Automatic Updates causing high CPU and memory usage in svchost.exe
Problem:
You may recieve one of the following symptoms:
- svchost.exe has 100% CPU usage
- svchost.exe has high memory usage that is above 60,000K
- The computer stalls during windows update
- svchost.exe causes the computer to stop responding for periods between 5-30 minutes.
- extremely slow windows startup
- The generic host process that is causing all the mess holds the following services:
AudioSrv, BITS, Browser, CryptSvc, Dhcp, ERSvc, EventSystem, helpsvc, lanmanserver, lanmanworkstation, Netman, Nla, RasMan, Schedule, seclogon, SENS, SharedAccess, ShellHWDetection, srservice, TapiSrv, Themes, TrkWks, W32Time, winmgmt, wscsvc, wuauserv
- You tried downloading the fixes for the automatic updates and svchost problem from microsoft such as this, and the problem persists.
Background:
The problem described above is due to some corruption with automatic updates. A workaround that has been commonly prescribed suggested is to to turn off automatic updates from the control panel or from the windows services. However, this may not be recommended solution as you need the updates to keep your windows secure from vulnerabilities.
I have devised the following solution that takes no time and has been tested and works.
Solution:
Step1: Disable automatic updates from the control panel temporarily to stop the frequent slow owns
Step2: Copy everything inside the quote box below (starting with @) and paste it into notepad. Go up to "File > Save As", click the drop-down box to change the "Save As Type" to "All Files". Save it as fix.bat on your desktop
Step3: Double-click fix.bat A window will open and close quickly, this is normal.
Step4: Open internet explorer and go to www.windowsupdate.com
You will be notified that your automatic updates is turned off. Do not enable it yet. You will be also notified that can upgrade to microsoft update. Also ignore that.
Step5: select express update -> download and install the updates required -> reboot the PC
Step6: Turn on automoatic updates from the control panel and your PC should be back to normal.
