High CPU usage is bad news.
It slows down your system and drains your gear of resources.
What Is SearchProtocolHost.exe?
SearchProtocolHost.exe is a process required by a built-in Windows function called Windows Search Indexer.
Sure, you’ve got the option to go ahead and terminate the process.
Well, not quite.
Another process, called SearchIndexer.exe relies on SearchProtocolHost.exe to render the search results.
If you terminate SearchProtocolHost.exe, SearchIndexer.exe will restart the process.
In a lot of cases, the issue will resolve itself just by waiting a while.
Updating your PC might just do the trick.
To update Windows, search forcheck for updatesin the Start Menu and snag the Best match.
If you see an update that’s pending, go ahead and install it.
Otherwise, choose theCheck for updatesbutton.
Find the updates you installed recently by checking the date in theInstalled Oncolumn.
opt for update and clickUninstall.
Launch prefs by pressingWin + Iand navigate toSystem>Troubleshoot>Other troubleshooters.
Search for an item calledSearch and Indexingon the list and click theRunbutton next to it.
Start by launching an elevated Command Prompt.
Then, execute the following command:
Let the scan complete.
Once it’s done, restart the PC and see if the issue persists.
Fragmentation can often impact the performance and indirectly cause the SearchProtocolHost.exe to use more resources.
you’re able to easily fix the issue by defragmenting your hard drive.
Search fordefragmentin the Start Menu and launchDefragment and Optimize Drives.
Press-hold Ctrl, select all drives, and click onOptimize all.
Once the process completes, start your PC and try running a search on Windows.
See if the problem persists.
Start by searching forindexing optionsin the Start Menu and grab the Best match.
Doing this will open another window.
Select theSelect all locationsoption at the bottom.
However, you should still be able to use your setup in the mean time without any lags.
To do this, you’ll need to disable Windows Search.
Note that you won’t be able to search for anything on Windows while Windows Search is disabled.
When you do want to search for something, you’re free to always re-enable it.
PressWin + R, typeservices.msc, and press Enter to launch the Services console.
Look for a service calledWindows Search, right-hit it, and selectProperties.
In the Properties window, select theStopbutton under theService statussection, and then changeStartup typetoDisabled.
While Windows often runs into bothcommon errorsandridiculous errors, troubleshooting them isn’t all that difficult.
