The Taskhostw.exe is a newer version of the taskhost.exe program for Windows 7. The Taskhostw.exe is a Windows 10 system program, and it is easy to mistake it for a virus. What is Taskhostw.exe? Is it a virus? This post contains everything you need to know about the Taskhostw.exe program.
It is easy to mistake the Taskhostw.exe program for a virus on your Windows PC. However, Taskhostw.exe is a system utility program that Windows relies on to provide you with a functional operating system.
It can be a frightening experience dealing with the Taskhostw.exe utility program if it is your first time seeing it on your PC. The content below contains everything you need to understand about the system program.
What is Taskhostw.exe? Is it a virus? These are some of the questions the content below addresses.
What is Taskhostw.exe?
Taskhostw.exe is an acronym for the utility program, and it stands for Task’s Host for Windows. The utility program is a core Windows program, and it launches every time you boot your computer. The core function of the program is to initiate and execute DLL files on your Windows operating system.
The Taskhostw.exe provides the platform for DLL (Dynamic Link Library) based windows services to run. The system program hosts and executes batches of DLL scripts and shareable resources.
Is Taskhostw.exe a virus?
In a nutshell, the Taskhostw.exe utility is not a virus. It is an official system utility program from Microsoft Inc. It is an original Windows program and ensures your operating system runs without glitches.
The default storage location for the Task’s Host for Windows is the System32 subfolder. The default file path for the system utility program is [C:\Windows\System32\taskhostw.exe].
Should you disable or delete the Taskhostw.exe utility program?
It is not a wise move to delete or disable the Taskhostw.exe utility program because it is responsible for running core DLL scripts and hosting sharable resources on Windows 10. The utility program is known as Taskhostw.exe utility on Windows 10 computers, whereas known as Taskhost.exe on Windows 7 computers.
Deleting or editing the utility program could interfere with the smooth running of your operating system. However, in some instances, the utility program could launch faulty DLL scripts, thus causing your CPU usage to increase drastically. It is advisable to ignore the Taskhostw.exe utility if it is in the default file location.
Checking the security of Taskhostw.exe
The security rating of the Taskhostw.exe utility program is 5% dangerous, but the rating is higher if located in a different file location. You can check the security level of the utility program by checking its file path and digital signature. You can use the steps below to assess the security risk of Taskhostw.exe on your PC.
1. Check the file location of your Taskhostw.exe
Step 1: Press the CTRL + ALT + DELETE keys to access the lock screen. Click on the Task Manager option at the bottom of the options list.
Step 2: Wait for the Task Manager console to launch before clicking on the Details tab.
Step 3: Locate the Taskhostw.exe program before right-clicking on it. Click on the File location option and confirm the file path for your program is [C:\Windows\System32\taskhostw.exe].
2. Check the digital signature of your Taskhostw.exe
Step 1: Launch the Task Manager console before clicking on the Details tab.
Step 2: Locate the Taskhostw.exe program before right-clicking on it. Click on the Properties option and wait for the properties window to open.
Step 3: Click on the Digital Signatures tab and confirm the digital signature for your program is from Microsoft Windows.
How to fix Taskhostw.exe errors
The Taskhostw.exe program can execute faulty DLL scripts, thus causing the high CPU usage and errors on your computer. You can use the steps below to fix Taskhostw.exe errors causing system errors on your PC.
1. Run the system file checker on your PC
You can follow the steps below to run the system file checker on your Windows PC.
Step 1: Click on the search box at the bottom left of your Windows screen. Type and search for CMD before right-clicking on the Command Prompt app and clicking on the Run as administrator option.
Step 2: Wait for your Command Prompt app to launch before typing the [sfc /scannow] Command and hitting the Enter key to execute the Command.
Step 3: Ensure the execution of the Command is complete before you can restart your computer.
2. Use the DISM Command to repair the system image on your PC
Step 1: Open the Command Prompt app with administrator privileges like in Fix 1 option.
Step 2: Type the [Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth] Command before hitting the Enter key.
Step 3: Type the [Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth] Command before hitting the Enter key.
Step 4: Type the [Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth] Command and hit the Enter key.
Step 5: Wait for the Command to execute before restarting your computer to complete the DISM process.
3. Reinstalling or uninstalling recently installed programs on your computer
You can follow the steps below to reinstall or uninstall a recently installed program on your computer.
Step 1: Click on the Search icon at the bottom left of your Taskbar before typing and searching for the Control Panel on the search box.
Step 2: Click on the Control Panel app to launch your Control Panel window.
Step 3: Locate the Programs section before clicking on the Uninstall a program option.
Step 4: Right-click on the recently installed programs before clicking on the Uninstall option.
Step 5: You can reinstall the program before checking if the Taskhostw.exe program is running.
4. Troubleshoot Programs in Safe Boot
You can follow the steps below to boot your computer in safe mode and troubleshoot programs and drivers.
Step 1: Press the Windows + R keys before typing the [msconfig] Command and hitting the Enter key.
Step 2: Click on the Boot tab before going to the Boot options and clearing the Safe boot checkbox.
Step 3: Restart your computer and uninstall programs and drivers, causing your operating system to malfunction.
Conclusion
The steps above are detailed for any novice Pc user to fix problems with their Taskhostw.exe program. Share the post with other users who need a detailed guide for dealing with the Taskhostw.exe utility program.
