bar.

2. Select Create a Restore Point > this will open the System Properties window.

3. Click the System Protection tab > System Restore.

4. Hit Next > select a restore date >, Next > Finish. Let the system restore points to make the changes.

5. Reboot the system and check if High CPU Usage is fixed or not.

4. Repair corrupted DLL files

Damaged or corrupt DLL files cause taskhostw.exe errors and high CPU usage. Hence to fix this issue, you should update drivers. For this use, Advanced System Optimizer. This tool offers a Driver Updater module that helps detect problematic drivers and update them not to face any problem.

5. Reinstall problematic software

After installing a program, you face High CPU Usage; it means it’s because the program is not installed correctly. Hence, we suggest updating the recently installed program. For this, you can check our post on the best Software Updater programs.

6. Update Windows 10

Taskhostw.exe errors can be resolved by updating Windows updates. To update Windows follow the steps below:

1. Press Windows + I
2. Click Update & Security.
3. Hit Check for Updates and let Windows download and install latest update.
4. Reboot the system and check for the High CPU Usage problem.

Wrap Up

We do not suggest removing taskhostw.exe from C:\windows\system32. Also, we believe it will not help. Hence, we suggest using Advanced System Optimizer and Systweak Antivirus both the tools will help fix the taskhostw.exe problem. However, if you have any questions, don’t hesitate, drop us your query. We’ll be happy to help!

FAQ –

Q1. What is Taskhostw?

Taskhostw.exe file is a software component of Windows service start manager by Microsoft. This file’s main function is to start Windows with Windows Services based on DLLs whenever the computer boots.

Q2. How do I get rid of Taskhostw.exe?

To delete infected Taskhostw.exe, follow the steps below:

1. Download, install and launch Systweak Antivirus

2. Select Deep Scan and click Deep Scan

3. Wait for the scan to finish and quarantine all the threats.

4. Reboot the system

This will help get rid of infected or malicious Taskhostw.exe.

Q3. What is Taskhostw EXE Keyroaming?

The taskhost.exe is a Task Host, which is a Generic Host Process for Windows 7 32-bit Services. The full path to this file should be shown in TUT as C:\Windows\System32\Taskhost.exe