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Wlanext.exe: What it is & Fix High CPU

8 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Wlanext.exe can sometimes appear on your PC and can lead to various issues when it uses a lot of CPU, mostly to network connection problems.

Here are some of the most common issues related to wlanext.exe:

And now, let’s find out what it is and get to the more specific solutions to fix wlanext.exe issues.

What is Wlan.exe?

Wlan.exe, also calledWindows Wireless LAN, is a process associated with the built-in wireless networking feature on Windows operating systems.

It is used to manage wireless network connections on a Windows computer. This process can manage wireless network settings, connect to wireless networks, and diagnose and troubleshoot wireless connectivity issues.

It is located in the System32 folder and is a legitimate file required for the functioning of the Windows wireless network service. However, it is also a common target for malware, so it’s essential to ensure that the copy of wlan.exe on your system is legitimate and not a malicious imposter.

It is not harmful to the performance of your computer unless it is malware infected, but it may consume some of the memory and CPU usages.

Is Wlanext exe a virus?

Wlanext.exe is not a known virus but is associated with software installed on some PCs, but the file can also be used by malware to camouflage itself, which makes it hard to distinguish it as a genuine or malicious one.

It’s best to verify whether the Wlanext.exe file on your system is legitimate by checking its location and properties. The honest version of Wlanext.exe should be located in theC:\Program Files\Intel\WiFi\binfolder and signed by the Intel Corporation.

If you find a copy of Wlanext.exe located in a different folder, or if Intel Corporation does not sign it, it may be a malicious file that disguises itself as the legitimate version. In this case, you should run a full system scan with an antivirus or anti-malware program to check for any malicious software.

Also, you can check the process details and any other information that the task manager provides, which can help you determine if it is legitimate.

It is essential to keep your system and antivirus software updated to prevent possible malware attacks.

How can I fix wlanext.exe high CPU issues?

1. Update your drivers

Wlanext.exe can cause high CPU usage if some drivers, such as the wireless driver, are out of date.

If you’re using a laptop with a built-in wireless adapter, you should be able to get all the necessary drivers from the laptop manufacturer’s website.

Alternatively, you can use third-party tools such asOutbyte Driver Updaterto automatically update all your drivers.

With just one click, the tool scans your PC, finds the problematic software. It then lists new compatible drivers, from a huge database of compatible programs.

We should mention that using this tool is completely safe. Besides, it only suggests drivers that are compatible with your device, so if you’re unsure about what to choose on your own, Outbyte Driver Updater can help you.

Plus you can perform any driver-related action you need to repair your system, for example installing or updating drivers, fixing corrupted ones, or finding missing drivers.

2. Check your antivirus

If you’re getting Wlanext.exeerroron your PC, it’s possible that your antivirus is causing this issue.

In order to fix this problem, be sure to add wlanext.exe to the list of exclusions in your antivirus.

If that doesn’t work, you can try disabling certain antivirus features or disabling the software altogether. In case the problem is still there, you might be able to fix it simply by removing the tool.

If this solves the problem, this might be a good time to consider switching to a more reliable antivirus.

There are many great tools on the market, but if you’re looking for a reliable antivirus that won’t interfere with your system in any way. To find the fittest solution, you should see thebest antivirus programsout there now.

The latest antivirus software will provide rounded anti-malware, anti-spyware removal, or ransomware security to actively detect viruses and clean up your PC.

3. Disable your wireless adapter

After doing that, check if the problem with the wireless adapter is still there.

4. Run the Network troubleshooter

Afterward, check if the problem is still there. If it is, you can try runningInternet Connectionstroubleshooter and check once again if you can use the mobile hotspot now.

5. Enter Safe Mode

After entering Safe Mode, check if the problem still appears.

In case you’re not familiar, Safe Mode is a special segment of Windows that runs with default applications and drivers, and it can be useful for troubleshooting various problems.

If you’re getting a wlanext.exeerror, you might be able to fix the problem by using Safe Mode.

6. Perform a Clean boot

Once your PC restarts, check if the problem is still there. If the issue doesn’t appear, it means that one of the disabled applications/services was causing it.

Remember that you’ll have to restart your PC, or at least log out and log back to apply changes. Once you find the problematic application or a service, keep it removed or uninstall it and the problem should be permanently resolved.

7. Temporarily disable your wireless connection

After restarting the connection, check if the problem is still there.

8. Roll back or reinstall your drivers

After doing that, check if the problem is resolved.

You can fix the problem by reinstalling your wireless driver if the rollback option is unavailable. To do that, follow these steps:

This will install the default driver and the problem should be resolved entirely.

9. Make sure that your system is up to date

Once your system is updated, check if the problem is still there.

10. Perform a System Restore

After restoring your system to an earlier state, the problem should be resolved entirely.

We hope these methods worked for you and you got rid of the wlanext.exe high CPU issue on your Windows 10 device.

Note that there are other similar problems users face, likeEthernet spiking in the task manager; resolving this willincrease the Ethernet speedon your device.

If you have further suggestions on this topic, contact us using the comments below.

Wlanext.exe: What it is & Fix High CPU#

What is Wlan.exe?#

Is Wlanext exe a virus?#

How can I fix wlanext.exe high CPU issues?#

1. Update your drivers#

2. Check your antivirus#

3. Disable your wireless adapter#

4. Run the Network troubleshooter#

5. Enter Safe Mode#

6. Perform a Clean boot#

7. Temporarily disable your wireless connection#

8. Roll back or reinstall your drivers#

9. Make sure that your system is up to date#

10. Perform a System Restore#