How to fix Modern Setup Host’s high CPU usage in Windows?

It is becoming common among Windows users that the Modern Setup Host on their computer is causing high CPU usage, which slows down the system. This problem is often found among Windows 11 users, where the Modern Setup Host is using excessive CPU and disk resources while running in the background.

In this article, we will learn about Modern Setup Host in detail, understand why it increases CPU/disk usage, and how to fix problems associated with it. If this problem persists on your computer, you can solve it by following the given remedies.

What is a Modern Setup Host?

The Modern Setup Host is a Windows process that extracts and installs files required to install system updates. It is found in both Windows 10 and 11 and its main function is to ensure that all updates can be downloaded and installed correctly.

This process is activated when a new Windows update is being installed. During the update, Modern Setup Host increases the usage of CPU and disk resources as it reads and writes various files. Under normal circumstances, it should run quietly in the background and not use up much of the system resources. But when it keeps using CPU or disk resources for an abnormally long time, some steps need to be taken to fix it.

Ways to Solve Problems Related to Modern Setup Host

1. Restart your Windows PC

If your Modern Setup Host is showing high CPU usage, the first thing to do is restart your computer. Restarting can eliminate all temporary issues and system glitches that may be slowing down the system. This is a simple process, but sometimes it resolves the problem instantly.

2. Close Modern Setup Host (End Task)

If Modern Setup Host is slowing down your machine, closing it manually can be a quick solution. To do this:

1. Type ‘task manager’ in Windows search and open the Task Manager application.

2. Find the Modern Setup Host in the ‘Processes’ tab.

3. Right-click on it and select ‘End task’.

After this process, your computer may work faster, as it will now free up the resources that the Modern Setup Host was previously using.

3. Run the Windows Update Troubleshooter

Since the Modern Setup Host is responsible for handling Windows updates, running the Windows Update Troubleshooter may be a smart move in this case. This troubleshooter will potentially detect and fix any update issues.

1. Go to ‘Control Panel’ and click on ‘Troubleshooting’.

2. Select ‘Other Troubleshooters’.

3. Click on the ‘RUN’ button next to ‘Windows Update’.

4. Perform a clean boot

Performing a clean boot starts Windows with only essential services and programs. This will stop unnecessary programs that may affect the CPU usage of the Modern Setup Host.

1. Press ‘Windows Key + R’ and type ‘msconfig.msc’.

2. In the ‘Services’ tab select ‘Hide all Microsoft services’ and click on the ‘Disable All’ button.

3. In the Task Manager, disable startup apps that should not run automatically.

5. Use the SFC and DISM commands

Running the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands can fix any damaged system files. If the SFC command fails to resolve an issue, the image can be restored using the DISM command.

1. Open ‘Command Prompt’ and select ‘Run as administrator’.

2. Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter. If errors occur, run this command: `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth`

6. Delete the SoftwareDistribution folder

To fix problems related to Windows Update, you can try deleting the SoftwareDistribution folder. This folder holds files of all updates that have been downloaded by Windows. Deleting the folder prompts Windows to download fresh updates.

1. Open ‘Command Prompt’ and select ‘Run as administrator’.

2. Run the following commands:

“`

net stop wuauserv

net stop bits

“`

3. Go to ‘C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution’ and delete all the files.

4. Run the following commands to start the update services again:

“`

net start wuauserv

net start bits

“`

7. Run a malware scan

Virus or malware infection can increase the CPU usage of Modern Setup Host. Run a full malware scan to ensure that there is no harmful software in your system. You can use Microsoft Defender or any other antivirus software such as Malwarebytes.

8. Restore the system

If all the above solutions do not solve your problem, restoring the system to a previous working state can be the last resort. In Windows 11, you can restore the system to a previous restore point using System Restore.

1. Type ‘system restore’ in ‘Windows Search’.

2. Select ‘Create a restore point’ and follow the recovery options.

Common problems related to Modern Setup Host and their solutions

Common problems:

Windows Update stuck for a long period

Slow response during system boot

Slow performance of other applications

Solution:

In addition to the solutions above, you can also restart the Windows Update services or uninstall a specific update that might be causing the issue.

Conclusion

High CPU usage caused by Modern Setup Host is a common problem, but there are several simple solutions available for it. By following the proper methods, you can get your Windows 10/11 PC back to normal and make it run smoothly. If all these methods fail to solve the problem, it may be advisable to consult an expert.

With this extended guide, you now have enough information to solve the Modern Setup Host high CPU usage problem.

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