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Windows Shell Experience Host High CPU: 5 Ways to Fix it

Follow our guide for a quick fix of Windows Shell Experience Host high CPU

5 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

As great as Windows 10 has proven to be, it has flaws. For example, users have recently complained about the Windows Shell Experience Hosthigh CPU usage. It is scary because problems with CPU usage often lead to system crashes.

We have investigated this problem and have come up with some effective resolutions and possible causes so that you may avoid future occurrences.

Why is Windows Shell Experience Host using so much CPU?

From interacting with users who faced this problem, we have gathered the primary trigger, which includes:

You need not worry because regardless of the cause, we have solutions to help resolve it and make your computer more usable.

What is Windows Shell Experience Host used for?

Its primary function is connected to changing desktop backgrounds in Windows 10 computers. We could say that it provides users with a visual interface on their computers.

This most often includes OS elements like the Search, Start menu, and notification, as well as other aspects that enable you to interact with Windows 10.

If a process uses your CPU more than it should, it can be a problem since your computer will use more power and produce more heat, which is especially bad for laptops. For example, users report that Windows Shell Experience Host uses 30-35% of CPU, which is a lot, so let’s see how to fix that.

How do I fix Windows Shell Experience Host high CPU usage?

Before going into these solutions, we advise that you restart your computer. A reboot helps end troublesome processes and could correct the high CPU usage.

1. Change your desktop to a static background

Users report that this process uses your hardware power if you set your desktop background to a slideshow, so the best solution is to put your desktop to a static picture.

2. Turn off the automatic color changing

If changing the background behavior didn’t get the job done, you can try disabling automatic color changing.

3. Update your computer

Ensure you’re running thelatest Windows OS updateson your machine. As you know, Microsoft regularly rolls out system updates to fix various issues and improveWindows 10‘s stability.

It’s possible that the pending updates are actually aimed at focusing on highCPUusage and may quickly fix your problem.

4. Run SFC

If specific Registry keys have been incorrectly changed or even deleted, you may encounter various issues onWindows 10, including highCPUusage.

Try repairing your Registry to cross this hypothesis off your list. However, remember to back up your registry first in case anything goes wrong.

The safest way tocheck for system file corruptionis to use Microsoft’s System File Checker. With the help of a simple Command Prompt instruction, you can check the integrity of all system files and repair the problematic ones.

You can also repair your registry using aregistry cleanerlike CCleaner.

5. Limit CPU usage

You can also manually limit Windows Shell Experience Host’s CPU usage. However, remember that this action may severely impact graphics quality and trigger other graphics-related issues, so proceed at your own risk.

6. Run a virus scan

That is all; we hope this article helped you to reduceCPUusage on yourWindows 10computer to normal. If you have any questions, comments, or suggestions, see the comment section below.

Windows Shell Experience Host High CPU: 5 Ways to Fix it#

Why is Windows Shell Experience Host using so much CPU?#

What is Windows Shell Experience Host used for?#

How do I fix Windows Shell Experience Host high CPU usage?#

1. Change your desktop to a static background#

2. Turn off the automatic color changing#

3. Update your computer#

4. Run SFC#

5. Limit CPU usage#

6. Run a virus scan#