What is the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host service on Windows 10/11 or 8.1? It is an executable file developed by Microsoft for the Windows operating system that helps in windows search functions. It is one of the many services activated during the Windows search function.
Whenever a user searches for an item in his computer system with Windows, searchfilterhost.exe builds the index of all the storage drives to speed up the process and quick display of search results.
Sometimes this service may take higher or (100%) CPU usage on your desktop or laptop computer and prevent your other programs from working normally. This guide explains some tips and tricks about SearchFilterHost file/service and how to fix errors/issues related to it.
SearchFilterHost.exe Errors
If you want to locate this service, you can see it as a SearchFilterHost.exe process running in the task manager. This search service consumes some system resources like the CPU. Should we disable this service? Or Is it a Virus? Read along to find the answer to your queries.
SerachFilterHost.exe is a native Windows service, and it should not be disabled since doing so will slow your system down significantly. The other associated files, along with serachfilterhost.exe, that consume system resources are SearchProtocolHost.exe and SearchIndexer.exe.
Viruses are generally shipped in as EXE files and are the most common file types prone to get corrupted or replaced by viruses or malware. These infected or virus files are then distributed through emails and spam files, and when these EXE files are executed or run, they corrupt the associated programs and system.
Most of the errors associated with serachfilterhost.exe occur during windows startup or when running a specific program. Some of the common errors include “SearchFilterHost.exe Application Error.”, “Cannot find SearchFilterHost.exe.”, “SearchFilterHost.exe is not a valid Win32 application”, and “SearchFilterHost.exe is not running.
Causes of Search Filter Host Errors on Windows
The serachfilterhost problems can primarily arise due to virus or malware infection. Other reasons that contribute to these errors are
- Corruption of search filter host files, Windows OS files or applications by the virus.
- Incomplete installation of the Windows operating system
- Windows Registry Keys associated with Windows OS or serachfilterhost.exe have been corrupted.
- Another application is conflicting with the Windows operating system
Related: What is the utweb.exe service in Windows 11?
Steps to Troubleshoot Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host Errors
Any problem occurring in the serachfilterhost.exe file can lead to an unprecedented increase in the use of the CPU. Depending on the gravity and the cause of the problem, there are many ways to address this issue. There is no specific solution to this issue, but you can try the following methods to fix the issues related to it or higher CPU usage on Windows 10 or 8.1.
1. