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wsmprovhost.exe: What is it & How to Stop its High CPU Usage
Check expert solutions to bring down CPU usage
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Windows is one of the best operating systems for PCs and ishighly customizable, making it the preferred choice for many. Yet it, too, is not free of errors. Instead, there are several every day if you were tocheck the error logs. But some are trickier than others, particularlywsmprovhost.exe.
Many users found several instances ofwsmprovhost.exein the Task Manager, which led tohigh CPU usage, thereby affecting the PC’s performance. The problem is commonly encountered on Windows Server, with there being no reliable information available. So, let’s find out!
What is wsmprovhost.exe used for?
Thewsmprovhost.exeprocess indicates that a Windows Remote PowerShell session is active and generally appears when entering aremote session. The process is created on the server, and more such are added when you run other processes in the remote session.
For those of you wondering, is wsmprovhost.exe safe, the answer is yes. Though there have been cases where it was triggered by malware. So, while the process itself is safe, you still need to verify what’s triggering it.
Here are a few reasons users facewsmprovhost.exehigh CPU usage:
How do I fix wsmprovhost.exe high CPU usage?
Before we move to the trickier ones, try these quick tricks:
If none work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Uninstall third-party apps
Many domain administrators reported that it was a third-party app that triggered thewsmprovhost.exeattack. For some, it was PRTG, anetwork performance management software. So,uninstall the app, whichever it is, and things should be up and running.
2. Scan your PC for malware
In case it’s malware or virus responsible for the problem, running a full scan with the built-in Windows Security should do.
However, you could use aneffective antivirus softwareto run a deeper scan. Besides, this will also fix things in case you findFaulting application name: wsmprovhost.exe.
3. Repair corrupt system files
In the case ofcorrupt system files, it’s usually recommended torun the DISM tooland SFC scan. Both, when run together, will identify and repair the system files triggering the issue.
4. Disable startup apps
Another reason behindwsmprovhost.exehigh CPU is that a startup app automatically creates instances of the process. And a viable solution here is todisable the startup apps.
In case nothing helps fix thewsmprovhost.exehigh CPU consumption, the last option is toreset Windows to factory defaults. Make sure to use areliable backup toolor copy the critical files to an external USB beforehand to avoid data loss.
Before you leave, check thebest security settings in Windowsand configure them today for a safer experience!
Tell us which fix worked for you in the comments section below.
More about the topics:High CPU usage,PowerShell
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
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Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
