Are you pulling your hair out because your PC has slowed down to a crawl?
Many users complain that this file has been hogging the CPU.
If thats the case with you, dont panic.
The Windows User-mode Driver Framework Host (WUDFHost.exe) is a trustworthy system process.
You may have contemplated killing the process, but its an important component of your OS.
So, let’s explore how to reduce WUDFHost.exe’s high CPU usage.
If you notice this, run a scan using your antivirus program.
you could evenscan your setup for malware offline with Windows Defender.
Hopefully, the program will remove the infected file.
When youre done, return to the Task Manager and verify if the CPU usage has returned to normal.
Corrupt or outdated rig drivers are one of the most common reasons for the WUDFHost.exes excessive usage of CPU.
There are several ways tofind and replace outdated Windows drivers.
The easiest way is to use the Windows Update.
This is the safest method since all drivers are authentic and verified for compatibility.
Alternatively, you could go to theDevice Manager, find your rig, right-hit it, and selectUpdate driver.
A dialog box will appear with two options.
Locate the file and execute the installation wizard.
Perform a reboot and see if your CPU usage has normalized.
Once the process completes, open your Task Manager and see if the CPU usage has returned to normal.
The fix, though, is fairly simple.
PressWin + R, typedevmgmt.msc, and pressEnteror clickOK.
This should open theDevice Manager.
Right-click onIntel Wireless Gigabit User Mode Driverand click onDisable unit.
Return to the Task Manager to see if this resolves the issue.
Perform a Clean Boot
Software conflicts could also result in a CPU-hogging WUDFHost.exe.
PressWin + R, typemsconfig, and press Enter or clickOK.
This will openSystem Configuration.
Navigate to theStartuptab next and click onOpen Task Manager.
Disable all the programs listed here.
Return to theSystem Configurationwindow and clickApplyandOK.
reboot your system to apply the changes.
If this fixes the excessive CPU usage, youll need to do some trial and error.
Start enabling the software and services one at a time to find out which one is the culprit.
When you find it, disable it or uninstall it from your system.
Alternatively, you could kill the machine Install Service.
To disable portable devices, open gadget Manager by pressingWin + R, typing devmgmt.msc, and clickingOK.
Look forPortable Devicesin the list and hit the arrow to its left to expand the list.
Choose a portable gadget and right-choose it.
From the menu, selectDisable deviceand clickYesto continue.
Dont worry, this will not render your gadget unusable.
When youre done, return to the Task Manager.
see if this has resolved the high CPU usage problem.
If you want to go a different route, you could kill the gear Install Service.
To do this, pressWin + R, key in services.msc, and press Enter or clickOK.
When theServiceswindow opens, search forDevice Install Service.
Right-choose it and selectProperties.
In the window that pops up, look for the dropdown menu next toStartup punch in.
press the menu and selectDisabled.
Verify if this resolves your issue by opening the Task Manager.
Disable NFC
If your system has NFC, it could be a possible cause for the WUDFHost.exe problem.
To disable NFC, go toSettings > internet & Internet.
On the left pane, look forAirplane mode.
On the right pane, youll see a toggle button to enable/disable NFC.
Disable NFC from here and test whether the issue resolves.
Hopefully, your WUDFHost.exe is not consuming excessive CPU anymore.
The Task Manager is often full of process names that make little sense.
If theres a process using excessive CPU or causing other problems, it can be frustrating.
However, dont kill any processes unless youre sure it wont exacerbate the problem.
WUDFHost.exe is but one of many processes you should never kill off due to its importance to the system.
