Question: Why Does Backgroundtaskhost.exe Crash?:
After upgrading to Windows 10 CPU fan, it keeps running on high. I checked Task Manager to find out the cause & found two background processes, namely Microsoft Background Task Host – backgroundTaskHost.exe and Microsoft Download/Upload Host – BackgroundTransferHost.exe are taking 60-80% CPU resources. Can you help me fix the problem?
Solution:
The fastest and easiest way to fix backgroundtaskhost.exe is to optimize the hard disk, run SFC /scannow, and uninstall unwanted programs. This can be done both manually and automatically. If you want to do it automatically, we suggest using Advanced System Optimizer.
This excellent PC cleaner and optimizer performs all these tasks automatically. To use it, download and install the product. Click Disk Cleaners & Optimizers > System Cleaner.
What is backgroundTaskHost.exe?
Developed by Microsoft Corporation, backgroundTaskHost.exe is an executable file and a Cortana – Windows virtual assistant software component. This file runs the Background Task Host utility, a process essential for the Windows OS.
However, in some cases, this executable file can damage the PC. Therefore, fixing it and determining if the file is legitimate or not is necessary.
Details about BackgroundTaskHost.exe
File Location: C:\Windows\System32
Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Expected Location: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Corporation\Windows 10 Operating System\ subfolder
Expected Full Path: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Corporation\Windows 10 Operating System\backgroundTaskHost.exe
Common error messages related to backgroundTaskHost.exe
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe not found.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe Application Error.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe failed.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe is not a valid Win32 application.”
- “Error starting program: backgroundTaskHost.exe.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe is not running.”
- “Cannot find backgroundTaskHost.exe.”
- “Faulting Application Path: backgroundTaskHost.exe.”
- “backgroundTaskHost.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience.”
Additional Tip
Before following any of the methods explained below, we suggest scanning your system for threats. This is advised because, most of the time, the virus hides behind backgroundTaskHost.exe due to which you face High CPU problems.
For this, you can run any antivirus tool or can check our post on the best antivirus for Windows. However, we recommend using Advanced System Optimizer because this is an all-in-one optimization tool. It not only helps clean the system but also checks the system for infections. For this, you can use the System Protector module and scan the system for errors.
If no threats are detected, you can then try following the steps below.
How to Fix BackgroundTaskHost.exe
The best way to avoid problems related to backgroundTaskHost.exe is to clean the hard disk using cleanmgr and run SFC \scannow command. In addition to this, you can also uninstall programs that are no longer needed.
To run Disk Cleanup Cleanmgr, follow the steps below:
1. In Windows, search bar type Disk Cleanup and press Enter
2. You will now see Disk Clean click it to launch.
3. You will now see the Disk Cleanup interface from where you can select the drive to scan. By default, the system drive is selected.
4. After selecting the drive, click OK. This will start scanning the disk to calculate the space that you can free up.
5. Select the files you wish to delete and click Ok
6. You can now delete Temporary Internet Files, Thumbnails, Downloaded Programs, etc. All that is unwanted.
7. To confirm the action, press Ok. This will permanently delete all the selected files.
How to run Sfc \scannow
Open elevated Command Prompt and type SFC \scannow. Let the command run once done; it will fix system file errors.
If all this sounds too much work, try using Advanced System Optimizer.
How to fix system errors via Advanced System Optimizer
To run Advanced System Optimizer and fix backgroundTaskHost.exe High CPU Usage, follow the steps below:
1. Download and install Advanced System Optimizer
2. Launch the product
3. Click Disk Cleaner & Optimizers > System Cleaner > Start Scan Now
4. Wait for the scan to finish.
5. Once done, fix the errors.
6. Afterward, click Disk Optimizer, followed by Disk Tools. This will help defrag the disk and fix probable disk issues causing backgroundTaskHost.exe High CPU Usage.
Once done, restart your PC. This should fix the backgroundTaskHost.exe issue on your PC. Isn’t it simple? Surely it is. So, without any delay, try using this fantastic product or follow the manual steps. This will help free up space and optimize the PC.
