Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage in Windows 10 [Fixed]

Pinakin Joshi
5 min readJan 24, 2021

Service Host SysMain causing high CPU usage? We can easily fix the service host local system high CPU issue by eliminating some of the common problems. We often feel that our PC is underperforming or running slowly and when we inspect the task manager, we can find the svchost.exe file. Service host is not the issue here but bundled services like SysMain or superfetch in the local system causing this issue. In this article, we will examine the source of the problem and fix high CPU usage in service host SysMain.

What is Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch)?

Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch)

SysMain or previously known as superfetch is a RAM management system that preload recently used programs for faster service. It was introduced in Windows Vista and they changed the name from superfetch to SysMain in Windows 10. Mostly it remains dormant in the task manager and observes RAM usage patterns for recently used or frequently used apps. Once Windows Boot Up again, SysMain preload those programs into RAM for faster boot time. service host sysmain is designed to help users launch programs faster but it has High CPU usage which might slow down the system.

Is it safe to Remove Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch)?

If you have a decent PC with the latest configuration then SysMain won’t be an issue. It will work in the background without taking much CPU or RAM. However, Superfetch is constantly working in the background, eating up RAM. It will slow down the start-up process and programs will still take time to load. SysMain’s objective is to relocate memory to the preload program but once we boot up the program, it will still use the same amount of CPU Usage. Most users with SSD doesn’t require SysMain to preload memory because SSD Drivers are faster(HDD drivers are slow organizer). That’s why we can remove Superfetch/SysMain to load up and save our system from high CPU usage. Read this article to explore different ways to Fix High CPU usage with Service Host: SysMain.

How to Fix Service Host SysMain(Superfetch) causing High CPU usage?

Stop Service host SysMain Process

The best way to eliminate the high CPU usage issue is to stop SysMain. There are multiple ways to accomplish this task such as from windows Services, Command prompt, or Registry Editor. Let’s explore each option.

Stop SysMain from Windows Services

● Open Run windows and Type “services.msc” or go to task manager and right-click on Service host: SysMain to select services.

Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage

● Then select the service from the list and stop the process either from properties or from outside.

Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage
Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage

After that, check your task manager for the process. This process will stop Sysmain from using any memory or CPU, however, once you boot up again, it will restart as well. Follow the same procedure and select disable in startup type.

Stop SysMain From Command Prompt

● Open the command prompt as administrator

● Now type, “sc stop “SysMain” & sc config “SysMain” start=disabled”

● This will stop the service and disable the startup

● It will display a message, “Change Service Config Success”

Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage
Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage with command prompt

Stop SysMain from Registry Editor

● Open Run windows and type Regedit

● Then follow this path to find Sysmain

“HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\SysMain”

● Then right-click on the Start option to modify

● Change the value from 2 to 4 and press ok

Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage
Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage with registry editor

This will change the startup process of Sysmain and it won’t bother you again in task manager. Even after stopping and disabling SysMain, your PC is slowing down, we can try other methods.

Check for Malware

Most of the time high CPU usage is connected with the service host. But if you find the unknown process in your task manager, make sure to check for the malware. Always update your antivirus and scan the whole system regularly. It will surely fix the service host sysmain High CPU usage issue.

Update Windows

Updating Windows regularly will help you solve many problems. If your PC is running slow, then update your windows to the latest version and it will fix the issue. The new update will solve the security issue and help with running all systems smoothly.

System Restore

If any of the solutions don’t work and your PC is still running slow from the service host program, then it’s time for system restore. System restore can fix any issue with the system and restore the old configuration.

● Open control panel and select system

● Now find the system protection option on the left-hand side

● It will open system properties, now look for system restore

Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage
Fix Service Host: SysMain(Superfetch) High CPU Usage with system restore

● Now choose the date of the system restore point when your PC was error-free. Click on it and follow the instructions to restore your PC.

Conclusion

Service host: SysMine helps the system to work smoothly by preloading programs into the RAM. However, these services are designed to use a maximum number of CPU and memory usage. In order to Stop Service Host SysMain High CPU Usage, read this article to explore different ways to disable or stop SysMain in windows 10.

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Pinakin Joshi

Freelance Content Writer,Quora Writer, SEO Enthusiast