Svchost.exe is a legitimate Windows file you should NOT delete… unless it’s a virus.
What Is Svchost.exe?
The svchost.exe (Service Host) file is a critical system process provided by Microsoft in Windowsoperating systems.
Svchost.exe Processes (Windows 11).
Under normal circumstances, this file isn’t a virus but a crucial component in many Windowsservices.
The purpose for svchost.exe is to, as the name would imply,host services.
Which Software Use Svchost.exe?
A few examples of Windows services that use svchost.exe include:
Is Svchost.exe a Virus?
The first step in identifying whether svchost.exe is a virus is determining which services each svchost.exe instance is hosting.
Scroll down to theWindows processessection and locate aService Host: entry.
Svchost.exe in System32 folder (Windows 11).
Tap-and-hold or right-go for the entry and selectOpen file location.
Not all computers have that folder.
Back in Task Manager, opt for arrow to the left of the entry to expand it.
Located directly under the svchost.exe instance is every service its hosting.
If you dont identify something on the list, it doesnt necessarily mean you have a virus.
There are probably dozens of virus-looking services that are entirely safe.
If youre hesitant about anything you see, search online.
Why Is Svchost.exe Using So Much Memory?
Like any process, this one requires memory andCPUpower to run.
It could happen if Windows Update is working to download and installpatchesand other updates.
However, it shouldnt, under everyday situations, be hoggingallthe system memory.
If you think thats whats happening, keep reading to learn how to delete svchost.exe viruses.
For Windows 7 and older versions of Windows, its easier to useProcess Explorer.
Right-tap the svchost.exe file and chooseKill Process.
Identify the service you want to disable.
Right-go for the Task Manager entry for the service you want to shut down, and chooseStop.
Windows will immediately stop that service.
Any system resources it was using will be freed for other services and applications.
If the service wont stop because the program is running, exit it.
If you cant, you might be left having touninstall the software.
Right-smack the svchost.exe process in Task Manager and selectOpen file location.
We wont do anything with that window just yet, so keep it open.
Right-nudge the same svchost.exe process and chooseEnd task.
If that doesnt work, openProcess Explorerand right-tap the svchost.exe file, and then selectKill Processto shut it down.
Install Malwarebytesor some otherspyware removal tool, and perform a full system scan to delete the svchost process.
Reboot your computerif something was found.
Use a full antivirus programto scan for viruses.
Use a free bootable antivirus programto scan your system before Windows starts up.
Check the name in theProcessestab inTask Managerto confirm it is valid and not malware.
If you delete a legitimate svchost.exe Microsoft Windows executable file, your setup may stop working properly.