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q1. What does backgroundTaskHost EXE do?
BackgroundTaskHost.exe is an operating system executable file. It helps in operating the tasks in the background, and it should not be disabled. It is a host process for the virtual assistant – Cortana.
Q2. How do I turn off backgroundTaskHost.exe in Windows 10?
It is advisable to keep the BackgroundTaskHost.exe turned on to have a smooth operation on Windows 10. Although it appears that the process is taking up high CPU usage, you can disable it by going to Settings> Cortana.
Q3. Why does backgroundTaskHost.exe crash?
If a file is corrupted or broken, it will crash. If you are facing the issue with BackgroundTaskHost.exe crashing on your computer, run the troubleshooting. Windows itself looks for fixing the errors but using Advanced System Optimizer helps make the process smooth.
Q4. How do I fix the Taskhost.exe application error?
If you face a Taskhost.exe application error on your computer, the file may be corrupted or broken. We advise you to keep your Windows operating system updated and use Smart PC Care of Advanced System Optimizer to fix computer problems.
Q5. Why is the Task host running in the background?
Task Host runs in the background to ensure all the background processes are closed before the computer shuts down. That’s why you see it right before shutting down the computer, as it prevents the system from unexpected shutdowns.
Q6. Is the task host window a virus?
No, BackgroundTaskHost.exe is not a virus. Although many times malware can enter your system and inhibit with a name similar to the system process to make it hard to be detected manually. If you are worried about a malware intrusion in your computer, use good antivirus software. We recommend using Systweak Antivirus to keep your system safe from malware, spyware, and virus.
backgroundtaskhost.exe is part of Microsoft’s Cortana virtual assistant for Windows. Cortana is a virtual assistant that can assist you while you use your PC, similar to Apple’s Siri. For example, you can ask Cortana the weather, or have Cortana search files for you on your PC. Cortana was originally an AI character in Microsoft’s popular Xbox game Halo.
Publisher: Microsoft Windows
backgroundtaskhost.exe stands for Background Task Host, as you might have guessed.
What does backgroundtaskhost.exe do?
It’s the Cortana Windows AI virtual assistant.
Is backgroundtaskhost.exe safe? 5 easy ways to see if backgroundtaskhost.exe is safe or malware.
- 1. See who signed the backgroundtaskhost.exe (check the publisher)
- 2. Scan backgroundtaskhost.exe with Windows Security.
- 3. Check the network activity of backgroundtaskhost.exe.
- 4. Analyze backgroundtaskhost.exe with VirusTotal.
- 5. Run it in Windows Sandbox.
Why does backgroundtaskhost.exe access the network?
While investigating backgroundtaskhost.exe with the GlassWire network security monitor on our devices based in the USA we found it connects to servers at e16646.dspg.akamaiedge.net controlled by Akamai’s Content Delivery Network which are probably leased out by Microsoft. We have noticed this .exe tends to be one of the first executables to access the network with Windows 10 or 11 when monitoring the network with GlassWire. We’ve blocked this app with GlassWire’s firewall and we did not notice any major issues with doing so. It appears Cortana can be disabled in Windows settings (under settings/Cortana) if you don’t like having an AI friend in Windows.
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The genuine backgroundTaskHost.exe file is a software component of Microsoft Windows Operating System by .
Microsoft’s «backgroundTaskHost.exe» process is a component of the Microsoft Cortana virtual assistant. If this name is found in a subfolder of «C:\Programs» it is extremely dangerous malware, able to communicate through open ports with a LAN or the Internet. The normal program resides in «C:\Windows\System32» and acts as a Windows service, starting at Windows boot time and running in the background. Most of the Cortana component files found in «C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1h2txyewy» are Dynamic Link Library (.DLL) files which must be loaded into memory by a host «.exe» program in order to execute. The most important is «Cortana.core.dll». Some users dislike Cortana’s collection and storage of user activity data on Microsoft servers. It is sometimes suggested to disable Cortana, (which Microsoft makes more difficult with each Windows 10 update), by renaming «Cortana.core.dll» without the «.dll» suffix so that «backgroundTaskHost.exe» cannot load it.
