If you are noticing high CPU usage caused by the Service Host: Local Service Network Restricted process on your Windows 11 computer, you are not alone. This issue can slow down your system and make it difficult to work efficiently. Fortunately, there are several ways to diagnose and fix this problem.
This guide will walk you through simple and effective steps to reduce CPU usage and improve your system’s performance. Each step is explained clearly, so even beginners can follow along without confusion.
Understanding what causes high CPU usage helps you prevent the issue from happening again in the future. Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the troubleshooting process.
By the end of this article, you will have a better idea of how to manage and fix the Service Host: Local Service Network Restricted high CPU usage issue on Windows 11.
Quick Note Before You Begin
- Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, Windows releases patches that fix bugs causing high CPU usage.
- Save your work: Some steps may require restarting your computer.
- Have administrator rights: You will need admin access to perform most troubleshooting steps.
- Backup important files: It’s always a good idea to back up data before making system changes.
Step 1: Restart Your Computer
Before diving into complex solutions, try restarting your PC. This simple step can clear temporary system glitches that might be causing high CPU usage. Restarting refreshes system processes and often resolves minor issues.
Step 2: Run Windows Update
Microsoft regularly releases updates that can improve system stability and fix bugs. To check for updates:
- Click on the Start menu and select Settings.
- Go to Windows Update on the left sidebar.
- Click Check for updates.
- Install any available updates and restart your PC if prompted.
Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest fixes that may reduce CPU usage problems.
Step 3: Use Task Manager to Identify Problematic Processes
Task Manager helps you see which processes use the most CPU. Here’s how to check:
- Right-click the Start button and select Task Manager.
- Click on the Processes tab.
- Look for Service Host: Local Service Network Restricted and note the CPU usage percentage.
- If CPU usage is high, right-click this process and select Go to details to see which specific service inside it is causing the issue.
This step helps you understand the extent of the problem and whether any other services are involved.
Step 4: Disable Background Apps
Background apps can consume resources and increase CPU load. Disabling unnecessary ones may help:
- Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Background apps.
- Turn off the toggle for apps you do not need running in the background.
Reducing background activity lessens the workload on your CPU.
Step 5: Scan for Malware
Malware can disguise itself as system processes and cause high CPU usage. To run a quick scan:
- Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Select Quick scan and let it finish.
If malware is detected, follow the instructions to remove it. This protects your system and can resolve CPU spikes.
Step 6: Disable Windows Update Delivery Optimization
Windows Update Delivery Optimization allows your PC to share update files with other computers on the internet, which can cause high CPU usage. To disable it:
- Open Settings and go to Windows Update.
- Click Advanced options.
- Select Delivery Optimization.
- Turn off the toggle for Allow downloads from other PCs.
This stops your PC from sending and receiving update files, reducing network and CPU load.
Step 7: Reset Windows Update Components
If the problem persists, resetting the Windows Update components may help. This fixes corrupted update files causing high CPU usage. Follow these detailed steps:
- Press Windows + S, type
cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and choose Run as administrator. - In the Command Prompt window, type each command below and press Enter after each one:
net stop wuauserv
net stop cryptSvc
net stop bits
net stop msiserver
ren C:WindowsSoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old
ren C:WindowsSystem32catroot2 Catroot2.old
net start wuauserv
net start cryptSvc
net start bits
net start msiserver
These commands stop update services, rename update folders, and restart the services. Renaming the folders forces Windows to create fresh copies, fixing issues related to updates.
Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with only essential services, helping you identify if third-party apps cause high CPU usage.
- Press Windows + R, type
msconfig, and press Enter. - In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
- Check Hide all Microsoft services.
- Click Disable all.
- Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
- Disable all startup programs.
- Close Task Manager and click OK in System Configuration.
- Restart your computer.
If the CPU usage is normal after a clean boot, one of the disabled services or startup programs was causing the issue. You can enable them one by one to find the culprit.
Step 9: Update Device Drivers
Outdated or faulty drivers can sometimes cause high CPU usage. To update drivers:
- Right-click the Start button and select Device Manager.
- Expand categories such as Network adapters and System devices.
- Right-click each device and choose Update driver.
- Select Search automatically for drivers and follow prompts.
Keeping drivers updated ensures hardware and system processes run smoothly.
Alternative Methods and Advanced Options
If the above steps didn’t resolve the issue, you can try these advanced options:
- Run System File Checker (SFC): This tool repairs corrupted Windows system files.
Open Command Prompt as admin and type: sfc /scannow - Perform DISM Scan: Repairs Windows image files.
In admin Command Prompt, type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Check Event Viewer: Look for errors related to Service Host to identify specific issues.
- Reset or reinstall Windows: As a last resort, resetting Windows can fix deep system problems.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Service Host: Local Service Network Restricted?
It is a system process in Windows that manages network-related services running with limited permissions to increase security.
Is high CPU usage by this process dangerous?
Usually, it’s not dangerous but can slow down your computer. It may indicate underlying issues like system bugs or malware.
Can I disable Service Host: Local Service Network Restricted?
No, this process is essential for Windows network services. Disabling it may cause system instability.
Why does this process use high CPU suddenly?
It may be triggered by Windows updates, malware, corrupted system files, or conflicting applications.
Will updating Windows fix this issue?
Often, yes. Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix bugs that cause performance issues.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still experience high CPU usage, consider the following:
- Contact Microsoft Support: Official support can provide personalized help.
- Use the Windows 11 Troubleshooter: Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run relevant troubleshooters.
- Reset your PC: This reinstalls Windows but keeps your files. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC.
- Seek professional help: If you suspect hardware issues or complex software conflicts.
Conclusion
High CPU usage caused by Service Host: Local Service Network Restricted can be frustrating but is usually fixable with the right steps. Start with simple solutions like restarting your PC and updating Windows, then move on to scanning for malware and resetting update components.
Performing a clean boot and updating drivers can also help pinpoint and resolve the issue. If problems persist, advanced tools like SFC and DISM or professional help might be necessary.
By following this guide carefully, you can restore your Windows 11 PC to smooth performance and prevent future CPU spikes.