Fix SearchProtocolHost.exe High CPU/Disk Usage Issue

High CPU usage can be caused by a variety of things such as viruses, malware, spyware, or even Windows’s own processes. It can also occur when your computer is running many programs at the same time. In order to fix this issue, you should check if you have any unnecessary programs running in the background. You can also try restarting your computer and see if that fixes the problem.

This article is a complete guide on fixing Windows Search/SearchProtocolHost.exe and its high CPU usage issue.

What does SearchProtocolHost.exe do?

SearchProtocolHost.exe is a process that is run by the Windows Search Protocol Host service, which is a part of the Windows Search Service. This service provides indexing and searches functionality for files on local and networked computers. It also provides search results for file queries entered on the Start menu or in the Run dialog box.

Services/Applications related to Windows Search

These applications are related to Windows Search functionality.

• SearchIndexer.exe
• SearchFilterHost.exe
• SearchProtocolHost.exe

Where is SearchProtocolHost.exe in Windows 11/10?

SearchProtocolHost.exe is a exe program file that is located in the C:\Windows\System32 directory by default. You should not delete or modify SearchProtocolHost.exe if it is located inside System32 folder. This file is necessary for Windows Search to operate.

Why is SearchProtocolHost.exe using 100% CPU?

The SearchProtocolHost.exe process is responsible for indexing files on your computer and making them searchable in Windows 10’s search box. If you have a lot of files on your computer, this process can take up a lot of CPU resources, which will make your computer slower than usual. This is a very common issue with Windows 10 and it is not an error. Malware infection or any other type of System File corruption can cause high CPU usage by SearchProtocolHost.exe. Old hard drives can slow down your PC, it is always better to change your primary storage device to an SSD (Solid State Drive). HDDs have to wait for the spinning disks to rotate before they can read data, which can take a lot of time. SSDs use flash memory chips that allow them to read data instantly. Computers using SSD can boot up within 13 secs. Nowadays it is very easy to migrate your Desktop or laptop to an SSD.

Is SearchProtocolHost.exe malware?

As we explained earlier, SearchProtocolHost.exe is a Windows program that takes care of Windows search-related functions. But there are certain scenarios you need to understand.

1. Yes, Malware programs like viruses can infect legitimate Windows programs like SearchProtocolHost.exe.
2. Malware can create processes named SearchProtocolHost.exe to camouflage itself from the user and run safely.

How To Fix SearchProtocolHost.exe High CPU Usage in Windows?

First, we need to identify whether this abnormal CPU or disk usage is because of malware or not. In order to confirm that you need to run a thorough System scan using an updated antivirus.

Step 1: Run A Thorough System Scan Using Antivirus

Download Microsoft Safety Scanner or any other good malware removal tool.
You may also read these articles to know more about free malware removal tools and How To Remove Malware From Windows PC. Some Viruses are tough to remove from an infected Operating system, you can use a bootable antivirus. Bootable antivirus can boot your system from a USB, CD, or DVD. Then you can scan and remove a malware infection from your system.

• 5 Bootable Antivirus Tools for Windows
• How To Protect Your Computer from Ransomware?
• Best Free Antivirus Software

Antivirus will try to remove malicious codes from the Windows programs/processes, sometimes it may break the smooth functioning of that program.

So follow the next step, if the antivirus scan found malware or not.

Step 2: System File Corruption

The corruption in System Files can cause issues with Windows Search performance.

Common Causes of System File corruption

• Malware like viruses /spyware etc
• Harddisk/SSD Disk errors
• Sudden power outages
• Hardware failures
• Improper Software installation or removal
• Corrupt registry keys or settings
• File system corruption

How to identify and fix System File corruption?

The SFC is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and replaces any corrupted Windows system files or catalog (.cat) files, which can fix errors in the boot sector and system libraries that may be preventing your PC from starting.

1. Open Windows Command prompt (cmd.exe) or PowerShell as Administrator
2. Copy the following command and paste it into Command prompt or PowerShell and press enter key to begin the file system scan.

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to complete before closing Command Prompt window. It may take 20-30 minutes to complete the scan.

