Service Host: Local System on Windows 10 high CPU usages

Hi Toni,

Thank you for posting your query on Microsoft Community.

Sorry to know that you are facing the issues with Windows 10. I apologize for the inconvenience caused to you.

We will assist you in resolving the issue. 

The issue could be due to some programs using the system memory.

In order to help you better, please provide the information:

When say that "12 to 15 separate programs running in it at all times", is this programs downloaded from Windows store or a third party software?

Refer to the below methods and check if it helps.

Method 1: I suggest you to run the System Maintenance troubleshooter. It will resolve the common system problems and check if it helps.

1. Click on search bar next to Start Menu.

2. Type “Troubleshooting” without the quotes on search box and click on Troubleshooting.
3. Then click on View All on the left panel of the screen.
4. Click on System Maintenance.
5. Click on Next and follow the instructions.
If the issues still persist, refer to the below method.

Method 2: I suggest you to run the Memory diagnostic tool and check the status of the System memory.

1. Click on search bar next to Start Menu.

2. Then type “Windows Memory Diagnostic” without the quotes and click on it.

3. Click on Restart now and check for problems.

4. Follow the instructions.

Reply to us with the information, so that we can assist you better.

Get back to us if you need any further assistance on Windows related issues and we will be glad to help. 

I fixed the issue already by myself by deleting the last windows update (not a security issue).  After receiving your suggestions, I decided to try the fixes you suggested, just to see if there were still any issues.  I did the troubleshooting, and there were no problems. Then I did the windows memory diagnostics, after an hour with 00% completed of the first pass of 2 passes I gave up.  Nothing happened when I hit the F1 for options, nothing happened again when I hit the esc to exit.  Finally nothing happened when I tries a control, alt, delete. At this point I assumed that the program was locked up and I had to do a forced shut-down to shut the computer off.  So I still don't know if there is an issue with the memory, through no fault of yours.

Thanks for your help.

Hello Nyima,

I had the same problem and Method 2, the "Windows Memory Diagnostic" took care of it. But only for a couple minutes after I started the computer up again the next time. Now the fan is running again and "Service Host: Local System" is again using up around 19 % capacity of my powerful intel i7-4720HQ processor. It doesn't really ruin my gaming experience but reduces the runtime under battery power with normal usage by about 2/3.

Is there a way to permanently fix this issue? Or will it be fixed with the next update?

Thanks for your help!

Hi,

Please be informed, the November update for Windows 10 has already been rolled out which you can install using Windows update as "Version 1511 (OS Build 10586.3)" which is an approximate of a 3GB feed over the existing Windows 10 installation. You can also deploy the tool  and perform the update.

This update will play a major role in incorporating new features as well as improving performance in Windows 10.

Windows 10_1511 Media Creation Tool:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/1/C/4/1C41BC6B-F8AB-403B-B04E-C96ED6047488/MediaCreationTool.exe

Mr/Ms Youten:

What Toni said is

"Service Host: Local System CPU is consistently running between 30-33%, and  the total CPU usages is running between 32-35%.  There appears to be 12 to 15 separate programs running in it at all times."

She is referring to the 12 to 15 programs running WITHIN the "Service Host: Local System" breakout line.  Don't you get it ?!!  (why are you asking "

These 12 to 15 are mostly Microsoft services, but you can't really tell. 

However, halting the particular service "servicehost.exe" using the "resource monitor" found on the performance tab of the Task Manager seems to resolve the problem at least for the time being.

This seems to be a problem affecting numerous Window 10 users, yet the "Microsoft Support Engineer" doesn't have a clue...

This type of Microsoft response to widespread problems is so aggravating...

I have exactly the same problem after updating to creators edition. 

The laptop fan is screaming and its a 4th gen i7.  The below processes are running constantly. This only ocurred after the creators edition update.

Service Host : Local Service  12%

Service Host: Internet Connection 7%

Whats the solution microsoft?

Apart from the high CPU usage, I've noticed that users do not get signed out after a reboot.  I performed a clean install on another pc, applied all updates (no 3rd part installs yet) and experienced the exact same issue with users not being signed out after a reboot.  

I followed some recommendations such as disabling fastboot, hybrid mode, etc.  Made zero difference.

The process I need to follow so my CPU usage does not sit at 35% is for the the kids to manually logout prior to rebooting the PC.  Go figure, nice new feature Microsoft.

BTW:  My high 'Service Host' usage is due to Windows Defender.  It's not a clash with a 3rd party AV as McAfee was uninstalled during the many hours of troubleshooting.

So what now: I need to reboot my PC now.  Before I do, one of the kids forgot to sign-out last night before shutting down.  What that means is I need to sign out first, then sign in as one of the kids and then sign them out, then reboot.  What a hassle.  Once I have done that, my CPU usage will be back to 1%.

Has Microsoft by chance adopted Agile methodology?  i.e.  Get it out to market now and document/fix it later?

I figure out a way to stop it. 

I used two items.   

sfc /scannow  and in win10 theres a perform maintenance button hidden on one of the menus ( cant remember where i found it, sry) 

I also disabled the internet sharing service from starting up.