BackgroundTaskHost stands for Cortana Background Task Host
The .exe extension on a filename indicates an executable file. Executable files may, in some cases, harm your computer. Therefore, please read below to decide for yourself whether the backgroundTaskHost.exe on your computer is a Trojan that you should remove, or whether it is a file belonging to the Windows operating system or to a trusted application.
Click to Run a Free Scan for backgroundTaskHost.exe related errors
BackgroundTaskHost.exe file information
The process known as Background Task Host belongs to software Microsoft Windows Operating System by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).
Description: BackgroundTaskHost.exe is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. BackgroundTaskHost.exe is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder or sometimes in a subfolder of C:\Windows.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 17,760 bytes (28% of all occurrences), 17,720 bytes and 12 more variants.
BackgroundTaskHost.exe is a Windows system file. The program has no visible window. BackgroundTaskHost.exe is a Microsoft signed file. The file is digitally signed.
backgroundTaskHost.exe appears to be a compressed file.
Therefore the technical security rating is 1% dangerous, but you should also take into account the user reviews.
Uninstalling this variant:
In case of any problems with backgroundTaskHost.exe, you can remove the entire program Microsoft Windows using Windows Control Panel or get help from the software vendor Microsoft.
Recommended: Identify backgroundTaskHost.exe related errors
- If backgroundTaskHost.exe is located in a subfolder of «C:\Program Files», the security rating is 100% dangerous. The file size is 1,963,572 bytes.
The file is a file with no information about its developer. The program has no visible window. BackgroundTaskHost.exe is not a Windows system file. The software uses ports to connect to or from a LAN or the Internet.
backgroundTaskHost.exe appears to be a compressed file.
Important: Some malware disguises itself as backgroundTaskHost.exe, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the backgroundTaskHost.exe process on your PC to see if it is a threat. We recommend Security Task Manager for verifying your computer’s security. This was one of the Top Download Picks of The Washington Post and PC World.
Best practices for resolving backgroundTaskHost issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with backgroundTaskHost. This means running a scan for malware, cleaning your hard drive using 1cleanmgr and 2sfc /scannow, 3uninstalling programs that you no longer need, checking for Autostart programs (using 4msconfig) and enabling Windows’ 5Automatic Update. Always remember to perform periodic backups, or at least to set restore points.
Should you experience an actual problem, try to recall the last thing you did, or the last thing you installed before the problem appeared for the first time. Use the 6resmon command to identify the processes that are causing your problem. Even for serious problems, rather than reinstalling Windows, you are better off repairing of your installation or, for Windows 8 and later versions, executing the 7DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth command. This allows you to repair the operating system without losing data.
To help you analyze the backgroundTaskHost.exe process on your computer, the following programs have proven to be helpful: ASecurity Task Manager displays all running Windows tasks, including embedded hidden processes, such as keyboard and browser monitoring or Autostart entries. A unique security risk rating indicates the likelihood of the process being potential spyware, malware or a Trojan. BMalwarebytes Anti-Malware detects and removes sleeping spyware, adware, Trojans, keyloggers, malware and trackers from your hard drive.
Other processes
lavasoft.wcassistant.winservice.exe crashpad_handler.exe anydesk.exe backgroundTaskHost.exe pg_ctl.exe mediaget.exe dropboxupdate.exe mpsigstub.exe zam.exe servicehostappupdater.exe bttray.exe [all]
BackgroundTaskHost.exe is an important system file in the Windows operating system that runs the Background Task Host utility. However, some users have reported getting BackgroundTaskHost.exe errors in their Windows PCs.In this article, we will focus on various ways to fix the BackgroundTaskHost.exe system error. This error occurs in different forms depending on the problematic application or the system model itself.
The system detected an overrun of a stack-based buffer in this application. This overrun could potentially allow a malicious user to gain control of this application.
BackgroundTaskHost.exe occurs when launching an app or randomly when using your Windows computer. It is quite challenging to diagnose the error’s main cause due to its variability. This specific error is a programming error and there is nothing much you can do except update your Windows, update the software giving this error and bring it to the notice of the developers by posting in their official forums.
