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Fix: WMI Provider Host High CPU Usage on Windows 10
Encompassing solutions to stabilize your CPU usage
11 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Although Windows 10 is a greatoperating system, many users reported problems with WMI Provider Host andhigh CPU usage. This is a system service that shouldn’t use too much resources normally.
However, for some reasons, like faulty hardware, broken system files, and outdated apps, you might experiencewmiprvse.exehigh CPU usage on your PC.
Knowing how frustrating this can be, we have prepared this guide to help you fix the issue effortlessly.
How do I fix WMI Provider Host high CPU usage on Windows 10?
1. Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter
After runningSystem Maintenancetool, check if the problem is resolved.
According to users, you might be able to fix the problem simply by running System Maintenance Troubleshooter. This is a built-inWindowsapplication and sometimes it can fix variouserrors.
2. Run System Performance Troubleshooter
After completing the troubleshooter check if the issue still persists.
If you have problems with WMI Provider Host andCPUusage, you might want to run System Performance Troubleshooter. By running System Performance Troubleshooter you’ll optimize yourPCand improve itsperformance.
3. Use Event Viewer
1.PressWindowskey +Xand selectEvent Viewerfrom the list.
2.WhenEvent Viewerstarts, go to theViewmenu and checkShow Analytic and Debug Logs.
3.In the left pane navigate toApplicationsand Service Logs > Microsoft > Windows > WMI Activity > Operational.
- Select any of the availableerrorsand check for extra information.
5.Look forProcessIdand memorize its value. Keep in mind that you’ll have multipleerrorsso it’s advised to check allerrorsand write down allProcessIdvalues.
- Now, pressCtrl+Shift+Escto startTask Manager.
7.OnceTask Managerstarts go toServicestab and checkPIDfor all running services.If you manage to find a service that matches the value fromStep 4, you need to remove theapplicationassociated with that service.
8.Some users are also suggesting to disable the service simply by right clicking it and choosingStopfrom the menu.
Event Viewer is a great troubleshooting tool that can help you fix various problems. According to users, you can use Event Viewer to find theapplicationthat is causing highCPUusage for WMI Provider Host.
4. Close Speccy
Speccyis a useful littleapplicationthat allows you to see your system information along with computer temperature. According to users, the problem with WMI Provider Host appears after you start Speccy.
To avoid this problem you need to close Speccy and check if the issue still persists. If you need to use thisapplication, you might want to consider updating Speccy to the latest version.
5. Update Trusteer Rapport
According to users,Trusteer Rapportcan often cause this problem to appear. However, you can easily fix this issue simply by updating Trusteer Rapport to the latest version.
Several users reported they solved the problem by removing IBM Trusteer Rapport, so you might want to try that as well if the update doesn’t fix the problem.
6. Disable HP Software Framework Service
After disabling this service, the issue should be fixed. Keep in mind that disabling this service will cause HP Wireless Assistant to stop working. It’s worth mentioning that HP Wireless Assistant service can also cause this problem to occur, so try disabling it as well.
This solution applies to HP devices, so if you don’t have an HP device or HP software, you might want to skip this solution.
Speaking of problematic services, users reported that disablingBitdefenderDevice Management ServiceorCitrix Desktop Servicefixes the problem, so if you have any of those services running in thebackgroundyou might want to disable them.
7. Remove Conduit Search
One of the most common causes of this problem is malware calledConduit Search. Thisapplicationusually installs with some otherapplicationwithout your knowledge, and it causes this issue to appear.
To fix the problem, first you need to stop Conduit Search and uninstall it. After you remove Conduit Search from yourPC, restart it and check if everything is in order.
Anotherapplicationthat can cause this problem isYoucam, so if you have it on yourPCyou need to disable it fromTask Managerand uninstall it.
8. Check your PC for malware
As we mentioned in our previous solution, problems with WMI Provider Host and highCPUusage can be caused by malware. If you’re having this problem, we strongly advise that you scan yourPCand check for malware.
In addition, you might want to try using a tool such asMalwarebytesto perform a thorough scan of your system. After removing the malware, check if the problem is resolved.
9. Restart Windows Management Instrumentation service
If you’re having problems withCPUusage, you might be able to fix them by restarting Windows Management Instrumentation service.
Some users are also advising to check the depending services. To do that, simply double clickWindows Management Instrumentationservice to open its properties.
Now go toDependenciestab and expand both sections. From there you’ll be able to see which services are dependent on Windows Management Instrumentation.
Using this method you can easily find any suspicious services that are related to WMI service and disable them. Several users reported they fixed the problem by using this method, so be sure to try it out.
Speaking of dependent services, users reported that restartingIP Helper (iphlpsvc)andSecurity Center (wscsvc)fixed the problem for them, so be sure to try that.
