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LMS.exe: What is it and how to fix high CPU usage
7 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Depending on the task that you’re performing, you may keep noticing the LMS.exeprocessin yourtask manager.
And just with other .exe files, the presence of the lms.exeprocessin our systems is a bit disconcerting considering that it’s not a very well-known program.
As a matter of fact, other users have reported that the file seems to be resources-thirsty apparently gobbling up to 80% of theCPUtime.
This causes their computers to take an eternity to respond and makes using aPCa frustrating experience.
But what is the lms.exe file and should it worry you? Then, how can you fix its highCPUusage issue? Read on to get the answer.
What is lms.exe?
In full, LMS is Local Management Service.
It is part of the Intel Management and Security Application, a utility that helps you access, troubleshoot, and managePCsusing intel Core vPro processors remotely.
The app needs the installation of a stableMicrosoft .NET Frameworkto run.
In terms of roles, the LMS delivers Windows-related Intel remote management functions and typically runs in the background to facilitate requested tasks of it by the Intel platform.
By and large, Lms.exe is more useful in a business environment.
Where is lms.exe located?
The LMS.exe typically resides in either theC:Program Files (x86)IntelIntel(R) Management Engine folderLMSfolder or a variation of theC:Program Files (x86)IntelAMTsubfolder.
There have been several releases of the program so the file exists in several versions.
Is lms.exe Malware?
Undoubtedly, the program is authenticate and has no history of messing up systems in its native format. However, some malware masquerades as lms.exe and can wreak havoc in your machine without being detected by your antivirus.
The fact that the file can hide itself while remaining active behind the scenes makes it a favorite among notorious cybercriminals.
Indeed, it’s probably a malware if you find it operating from funny paths such as the documents folder, your system32 subfolder, and C:WindowsFonts.
Issues associated with Lms.Exe
The LMS.exe frequently brings problems. Besides the high CPU usage, it has been blamed for conflicting with other tools and occasioning issues in overall PC operation.
How to get rid of LMS.exe high CPU usage
We will discuss a number of fixes but let’s focus on the biggest complaint: how to sort the lms.exe CPU intensive challenge before everything else.
Well, it’s not always that theprocesswill hijack theCPU. However, if you’re simultaneously administering too many procedures all related to the utility program, then it will automatically pull down yourPC’s performance.
This is what you should do:
1. Change the current configuration setup
You can use the WindowsMSConfig(Microsoft System Configuration) facility to change how windows behave at boot and hence the starting of the LMSprocess.
Steps:
2. Use Windows Task Manager to manually disable it
If the msconfig steps seem daunting, you can opt to utilize the good old task manager in aborting the offendingprocess.
Steps:
3. Disable from BIOS
Additionally, your system has the AMT (Active Management Technology) or ME (Management Engine) in the BIOS tabs in the BIOS and you can halt them from there.
Steps:
Should I remove LMS.exe?
Because of its enterprise computing nature, it could be unwise to uninstall the tool in a companyPC.
On the other hand, it may not have much of an effect on computers used in home environments though we still recommend that uninstallation should be your last resort.
Steps:
This should erase the LMS.exe tool.
How to fix other lms.exe issues
Please note that the fixes I have highlighted above can also be useful for a couple of other errors emanating from the lms.exe.
Here are some extra successful solutions:
Update The Process and supporting framework
Most of the reported lms issues are primarily due to the application running into problems when operating.
Now, one of the most accomplished ways to stop these issues is to update the relevant applications.
Steps:
Just search theIntel websitefor the most recentIntel Active Management Technology (Local Manageability Service)update.
You then download and install it.
Also, check that the essential .NET Framework (3.5 or 4.x) is correctly installed and updated (see how How you can Download the .NET Framework for Windows 10).
Your problems could soon be gone if all goes well.
Run an Antivirus scan
Do you recall what we said about the file being a darling of creators ofharmful software?
Now, the only way you can rule out the possibility of your machine being under an attack from these dangerous apps is to perform a thorough virus/attack check on your system.
Again you have alternatives:
Option 1: Use the powerfulMicrosoft Safety Scanner
Microsoft Safety Scanner has been designed to diligently find and oust viruses, spyware, and other kinds of malicious software from infected Windows computers and is quite effective.
You simply download the free security scanner and run it.
It will not only discover even sneaky malware like Mydoom and Sasser but will also attempt to reverse all injurious changes implemented by the identified threats.
Steps
Pleasebackupyour files prior to executing the disinfectionprocessasany affected data files may be deleted in their entirety (and data lost) during healing.
Option 2: Use your installed antivirus program
If you have one of thebest antivirus software with encryptioninstalled, then just launch a virus scan using it. Check the manufacturer’s website if you have forgotten the steps.
You can even clean your systemusing Windows Defender.
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More about the topics:windows 10 fix
Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina has been a Windows fan ever since she got her hands on her first Windows XP computer.
She is interested in all things technology, especially emerging technologies – AI and DNA computing in particular.
Prior to joining the WindowsReport team, she worked in the corporate world for a number of years.
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Madalina Dinita
Networking & Security Specialist
Madalina is a Windows fan since forever, especially interested in AI, emerging technologies, privacy, and security.
