How to Resolve High Network and Memory Usage from svchost.exe (netsvcs) – 2025

How to Resolve High Network and Memory Usage from svchost.exe (netsvcs)

If your Windows PC suddenly becomes sluggish, the fan starts spinning loudly, or your internet slows down significantly, there’s a good chance that a background process called svchost.exe (netsvcs) is behind it. This service host process is essential to Windows, but in some cases, it can start using excessive memory or network bandwidth, leading to performance issues.

This guide explains what svchost.exe (netsvcs) is, why it causes high network usage or memory leaks, and how to fix the problem step by step.

What is svchost.exe (netsvcs)?

svchost.exe stands for Service Host, a system process used to group and run multiple Windows services. netsvcs is a service group responsible for managing network connections, Windows updates, and background system services.

Normally, svchost.exe (netsvcs) runs quietly in the background. However, it can start consuming large amounts of system memory or internet bandwidth if a service within it malfunctions, especially with:

• Windows Update issues

• Malware infections

• Corrupted system files

• Misconfigured network services

Symptoms of svchost.exe (netsvcs) Causing Issues

• Constant high RAM usage (over 1 GB)

• High disk or CPU usage

• Network traffic spikes

• System lag or freezes

• Fan noise and overheating

You can verify it using Task Manager or Resource Monitor by locating the svchost.exe process under the Processes tab.

Step 1: Restart the Windows Update Service

The most common cause of high usage from svchost.exe (netsvcs) is related to Windows Update.

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

2. Scroll down and find Windows Update.

3. Right-click it and select Stop.

4. Do the same with Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS).

After stopping these services, check if network and memory usage drops. You can restart them later or update manually.

Step 2: Clear the SoftwareDistribution Folder

This folder stores temporary update files and can become bloated or corrupted.

1. Stop the Windows Update service as described above.

2. Open File Explorer and go to:
   C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution

3. Delete all contents inside the folder.

4. Restart your computer and see if svchost.exe behaves normally.

Step 3: Scan for Malware

Malware or cryptojacking scripts often disguise themselves as svchost.exe or exploit it for malicious purposes.

• Use Windows Security:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.

  • Run a Full Scan.

• Alternatively, use a trusted third-party antivirus or Malwarebytes to run a deep scan.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC)

Corrupted system files can interfere with services and lead to memory leaks.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Type:
   sfc /scannow
   and press Enter.

This will scan and fix corrupted system files. It might take some time, but it helps stabilize core processes like svchost.exe.

Step 5: Disable Unnecessary Services from netsvcs

If you’re sure some services are not needed, you can reduce their load manually.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

2. Go to the Services tab.

3. Check Hide all Microsoft services to avoid critical system services.

4. Carefully disable third-party services that may be causing issues.

Caution: Do not disable services unless you are confident in what they do.

Step 6: Use Resource Monitor to Isolate the Cause

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click on Performance > Open Resource Monitor.

3. Under CPU or Network, expand the svchost.exe process.

4. Identify which services or processes under it are using the most memory or bandwidth.

Once you isolate the culprit, you can disable or reset the related service.

Step 7: Reset Network Settings

Network misconfiguration can also cause high usage by svchost.exe.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

2. Run the following commands one by one:

   pgsql

   netsh winsock reset
netsh int ip reset
ipconfig /release
ipconfig /renew
ipconfig /flushdns


3. Restart your computer afterward.

Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps identify third-party software that might be interfering with system processes.

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.

2. Under General, select Selective startup.

3. Uncheck Load startup items.

4. Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, and click Disable all.

5. Click Apply and restart your PC.

If the issue is resolved after a clean boot, it confirms that a background app or service is the source.

Step 9: Update Windows

Outdated Windows versions may cause issues with svchost.exe or its associated services.

1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.

2. Check for updates and install any pending updates.

Step 10: Consider a System Restore or In-Place Repair

If the problem persists, a System Restore to a previous working state may help. Alternatively, running an in-place repair using the Windows 10 ISO file can fix underlying issues without removing your files.

Final Thoughts

The svchost.exe (netsvcs) process is essential to Windows operations, but it can spiral out of control under certain conditions. Whether the issue is caused by Windows Update, corrupted files, malware, or misconfigured settings, the steps above will help you bring system performance back to normal.

It’s also a good idea to routinely monitor system usage and keep your Windows installation clean and updated. If svchost.exe continues to cause problems, consider using advanced tools like Process Explorer from Microsoft Sysinternals to drill deeper into the issue.