The other error variants depend on different system circumstances. It’s advisable to resolve the BackgroundTaskHost.exe error as soon as you notice it because it can lead to reduced system performance or instabilities. If the error is severe, it can trigger the notorious BSOD. It can also affect the processes in the background like Windows updates, maintenance checks, security scans, etc.
What is BackgroundTaskHost.exe?
BackgroundTaskHost.exe is a Microsoft file responsible for running the Background Task Host tool, which is a crucial process for the Windows operating system. The file is located in C:\Windows\System32. The exe suffix in the file indicates that the extension is executable and so is the BackgroundTaskHost.exe.
What causes BackgroundTaskHost.exe system error?
There are several possible causes of the BackgroundTaskHost.exe system error. The error can be triggered by poor coding of the program itself, conflicts caused by third-party applications, incorrect system settings, or corrupted system files. In some cases, malware may disguise itself as BackgroundTaskHost.exe. With all these possible causes, it becomes quite hard to know which solutions will fix the problem.
With its variability, the BackgroundTaskHost.exe error can be resolved using different methods. We recommend trying each of them and see which works for your system. If you are getting the BackgroundTaskHost.exe system error, try the following solutions:
- Update Windows and the software
- Repair corrupted System Image
- Scan for malware
- Reinstall the affected software
- Perform a System Restore
- Use Reset This PC.
Let us look at these solutions one by one.
1] Update Windows and the software
Since it could be a case of poor programming or coding of the software we suggest your update the software first and see. Maybe its developers have released a fix. You should also update your Windows OS.
2] Repair corrupted System Image
You can run the Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM) tool to update the files and correct the problem. In the case of system inconsistencies and corruption, you can use the DISM tool by using the Cleanup-Image functionality,
Check for component store corruption by executing this command. To carry out these operations, you must open an elevated Command Prompt.
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This operation takes 15 mins or more, depending on the level of corruption.
3] Scan for malware
The legit BackgroundTaskHost.exe file is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. If it is located elsewhere, it could be malware.
So scan your system with Windows Defender or the installed antivirus software to be sure.
You can also run the Offline scan as follows: Go to Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Microsoft Defender Offline scan > Scan now. Your PC will boot and the scan will run at boot time for best results.
4] Reinstall the affected software
If you are getting the BackgroundTaskHost.exe error after opening a certain app, you need to reinstall it. Reinstalling the affected app will ensure that if the previous install was incomplete or broken app files are restored in the new installation. Here is how;
- Right-click on the Windows Start button and select the Apps and Features option at the top of the list.
- You will see a list of apps installed on your computer. Click on the affected app or click the three dots next to it and select Uninstall.
- Follow on-screen directions to complete the process.
- Once the process is complete, download the setup from the official site and install it. This depends on the type of app we are dealing with. The installation process might be different from one program to another.
5] Perform a System Restore
If you started seeing this error recently, maybe after an update, you can restore your system to a prior good point and see if it makes the error go away. To perform a system restore, take the following steps:
- Open the Start Menu
- Search “Create a Restore Point” and click Open.
- Go to the System Protection tab.
- Click System Restore.
- After this, follow the on-screen instructions to restore your computer.
6] Reset Windows
Resetting Windows can also resolve the BackgroundTaskHost.exe system error, but unless all other possible solutions fail. If you decide to reset Windows, ensure that you back up your important data and files.
- Open Settings.
- Choose Windows Update.
- Go to Advanced Options.
- Choose Recovery tab.
- Click the Reset PC button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions carefully.
Make sure you opt to keep existing files and data when asked.
We hope one of the solutions here works for you.
Read: Task Host Window, Task Host is stopping background tasks
How do I disable Cortana Background Task Host?
To disable the Cortana Background Task Host open your Windows settings > Privacy. Locate the Background apps option and click on it. You will see several apps in the list. Look for Cortana and untick the box next to it. You can disable the Cortana background task host if you rarely use the app or just want to free up your PC resources. Cortana is a virtual assistant tool on your PC, although not many people use it.
