This article provides an in-depth exploration of the "Service Host Local System high disk usage" issue in Windows 10. It covers the potential causes behind the problem and offers step-by-step solutions to fix the issue. Users will resolve high disk usage, and optimize system performance.
“I have a Windows 10 64-bit system. My disc usage is always at 100% in Task Manager. Service host: local systems are constantly high so I tried stopping services listed one by one to try to figure out which one it is. This did not help. I suspect it is a Windows update service because when I right-click it and open "services", it always says the status is stopping. Also, I cannot open the "update & security panel" in my settings. Rebooting does not help also. What can I do to solve this?”
– Answers.Microsoft
Service Host: Local System is a collection of system processes that act as a container for various services. It runs important functions like Windows Auto Update and other essential system services. Because of this, it often uses a lot of disk space, memory, RAM, and even network bandwidth, which can slow down your computer, especially after a Windows 10 update.
One of the most common reasons for high disk usage in Service Host Local System is Windows Update. If Windows Update is stuck downloading or installing updates, it can lead to excessive disk usage. Here’s how you can fix high disk usage in Windows 10:
1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. In the Services window, scroll down to find Windows Update.
4. Right-click on Windows Update and select Disabled under the Startup type.
Note: This is a temporary solution. Make sure to manually check for updates later to keep your system up to date.
If the Service Host high CPU issue is due to corrupted system files, you can fix 100 disk usage by using the System File Checker tool. Here’s how you can do that:
1. Type cmd in the search bar, find Command Prompt, and right-click to select Run as administrator.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the tool to finish scanning and repairing any issues.
Background Intelligent Transfer Service (BITS) is essential for keeping Windows and apps running smoothly. It helps with downloading files and updates from Microsoft’s servers on Windows 10/11 systems.
1. Press Win + R to open the Run box.
2. Type msconfig and press OK to open the System Configuration window.
3. Go to the Services tab, find Background Intelligent Transfer Service, and uncheck it.
4. Click Apply and OK to save the changes. Then, restart your PC to see if the high CPU usage issue is resolved.
High disk usage from the Service Host could be due to background processes running on your system. To solve this, you can stop these processes in Task Manager as follows:
1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, locate Service Host: Local System. You can expand it to see which items are using up CPU, disk, and memory resources.
3. Once you identify the specific items, right-click on each one and select End task to stop them one by one.
If none of the previous solutions resolve the issue, upgrading your CPU could be an option. The CPU is a crucial part of your computer, acting like its brain. An outdated CPU may cause issues like high disk usage from the Service Host Local System.
Before upgrading your CPU, it’s a good idea to back up file data. This is important because upgrading the CPU carries some risk—there’s a chance your computer may not boot properly due to compatibility issues.
While Windows has a built-in option to create a system image, the process can be slow and prone to errors. That's why many people turn to more reliable backup software.
AOMEI Backupper is a great option, offering a free Standard edition for full system backups on Windows 11, 10, 8/8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. There’s also a Server edition with powerful features for creating full Windows Server backups, all in a user-friendly setup.
Simple operation: The software has a straightforward interface and step-by-step guide to help you complete backups with just a few clicks. Full functionality: You can create a full system, disk, file, or partition backups. Flexible schedule: Set schedule backup on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis in full, incremental, or differential modes. Various storage devices: Back up to internal drives, USBs, NAS, network storage, or even cloud drives.
The process of backing up the Windows Server is similar to the one on regular Windows, but you'll need to use the free trial of the Server edition for this task. Here's how to do it:
1. Launch AOMEI Backupper and select System Backup to create a full backup of your Windows system. This will automatically include all the necessary system partitions.
Note: If you want to back up the entire disk on Windows 10 or 11, choose Disk Backup instead.
2. Select where to save the backup. You can save it to a hard drive or USB drive, or click the small arrow to choose a cloud drive or add a network drive (NAS).
3. If you want regular backups, set a schedule (daily, weekly, monthly) or trigger backups based on events or when a USB is connected.
Backup Options: Customize your backup by adjusting compression, splitting images, adding comments, and setting up email notifications. Backup Scheme: Create rules to auto-delete older backups and save space. This feature is available in the Pro edition.
After completing the backup, it’s also a good idea to create a bootable media. This way, if something goes wrong, you can boot into WinPE and restore your system.
Addressing Service Host Local System high disk usage is essential for maintaining optimal system performance. Whether you’re managing Windows Updates, optimizing virtual memory, or using advanced tools like AOMEI Backupper, these steps can help resolve the issue. By following the solutions outlined above and maintaining regular system upkeep, you can prevent high disk usage and keep your system running smoothly.