WMI (Windows management instrument) provider host, also called WmiPrvSe.exe, is a Windows service that manages computer programs to request and extract information about other programs.
This is a really important service as many system’s functionalities are dependent on it. Also, it will become very difficult to manage applications without this service.
Normally, WMI Provider host shouldn’t use much CPU, but it can sometimes use a High amount of CPU when another application is requesting data via WMI but, longer high use of CPU is something you should be concerned of.
Understanding WMI Provider Host (WmiPrvSE.exe)
WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) is a set of specifications from Microsoft for consolidating the management of devices and applications in a network.
WMI Provider Host (WmiPrvSE.exe) is a system service that allows other applications to request information from the system about the state of the operating system and data on it.
It’s an important service for enterprise environments where managing multiple computers efficiently is crucial.
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Common Causes of High CPU Usage by WMI Provider Host
Several factors can contribute to high CPU usage by WMI Provider Host:
- Faulty Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause WmiPrvSE.exe to consume more CPU than usual.
- Malfunctioning Applications: Certain applications that make frequent WMI requests can lead to high CPU usage.
- WMI Repository Corruption: Issues with the WMI repository itself can result in increased CPU usage.
- Virus or Malware: Malicious software can sometimes disguise itself as a legitimate system process, leading to increased CPU usage.
How to Fix High CPU Usage by WMI Provider Host
Addressing high CPU usage by WMI Provider Host involves several troubleshooting steps. Here are comprehensive solutions:
Solution 1: Restarting the Windows Management Instrumentation Service
Sometimes, the WMI Provider Host Service occupies a high amount of PC resources causing the WMI Provider Host High CPU problem. In that case, you should restart it by following the given steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key and R at the same time, it will open the Run Box in which you need to type services.msc in the search box and press Enter.
Step 2: Now press W key to locate Windows Management Instrument Service. Then right-click on it and select Restart.
Solution 2: Restart Other Associated Services
Once this is done, we need to restart other associated services. For that:
Step 1: Press the Windows key and X key at the same time. This will open another menu from which choose Command Prompt (Admin).
Note: If you have Windows 10 Creators Update, you have to type cmd.exe in the search bar of the start menu and find the Command Prompt option. Right-click on it and select Run as Administrator.
Step 2: Now, in the Command Prompt Window, type the following commands and press Enter after typing each of them.
net stop iphlpsvc
net stop wscsvc
net stop Winmgmt
net start Winmgmt
net start wscsvc
net start iphlpsvc
Step 3: After this process, restart your PC and check if the CPU is back to normal or not. If this doesn’t work, we have another method ready for you.
Solution 3: Perform a Clean Boot to Identify A Faulty Application
There are some applications which cause high CPU usage by WMI Provider Host. By doing a Clean boot, we can isolate the application that is causing high CPU usage. To do a Clean Boot:
Step 1: Press the Windows key and R at the same time; it will open the Run Prompt.
Step 2: In the search box type “msconfig” and press Enter.
Step 3: Click on the ‘Services’ option and uncheck the ‘Hide all Microsoft Services’ box.
Step 4: Select the ‘Disable All’ option and then press ‘OK.’
Step 5: Now click the ‘Startup’ tab and click on the “Open Task Manager” option.
Step 6: The Task Manager will open in which click on the “Startup” tab.
Step 7: Click on an application in the list that has “Enabled” written in it and select the “Disable” option.
Step 8: Do this step to all the applications which have “Enabled” written in it and then restart your PC.
Step 9: Now, when your PC is in the “Clean Boot” state, check if the situation is normal or not.
Step 10: If still the CPU usage is high, then start enabling one application at a time in the same way and stop when the high CPU usage comes back.
Step 11: Now, we found the Application, which was causing this trouble. Reinstall this application and enable it.
Step 12: If this application creates this problem again, then keep it disabled.
If this method also fails, then we have one more method left for you to fix WMI Provider Host (WmiPrvSE.exe) High CPU.
Solution 4: Locate the Process Using Event Viewer and Uninstall It
Some defective hardware drivers and components can also be the reason for this issue. You have to Uninstall it from the PC which can be done by:
Step 1: Pressing Windows key and “X” key at the same time, which will open a list of options from which select “Event Viewer.”
Step 2: Now click on the “View” option at the top in the Event Viewer and then select the “Show Analytic and Debug Logs” option from it.
Step 3: Now, on the left pane of the window, follow the instructions: Applications and Service Logs → Microsoft → Windows → WMI Activity → Operational this will open the WMI Provider Host’s operational logs.
Step 5: Find the Errors, and when you find any, click on it to display its specifications.
Step 6: In it Click the “General” tab and search for the term ClientProcessID and note the number that follows it.
Step 7: Close the Event Viewer and open the Task Manager.
Step 8: Select the services tab and search for the same Process ID (PID) as a number, which we noted earlier.
Step 9: That is the faulty service, immediately disable it and uninstall this program.
After this, the WMI Provider Host should normally run by not using the CPU excessively.
Additional Tips to Prevent High CPU Usage by WMI Provider Host
- Regularly Update System and Software: Ensure your operating system, drivers, and all software are up-to-date. Regular updates can fix bugs that might cause high CPU usage.
- Monitor CPU Usage: Use Task Manager to keep an eye on CPU usage and identify any abnormal behavior quickly.
- Optimize System Performance: Regularly clean up your system using built-in tools like Disk Cleanup and third-party optimization tools to maintain performance.
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Conclusion
High CPU usage by WMI Provider Host can significantly impact system performance, but it is generally resolvable through systematic troubleshooting.
By restarting the WMI service, updating drivers, scanning for malware, rebuilding the WMI repository, and performing a clean boot, users can effectively address the root causes of this issue.
Regular system maintenance and updates are crucial for preventing such problems and ensuring a smooth, efficient computing experience.