The backgroundTaskHost.exe is an executable file that is a part of Microsoft Cortana. Cortana comes by default in Windows 10 which is a smart virtual assistant created by Microsoft. It utilizes the Bing internet searcher to perform assignments, for example, setting updates and responding to inquiries for the client.
Cortana has multilanguage support, it can be accessed in:
- English
- Italian
- Japanese
- Chinese
- Portuguese,
- Spanish
- German, and
French language versions depending on the need and region where the system is being used.
Quick Overview:
- File description: Background Task Host
- Original filename: backgroundTaskHost.exe
- Type: Application
- File version : 10.0.18362.1 (may vary)
- File location : C:\Windows\System32
- File size: 19.5 KB (may vary depending on the versions)
- Publisher: Microsoft Corporation.
I have provided detailed information for you to check whether backgroundTaskHost.exe is safe for your system or not.
Quick Overivew
File Size & Location
The default file location of backgroundTaskHost.exe is under C:\Windows\System32 directory but it could also be located under C:\Windows\WinSxS\ folder. The file could be approx 20 KB.
You can see the properties of any such file by right tapping on the desired file then simply choosing the Properties alternative.
Note: backgroundTaskHost.exe is a Windows essential file. If your PC comes with the Cortana virtual assistant then this .exe file will come preloaded in your system.
These .exe blunder messages can happen during the establishment of a program, during its execution partner programming program, Windows 10 Operating System, during the startup or closure of Windows, or in any event, during the establishment of the Windows working framework. Tracking when and where your backgroundTaskHost.exe blunder happens is significant data for fixing these issues.
Is it safe to have backgroundTaskHost.exe in your system?
The primary factor that will help you judge whether the backgroundTaskHost.exe file is malware or not is its location on your computer. The very safe location for this file is ‘’C:\Windows\System32’’. If the .exe file is found anywhere else other than the safe specified location then there is a high chance that the backgroundTaskHost.exe is a threat to your system and framework and thus you should take necessary actions against it.
Common backgroundTaskHost.exe errors
- Cannot find backgroundTaskHost.exe
- BackgroundTaskHost has stopped working. Windows is checking for a solution to the problem… – This error message is mostly seen in Windows 7,8 and 10.
- exe is not a valid Win32 application.
- Access violation at address FFFFFFFF in module exe. Read of address 00000000.
- exe has failed.
Usually, the backgroundTaskHost.exe doesn’t consume high CPU or memory. This doesn’t even show any error message and it should not be disabled. But if you came across frequent error messages or consuming high CPU then you may consider disabling this, here are the steps:
Temporary Block
1) Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc button together
2) Click on the Details tab
3) Locate backgroundTaskHost.exe > right-click on it and choose to End Task
This will immediately kill the backgroundTaskHost.exe and release the memory if currently being used.
Disable backgroundTaskHost.exe (Cortana) Permanently
Once you are sure that you are no more going to use the Cortana then you may follow the below steps to disable it:
1) Click on the Windows logo, type apps and features, and click on it.
2) Type Cortana on the search box located on the left-side and choose Change how you talk to Cortana
3) Now disable the 2 radio button that says Lets Cortana respond to “Hey Cortana” and Let Cortana listen for my command when I press the Windows logo
Now close the window and restart the system. Now the backgroundTaskHost.exe has been disabled on a permanent basis.
How to be sure that backgroundTaskHost.exe has been successfully disabled from your PC
Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc button, click on the Details tab and check whether the .exe file is still visible.
How to avoid errors caused by backgroundTaskHost.exe?
A perfect and clean PC is probably the most ideal approach to maintain a strategic distance from issues related to backgroundTaskHost.exe. This implies performing:
- Regular malware scans
- Uninstalling programs you do not require any more
- Observing any auto-start programs, and
- Allowing automatic Windows updates.
If you have a more serious issue, attempt to undo the things you did before the issue.
Conclusion: Well, generally this file is not dangerous as it is one of the Windows files. This is all you need to know about the backgroundTaskHost.exe. I hope you like the article.