How to fix
Background Task Host high CPU usage
on Windows

Hello. I recently noticed in the Task Manager that a process called "Background Task Host" is using high amounts of CPU for no reason. How can I fix this?

Recently, there have been reports about Background Task Host causing high CPU[ref en-1] usage. Users report seeing the mysterious process use even up to 80% of CPU power. This can prevent people from being able to play video games, and launch other programs. If the processor is running at maximum capacity for a long time, this can make the PC incredibly slow or even overheat.

Backgroundtaskhost.exe is part of Cortana. It is a virtual assistant that can assist people while they use their PCs. It is unknown why exactly Background Task Host starts causing high CPU usage. However, most of the time random processes start using a lot of CPU power because of corrupted files, missing Windows updates, or outdated drivers.

In this guide, you will find 7 steps that should help you fix Background Task Host high CPU usage in Windows 11. If you want to avoid doing changes to your computer, you can try using the [d1] optimization tool. It can find underlying Windows issues, and automatically fix BSODs,[ref en-2] missing DLL errors, registry[ref en-3] problems, corrupted system files, and more.

Method 1. Fix Corrupted System Files

Use Command Prompt commands to repair system file corruption:

• Open Command Prompt as administrator
• Use the following command and press Enter:
  sfc /scannow

• Reboot your system
• If SFC returned an error, then use the following command lines, pressing Enter after each:
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
  DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Method 2. Check Disk

• Open the Command Prompt and click on the Run as administrator
• Then, type this command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r /x

• Close the Command Prompt

Method 3. Install Windows Updates

• Click Start on the taskbar
• Select the Setting app pinned to the Start menu
• Click Windows Update on the left side of Settings
• Press the Check for updates button to download and install new patch updates

• You can also install optional updates by going to the Advanced tab

Method 4. Update Device Drivers

Outdated drivers could be the cause of the error. In this case, you can fix it automatically by using [rev id="DriverFix"], which will scan your PC for missing and out-of-date device drivers. Or you can update them manually:

• Open Settings
• Click on Update & Security
• Click on Windows Update
• Click the Check for updates button
• Click the View optional updates option

• Click the Driver updates tab
• Select the driver you want to update
• Click the Download and install button

If the View optional updates link is not available after checking for updates, then Windows Update does not have any new drivers or any updates for other products at that particular time.

Method 5. End Background Task Host Task

• Open Task Manager
• Go to the Processes tab and find Background Task Host in the list

• Right-click on it and choose End task

Method 6. Use System Restore

• Go to the Start menu, type restore, and click on Create a restore point
• Click System Restore, then follow the prompts until you can select a restore point

• Select the one you want (ideally before the high CPU usage started) and go ahead with the process

Method 7. Perform a Repair Install

• Visit the official Microsoft website to download Windows 11 Installation Media
• Run the Media Creation Tool and select Create Installation Media for another PC
• Select your USB drive
• Let the Process complete of writing the Installation files to the USB drive
• Click Finish
• On the PC you wish to upgrade, Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer
• Open the Removable drive and click Setup.exe

• Accept the license terms on the next screen
• Confirm the Upgrade options – Files, apps and Settings are kept
• Click Install, and the upgrade should start