Some users are also suggesting to temporarily stopWindows Management Instrumentationservice and wait for 30 seconds before turning it back on again. According to users, this fixes the issue, but it’s just a temporary solution because the problem occurs again after the restart.
Lastly, several users reported that you can fix the problem simply by disablingWindows Management Instrumentationservice completely. We already showed you how to disable a service inSolution 6, so be sure to check it out.
We have to mention that disablingWindows Management Instrumentationservice can lead to certain issues, so keep that in mind. Another solution that you can try is to setStartup typefor the service toAutomatic (Delayed Start). Few users reported that this solved the problem for them, so you might want to try it.
10. Restart associated services
If the problem with WMI Provider Host and high CPU usage persists, you might be able to fix it by restarting the associated services.
After running all commands, closeCommand Promptand check if the problem still persists. If the problem still occurs, restart your PC and check if that solves the issue.
11. Uninstall Scorpion Saver or Relevant Knowledge
Another problematic application that can cause problems with WMI Provider Host isScorpion Search. This application is a malware that installs alongside other applications.
To fix the problem, you need to find and uninstall Scorpion Search software from your PC. If you have issues removing this software, you might want to try using some malware removal tool.
Another malware that can cause this issue on your PC isRelevant Knowledge. If you notice any problems with high CPU usage, we strongly suggest that you check if you have this application installed. If so, remove it and check if that solves the problem.
12. Disable GoPro Studio automatic startup
If you have aGoProcamera, you probably have a GoPro Studio application on your PC. We should mention that this software can cause problems with WMI Provider Host and CPU usage.
By default, this application starts with Windows automatically, but you can prevent that by changing its settings. After you disable automatic startup for GoPro Studio the issue should be resolved.
If you need to use GoPro Studio and you don’t want to keep it disabled, you might want to try updating it to the latest version and check if that fixes this problem. If software update doesn’t fix the problem, you might have to remove GoPro software from your PC in order to fix it.
13. Disable Beats Updater software
Sometimes this problem is caused by non-malicious applications such as Beats Updater. This application is created by Apple, and it will run in the background after you start your PC.
Even though this application is harmless, it can cause high CPU usage, so we advise you to disable it. After disabling the application CPU usage should be back to normal. If you frequently use Beats Updater software, you should try downloading the latest version and check if that solves the problem.
14. Disable MultiPoint Connector component
According to some users, MultiPoint Connector can cause problems with WMI Provider Host and high CPU usage on your PC. To disable this component, you need to follow these simple steps:
After you disable MultiPoint Connector, check if the issue is resolved.
15. Perform sfc and DISM scan
If the issue still persists, you might have to run DISM scan. To do that, follow these steps:
If one of core Windows components is corrupted, that can lead to many issues including high CPU usage. According to users, they managed to fix this problem simply by running sfc andDISMscan. Both scans are designed to repair damaged Windows components.
After completing the DISM scan, check if the issue still persists.
16. Perform a Clean Boot
WMI Provider Host high CPU usage problem occurs due to running applications, and if you want to find the application that is causing this problem, you might want to perform a Clean Boot. To do that on Windows 10, you need to do the following:
After your PC restarts, you need to check if the issue still appears. If the problem is resolved, the cause is one of the disabled applications or services.
To find the problematic service, repeat this process and enable services and applications one by one until you find the problematic application. After that, you need to remove this application or update it and check if that solves the problem.
Is it safe to disable WMI Provider Host?
Yes, you can disable the process temporarily if the need arises. However, it is not advisable as it can cause most Windows-based software to malfunction.
Also, it must be noted that you can not disable this process permanently. This is because it is a core system service.
Is WMI Provider Host a virus?
The WMI Provider Host is a safe system service that plays an important role in the smooth running of Windows-based software.
So, it is not a virus. However, sometimes, malicious programs can disguise themselves as system services.
Hence, you can run a virus scan if you notice any unusual activity.
WMI Provider Host high CPU usage can be a big problem, but in most cases, this issue is caused by a problematic application. You need to find the problematic app and uninstall using anuninstaller softwareor disable it to fix it.
By following these steps, you should be able to remove any type of CPU issues caused by the WMI Provider Host.
While there are plenty of methods that you could try, we would like to know which one worked best for you. As such, let us know by leaving us a message in the comments section below.
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More about the topics:CPU,windows 10 fix
Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Milan has been enthusiastic about technology ever since his childhood days, and this led him to take interest in all PC-related technologies. He’s a PC enthusiast and he spends most of his time learning about computers and technology.
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s one of the Troubleshooting experts in our worldwide team, specializing in Windows errors & software issues.
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Milan Stanojevic
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Before joining WindowsReport, he worked as a front-end web developer. Now, he’s specialized in Windows errors & software issues.
