How to Fix the Svchost.exe (imgsvc) High CPU Usage Issue?

Windows OS has many system processes that work in the background for a smooth and error-free experience. However, some of these processes might cause issues like high CPU or RAM usage. Svchost.exe (Imgsvc) is one such Windows process that sometimes reflects a high CPU usage in the task manager.

While there are a lot of reasons behind a process hogging up system resources and spiking up the CPU/RAM usage, the most common ones are a virus infection or memory leak. Let’s read further to learn more about this process, the reason behind high CPU usage, and methods to fix it.

What is Svchost.exe (imgsvc) Process?

There are two parts to the svchost.exe (imgsvc) process: Svchost.exe and the Windows Image Acquisition service (imgsvc).

Svchost.exe is a shared-service process that works as a shell for loading and running services from numerous DLL files. It uses service host grouping, enabling it to organize services with common processes under one group. Doing this helps the computer efficiently manage and utilize its resources.

The Windows Image Acquisition service (imgsvc) allows imaging applications to function smoothly with related hardware such as printers, webcams, etc. It eliminates the need for a separate application for each device, driver or program by creating a standard platform for all. This service runs automatically when an imaging device, such as a printer, scanner, webcam, etc., is connected to the computer.

What Causes the Svchost.exe (imgsvc) High CPU Usage?

As mentioned before, Windows runs many services in the background. It groups services relying on similar processes, which, in turn, helps it preserve system resources. However, due to an underlying issue or malware, the process can malfunction, leading to high CPU usage. Listed below are some common reasons causing svchost.exe high CPU usage problem on  Windows –

• Memory leak
• Virus mimicking the svchost.exe process
• Incompatible or broken OS update
• Full event viewer log
• Conflicting programs or processes
• Multiple instances of svchost.exe running simultaneously
• Buggy browser extensions
• Faulty web browser plugins

Methods to Fix the Svchost.exe (imgsvc) High CPU Usage Error

If the svchost.exe process over-utilizes system resources, it can slow down your computer and show high CPU usage in the Task Manager. To resolve this issue, here are the following methods you can try:

Method 1: Perform a System-wide Malware Scan

If your computer is slow or sluggish due to the svchost.exe high CPU usage issue, it could be due to a malware mimicking the actual process and eating up the system resources. It could also be a cryptomining malware. For this, you can perform a system-wide malware scan using a reliable antivirus or Windows Defender.

A simple way to distinguish between a real system process and a mimicking malware is to see the folder in which it opens. If you open the file location of a real system process, it will open up in C:\Windows\System32. However, if it opens any other folder, it is definitely a virus.

Method 2: Stop Various Svchost.exe Process Instances

Multiple instances or a single faulty instance of svchost.exe running in the background can cause the service host to show high CPU usage in the task manager. In most cases, the Windows Update service was found to be the culprit behind the svchost.exe high CPU usage issue. You can fix this by closing unnecessary processes from the task manager. Here’s what to do –

• Open the Task Manager.
• Navigate to the Details tab.
• Locate all the svchost processes in the list.
• Right-click on them one at a time and click on the Go to Service(s) option.

• In the Services tab, you’ll see all the highlighted services under the selected svchost.exe process.
• Search for the highlighted services online to see if they are critical. And based upon this, stop them. Select the service you wish to stop, right-click on it, and choose Stop Service.

Following the above steps will temporarily disable the problematic service/s causing the svchost.exe high CPU usage. However, if you want to permanently disable the culprit, follow these steps –

• Press WINDOWS + R and type services.msc.

• Locate the buggy service in the Services window and select it.
• Right-click on it and click on Properties.

• Click the pull-down menu in front of Startup type and select Disabled.
• Press OK.

This will permanently disable the service, which was causing the computer to show high CPU usage due to the svchost.exe process.

Method 3: Empty Event Viewer Log

Windows is designed to create logs of every activity in the event viewer. While most log files are quite small, some specific events create large files. Over time, these files accumulate and fill the event viewer logs, causing the svchost.exe to show high CPU usage. You can clear the folder to fix it. Follow the steps mentioned below –

• Press WINDOWS+ X and click on Event Viewer.
• Expand the Windows Logs in the left pane and click on Applications under it.
• Click on Clear Log in the right-side pane.
• You can do the same for the remaining entries under Windows Logs.

• Once you have deleted all the logs, close the window and Restart the computer.

Doing this should help you eliminate the service host Windows high CPU usage problem due to many event log files.

Method 4: Change Windows Image Acquisition Service Properties

Incorrect properties of the Windows Image Acquisition service can cause the system to run the svchost.exe (imgsvc) unnecessarily, leading to high CPU usage. You can fix the high CPU usage error by modifying its properties. Here’s what to do –

• Press WINDOWS + R and type services.msc. Press Enter.
• In the Services window, locate Windows Image Acquisition and right-click on it.
• Click on Properties from the context menu.

• Click on the pull-down menu against the Startup type and select Automatic.
• Click Apply.

• Now, click on the Dependencies tab and make sure its components are running.

• Close everything and restart the computer.

Svchost.exe showing high CPU usage in the task manager could also lead to overheating of the computer for various other reasons, such as multiple instances of svchost.exe running, disk defragmentation, and more.

Computer Crashing due to Svchost.exe High CPU Usage Error

In certain scenarios, high CPU usage causes a computer to crash frequently. In such a scenario, smooth functioning and creating data backups become impossible due to a lingering uncertainty. Such uncertainties can not only cause issues in your computer, they can also result in data corruption or, worse, you lose data.

To deal with such situations and recover your data safely, you can use a professional data recovery software like Stellar Data Recovery Professional to aid you. As a frequently crashing computer can make data recovery difficult, this professional software helps you recover your data with the help of a powerful bootable media. Learn how you can create a bootable drive using Stellar Data Recovery Professional.

End High CPU Usage Issue on High Note

The Svchost.exe (imgsvc) is a generic yet important process that works when an imaging device, like a webcam, printer, scanner, etc., is connected to the computer. But, like any other process, it too can run into problems and cause issues, such as the svchost.exe high CPU usage problem.

Therefore, if you receive this error message, don’t worry and simply follow the methods explained above.

P.S. – You can also try updating or reinstalling Windows in order to eliminate this issue.

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FAQs

Q. How to fix system high CPU usage?

A. You can easily fix high CPU usage issue by restarting the computer, closing unnecessary applications, stopping background processes, checking for malware, etc.

Q. Is it safe to disable the svchost.exe processes?

A. As the svchost.exe is an important system process, it is advisable to save critical data and then proceed with disabling it.

Q. Why is my CPU usage 100% in the Task Manager?

A. CPU usage spiking up to 100% indicates either a heavy or resource-intensive task running or a malware like a cryptominer running in the background.