Question
Issue: How to fix IP Helper Service (Iphlpsvc) high CPU usage?
Hello. Yesterday I was analyzing my GPU usage when playing a game, and I spotted something unusual – IP Helper service (Iphlpsvc) was using 20-25% of CPU. I found it rather unusual, as Windows services usually lay doormat most of the time. I thought it's just a spike, but when I checked it again in the evening, it still consumed the same amount of resources. What is IP Helper service, and is it OK to disable it?
Solved Answer
IP Helper (Iphlpsvc) is otherwise known as Internet Protocol Helper and functions as a Service that allows a Windows computer to retrieve and modify network configuration settings. It allows remote computers to correctly identify and retrieve tunnel connectivity for IPv6[1] connection types.
Windows services are mandatory for any Windows system o to operate correctly. There are numerous services that the OS uses at any time during the operation, for example, with Windows update service disabled, users would not be able to update their operating system, either manually or automatically. They can be set to manual or automatic start and can be easily accessed via the
There are types of IP addresses that can be used for the networking connection over the internet – IPv4, and IPv6, with the former being the older connection type, released as early as 1982.[2] It is a 32-bit IP address that uses a numeric addressing method, while the IPv6 is a 128-bit IP address that uses the alphanumeric method.
Without IP Helper service, connectivity through IPv6 would be impossible. That being said, you will rarely find a website or a network that would use IPv6 – this due to various technological advance difficulties the latest technology faces. Some companies and ISPs have already shifted to the latest IP version.
While some services are imported by third-party programs and used for their functionalities, IP Helper is a built-in service that comes pre-installed with the operating system. It is also, by default, set to be started automatically whenever the PC is launched.
Some people claimed that they noticed IP Helper Service high CPU usage at all times. If everything works correctly, this should not happen – the service should not go above 0% unless it is actually in use. Therefore, something might not function as intended. The first thing to check is to scan your PC for malware, as it could be the reason why the resources of the service are so extensive.
As a regular computer user, there are almost no reasons why you couldn't disable IP Helper Service. However, before you do that, you could try other methods that could help you fix high CPU usage of the service. Also, we recommend you scan your device with PC repair software FortectMac Washing Machine X9 – it can help with most common Windows issues automatically, without you having to troubleshoot problems that could arise at any time.
1. Run a scan with anti-malware
One of the reasons why you could be facing IP Helper high CPU usage is due to a worm[3] known as Conficker. You can use any reputable third-party anti-malware, although a deep scan with Microsoft Defender should suffice:
- Type Windows Security in Windows search bar and hit Enter
- Select Virus & threat protection
- Pick Scan options
- Choose Microsoft Defender Offline scan and click Scan now
- Your computer should then restart and a scan begin.
2. Disable or uninstall third-party antivirus
In some cases, third-party security tools can interfere with certain connections and cause high resource usage for certain Windows components. For example, WaasMedic Agent Exe was recently found causing high disk usage for thousands of people, and it turned out that turning off antivirus helped many of them.
While you can try to disable your antivirus real-time protection via the settings of the app, it might not always be possible. In such a case, simply uninstall the program, reboot, and see if that helped you solve the issue (you can later install the AV once again if this solution does not help).
3. Perform Clean Boot
- Type msconfig in Windows search and press Enter
- Select Services tab
- Check the Hide all Microsoft services box and pick Disable all
- Go to Startup tab and select Open Task Manager
- In the Task Manager, right-click on every entry and select Disable, then close the Task Manager
- Go to Boot tab, tick Safe Boot, then click Apply and OK.
If the problem is gone in this environment, it means that some third-party application or program is causing this it. What you should do is load back into normal mode and uninstall the most recent programs you have installed – this should help you resolve the high CPU usage of the IP Helper.
4. Disable IP Helper Service
As previously mentioned, you can simply disable the service if you are not using it. There are a few methods you can do this, so let's start from the most simple one:
- Type Services in Windows search bar and press Enter
- Once the new window opens, scroll down until you find IP Helper – double-click it
- Under Startup type, click on the drop-down menu and pick Disabled
- Click Stop, Apply and OK
- Restart your computer.
5. Use Command Prompt
- Type cmd in Windows search
- Right-click on Command Prompt result and select Run as administrator
- If User Account Control shows up, click Yes
- Type in the following command to permanently disable the service:
REG add “HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\services\\iphlpsvc” /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 4 /f
- Press Enter.
If you ever want to re-enable to service, paste the following command into Command Prompt (Admin):
REG add “HKLM\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\services\\iphlpsvc” /v Start /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f
6. Try Registry Editor
- Type regedit in Windows search and hit Enter
- When UAC shows up, click Yes
- Navigate to the following location:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\\SYSTEM\\CurrentControlSet\\services\\iphlpsvc
- Once you click iphlpsvc folder, you should be able to see several entries on the right side of the window
- Double-click the Start entry
- Here, type in 4 instead of 2 and click OK
- Restart your computer.
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Alice Woods is a security expert who specializes in cyber threat investigation and analysis. Her mission on Ugetfix - to share the knowledge and help users to protect their computers from malicious programs.
- ^ Pete Sclafani|. What is IPv6?. 6connect. Revolutionary Network Automation Software.
- ^ IPv4. Wikipedia. The free encyclopedia.
- ^ Josh Fruhlinger. What is a computer worm? How this self-spreading malware wreaks havoc. CSO Online. Latest information and best practices on business continuity and data protection.
