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What does the svchost.exe file do?

The svchost.exe process is also known as Host Process for Windows Services or, as the case may be, Generic Host Process for Win32 Services and is a part of Microsoft Windows Operating System or, as the case may be, Background Intelligent Transfer Service. This software is produced by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com) or, as the case may be, Intel (www.intel.com). An obsolete or defective version of svchost.exe can cause problems for your computer that can range from slowness to error messages such as these:

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What you should know about svchost.exe Host Process

svchost.exe is a Windows system file. Svchost.exe is found in the C:\Windows\System32 directory. Frequently occurring are file sizes such as 20,992 bytes (45% of all these files), 14,336 bytes as well as 38 other variants.
It is a Windows system file. The program executes in the background, and can only be terminated using Windows Task Manager. The original file was created by Microsoft. The file itself can therefore be considered trustworthy. For this reason, 5% of all experts consider this file to be a possible threat. The probability that it can cause harm is high.

svchost.exe is a system file used by Microsoft Windows, and appears in Windows Task Manager as a process named "Host Process." However, some viruses or Trojans use the same file name in order to remain undetected (e.g. Gen:Variant.Zusy.949 (recognized by BitDefender), as well as BKDR_FYNLOS.SMIA or, as the case may be, HKTL_NETCAT (recognized by TrendMicro)).
To be really safe, you should scan your computer with two different anti-virus engines. You can use a free Anti-Malware scanner for this purpose.

Objectionable files with the same file name have the following characteristics:

If you see this file on your hard drive or in Windows Task Manager, please make sure that it is not a malicious variant. It's a fact that many trojans try to cloak their true identity by calling themselves svchost.exe. With the above information or by using tools like Security Task Manager you can determine if, in your case, the file is an undesirable variant.

What do other computer users say about svchost?

Service Host Process for services that are run from DLLs
Alex
Microsoft Dienst
Tino
I find that this takes 100% CPU but after 15 to 20 minutes it returns back to normal CPU usage. During this period of 15 to 20 minutes I don't do anything on my LT. It started in my LT especially when it goes to hibernate and when restarted again. (further information...)
Ramesh

Summary: 194 users judge svchost.exe to be an essential file that should not be touched. 31 users consider it harmless. However, 78 users consider this to be a suspicious process and would like to get rid of it. For this reason, 189 users have already deleted svchost.exe. source: file.net

How to uninstall the program or Background Intelligent Transfer Service

To remove Host Process from your computer, please follow the manual instructions below or use an automatic uninstaller product.

  1. Click the Windows Start Button. You find it in the lower left corner of the taskbar.
  2. Type the word uninstall.
  3. Click Add or remove programs.
  4. Now locate the program or Background Intelligent Transfer Service in the list of displayed applications.
  5. Click the program, and then click Uninstall.
Remove software in Windows 10
svchost.exe Host Process fix

How to tell if svchost.exe (Host Process) was uninstalled cleanly

After uninstalling, restart your computer. Then start Windows Explorer and see if there is still a folder with the name of the software under C:\Program Files. Be sure to check the Registry as well for remnants of Host Process. To do this, start "Regedit", then look under "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE" > "Software" for Host Process or the name of the producer. Always keep in mind that only a computer professional should ever directly delete entries in the Windows Registry.

What to do if a program does not uninstall

The easiest way to remove any kind of software cleanly and accurately is to use an uninstaller tool. Because the uninstaller automatically creates a backup, there is no risk of anything going wrong.

Last but not least

If Windows not working quite right for you, or if startup is taking a long time, or svchost.exe is causing problems for you, a good Windows diagnostic tool may very well help. This is especially effective when it comes to older computers that have accumulated vast quantities of "garbage data" as the result of many software installs and uninstalls.

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