How to Fix Modern Setup Host High CPU Usage in Windows 11
Updating the operating system on a Windows 11 computer can sometimes be tedious. The update process can also sometimes freeze. However, it usually consumes so much power on your device that you cannot perform any other tasks. As part of the upgrade, the Modern Setup Host process usually runs in the background. In this article, we will learn what is Modern Setup Host in Windows 11 and is it safe for us to use it.
Content:
What is Modern Setup Host in Windows 11?
The Windows operating system includes a host called the Modern Setup Host. No matter what build or version of the operating system you’re running, every Windows PC has one. The setup file for Modern Setup Host is automatically downloaded and installed on your computer.
In hibernation mode, the process remains inactive, as if it does not exist. However, the Modern Setup Host comes alive when you install a Windows update.
The Modern Setup Host is primarily responsible for preparing your computer for Windows updates. The modern installation host will run in the background during installation.
Your Windows computer cannot function without it. Your computer may not be able to upgrade to the latest operating system without the Modern Setup Host. If the Modern Setup Host is corrupted or malfunctioning, you may have problems upgrading your PC to Windows 11 from earlier versions of Windows.
The Modern Setup host file can be found in the C:/$Windows.*BT/Sources folder on your local drive. This is an executable setup file that runs automatically. It cannot be started manually unless an upcoming Windows update is available.
Is the Modern Setup host file secure?
Microsoft has developed the Modern Setup Host file. As a result, you don’t have to worry about it. In some cases, malware or viruses can masquerade as setuphost.exe files.
Installing your computer using an unofficial or third-party installation host exposes it to the risk of viruses. The result can be performance issues such as increased CPU usage or battery drain. How can I tell a Modern Setup Host virus from a genuine setuphost.exe file?
How to determine if a modern installation is safe?
You need to check the properties of the setup file to determine if the modern installation is safe. Here’s how.
Step 1: Navigate to the folder where setuphost.exe is located. (Local Disk (C:) > $WINDOWS.~BT > Sources)
In Windows search, type setuphost.exe. Select setuphost.exe from the list. Select Open.
Step 2: Right-click the setuphost.exe file. Click Properties.
Step 3. Click on the “Details”tab. Make sure the installation site is copyrighted by Microsoft.
Step 4: Also click “Digital Signatures”. Look in the Signer Name column to see if Microsoft Windows is displayed.
Setuphost.exe is a genuine and safe file on your computer if these are the results. However, in this case, it is best to use an antivirus application to scan your PC for viruses and malware if the modern installation host is consuming excessive CPU resources.
Troubleshooting Modern Setup Host Issues
Windows 11 includes a built-in tool that automatically diagnoses and fixes computer problems that prevent you from installing updates. In addition, it can fix problems that cause Modern Setup Host to crash.
Delete SoftwareDistribution folder
You can find important files in the SoftwareDistribution folder that are required to install new software updates. Using Windows Updates can become problematic if the temporary files in this folder are corrupted or conflict. Also, it may cause Modern Setup Host to run in the background, resulting in increased CPU usage.
This can be fixed by deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder and restarting the computer. Your device is not in danger. The required files will be re-uploaded.
You can delete the contents of the SoftwareDistribution folder by following these steps.
1. Press the key combination “Windows + R”to open the “Run Windows”window.
2. Then click OK to accept the software distribution.
3. Delete all files in the SoftwareDistribution folder. Just in case, back up the contents in a different folder.
Disable background apps
Using the CPU for useless applications in the background robs vital system functions of their resources. Remove unwanted applications from the background. As a result, your PC should run slower and Windows Update should run faster.
1. Go to the Windows settings menu. Click Privacy.
2. On the right sidebar, scroll down to the App Permissions section. Click Background Applications.
3. Take a look at background apps. Make sure the apps you rarely use are turned off.
Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter
1. Open Windows settings. Select Updates & Security.
2. Click Troubleshooting in the upper right corner of the page.
3. Click Windows Update. Then click “Run the troubleshooter”.
4. The Windows Update troubleshooter will automatically apply the fix if it detects a problem that prevents the update from being installed.
Delete corrupted files
Installing and downloading Windows Updates may fail unexpectedly, resulting in an accumulation of corrupted files. As a result, Modern Setup Host may hang in the background and consume a lot of CPU resources.
The solution to this problem is to repair corrupted files and prevent Windows updates by using Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC).
1. In the Windows search box, type command prompt. Select Run as administrator.
2. In the console, paste the following command. Press Enter.
DISM.exe /Online/Cleanup-image/Scanhealth
3. Before moving on to the next step, let the tool finish scanning your computer.
4. In the console, paste the following command. Press Enter to execute.
DISM.exe /Online/Cleanup-image/Checkhealth
As before, wait until the progress bar reaches 100% and then move on to the next step.
5. Paste the following command into the console. Press Enter.
DISM.exe /Online/Cleanup-image/Restorehealth
6. Finally, run the System File Checker by pasting the following command.
sfc/scannow
Each command may take several minutes to complete. Do not interrupt the process by closing the command prompt window.
After successfully running these commands, restart your computer. Check if this fixes the high CPU usage issue on the modern installation host.
Conclusion
This is all about what is Modern Setup Host in Windows 11 and is it safe? You should now have a good idea about Modern Setup Host and how to check its security. It is very important to make sure that otherwise your computer may be infected with viruses.
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