SFC utility’s scan may find errors/corruption which cannot be fixed by it. You may have to run the DISM tool to restore the corrupted Windows System Files.

How To Restore Corrupted Windows System Files?

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) is a command-line tool that you can use to service a Windows image, which includes updating the offline image with any necessary hotfixes or security updates. This tool can be used to restore corrupted system files, fix file system errors, update drivers, and even repair a Windows installation. Make sure you are connected to the internet, this tool may attempt to download the system files directly from Windows Update servers if the offline files are corrupted or unusable.

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Copy the following command and paste it into Command prompt window

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• Press Enter key to start the restoration process.

Step 3: Rebuild The Windows Search Index

What are the benefits of rebuilding the Windows search index?

Rebuilding the Windows search index will provide you with a clean slate so that you can start fresh. This is especially useful if you are experiencing slow performance or other problems with your computer. The benefits of rebuilding the Windows search index include increased performance and improved functionality.

Are there any drawbacks of rebuilding the Windows Search Index?

The main drawback of rebuilding the Windows search index is that it is a time-consuming process. It can take days or weeks depending on the size of the hard drive and how much data (number of files and folders in your systems) needs to be indexed. Windows search results will show incomplete results until the rebuilding is complete. You can expect high CPU usage during the rebuild process.

How to rebuild Windows Search Index?

1. Go to Windows settings by pressing Windows Key + I -> click “Search” tile in Windows settings
2. Click “Searching Windows”
3. Click “Advanced Search Indexer Settings“
4. now “Indexing Options” window will appear.
5. Click the “Advanced” Button (ref the slide show below)
6. Now you can see the “Rebuild” button located under the “Troubleshooting section”
7. Click the “Ok” button when are presented with the “Rebuild Index Dialogue box“.

Step 4: Run Windows Search Troubleshooter Tool

The Windows Search Troubleshooter Tool will diagnose and fix problems with Windows Search, the indexing service, or the indexer. It can also check for problems with indexing new data on your computer. It will automatically repair any issues it finds.

Issues this troubleshooter can resolve.

1. Fix Windows Search is not working or not showing results
2. Fix files, folders, apps, or settings that don’t appear in search results
3. Fix Outlook search not working properly
4. Fix Windows Search is very slow or hanging

How To Run Windows Search Troubleshooter Tool?

1. Go to Windows settings by pressing Windows Key + I -> click “Search” tile in Windows settings
2. Click “Searching Windows”
3. Now click the “Run the indexer troubleshooter to resolve common search” located in the bottom side of the right pane, under the title “Something not working”
4. Tick the appropriate check box option to start the troubleshooting – we recommend selecting all options.
5. Press OK to start the troubleshooter

You should wait some time (a couple of days in some cases) to confirm the result of these fixes we did. Because it may take some days to complete the Windows Search Index rebuilding process (depends on data volume in your system). You may see high CPU usage during the rebuild process, it is normal. We recommend you bookmark this URL for further troubleshooting later. Subscribe to our mailing list for such guides and updates related to Windows OS.

To fix this issue follow these steps

Step 5: Update your Windows

Search for setting and Open it. (or press Windows button + I)

Click on Windows Update.

Click “Check for updates” and update the window

Sometimes this issue can occur because of a recent update, so uninstalling will remove the problem. To uninstall the recent update follow these steps

Open Control Panel and click on Program and Features.

On the left side click on View installed updates

Search for recently installed updates and Uninstall them

Step 6: Third-Party Apps interfering with SearchProtocolHost.exe

If you have installed third-party apps removed them SearchProtocolHost.exe High CPU Usage is mostly caused by third-party apps

Go to Control Panel  and Open Programs and Features

Select the recently installed app, and click on Uninstall

Step 7: Defragment Your Disk

To defragment your disk

Search for  Defragment and Optimize Drives.

Select all drives, and click on Optimize all.

It will take time for the first time. Make sure don’t turn off the Laptop while optimizing.

Hopefully, you were able to fix the issue with one of the methods. If you find it helpful please share it with friends.

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