Conhost.exe high CPU
Conhost.exe high CPU

We sometimes face a situation that after using our PC for some time it suddenly starts behaving weirdly and super slow. We normally tend to ignore it but if we go to the task manager to check what’s wrong it shows high CPU usage by Conhost.exe. This can be anything from 50% to even 90%. So, in such cases, there are many possible reasons for this problem. One of them is the running of Conhost.exe continuously in the background. Now in order to work smoothly on our PC, we have to get rid of this, right? But how do we do it?

If you are facing a similar solution then don’t worry, we got your back. But before we start with the fix of this situation we need to understand what actually is Conhost.exe. Keep following with the article and you will have all your questions answered. Promise!

What is Conhost.exe?

Conhost basically is the abbreviation used for Console Windows Host Processor in simple terms you may call it as a bitcoin miner. It is almost impossible to modify or delete the conhost.exe file because it is located in C/Windows/System 32 by default. But we have to take care of it somehow because it has a very bad effect on your CPU usage, increasing it to a very high number.

As mentioned earlier, high CPU usage can be caused because of many reasons like malicious files, incomplete windows updates, or even improper installation of drivers too. So, the first step would be finding out the real reason for the high CPU usage. If it is Conhost.exe, then you should go ahead with this fixing guide. This happens in Windows 10 build before the 15019 builds. So, the only option you have now since you cannot delete or modify it from System 32, is that you reinstall the 15019 build or any latest ones.

Conhost.exe high CPU

Identifying the virus

Now, you also have to make sure that the conhost.exe is not a virus or malware. Most of the malware and virus developers can create their mischievous files under the same name so you have to know how to identify if it is a virus or not. Follow the steps below to know how to do it:

  1. Open the task manager and check if there are more than one processes under the name of conhost.exe. Then it is probably a virus but you still don’t know which one among it.
  2. Run the antivirus/antimalware program and start scanning full system and let it do its job.

Note: Always use the bought and updated versions of antivirus programs because outdated and free versions of antivirus programs are not even nearly as effective.

Conhost.exe High CPU Usage Fix

All of this might sound overwhelming by now but trust me, it is not! You just need to follow the detailed guide and you will be over with it before you even realize it.

Fix 1 – Check for updates

  • The first step is to make sure that your Windows is up to date. You can check for all the updates in the Windows Update Service and if you find any update, download it.
  • To check this first, click on Start>Settings>Update and Security.

  • Here you will find all the prompted updates, if not click on Check for updates,  just to be sure.
  • Now Windows will scan and prompt if there is an update available if there is install it.
  • Now the last step will be: Go to the official Windows site and find update history, from here you can select and download the latest Windows 10 build.

Note: Make sure the build you download is not older than 15019 otherwise this fix won’t work.

Also Read: Fix Kernel Data InPage Error On Windows

Fix 2 – Update Driver Software

  • If the problem is not with the build version and already the latest one is installed then you need to check your drivers for any issues.
  • First, right click on the Windows button on the bottom left area of the screen and select Device Manager.

  • Now check for any kind of yellow exclamation mark or any of the drivers.
  • If you find it on any of the drivers, Right Click and select Update Driver Software.

  • You will need to restart your system for the changes to take effect.

Note: Wait for some time and start using your system normally and after some time check the CPU usage again just to be sure.

Fix 3 – Disable Startup

If none of the above fixes seem to be working for you then any third-party software might be causing the problems. You need to perform a clean boot and find out the problem causing software. Follow the steps below:

  • To perform a clean boot, Type msconfig.

  • Then click on System Configuration and then select Services.
  • Check the Hide all Microsoft services box and click on Disable all.

  • Now you need to open the Startup tab and open the Task Manager.

  • Here you have to check mark each item and click on Disable.
  • You can close the task manager now and click on OK on the System Configuration window already open.
  • Restart the system for the changes to take place.

Conclusion

This will help you fix the conhost.exe High CPU usage problem in your PC. One of these fixes is definitely going to solve your problem. The first two steps are just checking and making sure everything is ok with your system so do not skip them.

Start following this guide from the first fix and check the updates and Windows 10 build. Even if you find it is the latest try reinstalling it before moving on to the next fix. The same goes for the next fix too, carefully examine the drivers and look for any warning and if you find it update that driver. When you still face the high CPU usage problem then only move forward to the final fix.

You will find the conflicting third-party software in this fix and you will be handling it carefully. So that will solve your problem. If you still are facing the same problem or any of the fix doesn’t seem to be working for you then you can ask for help in the comment section below.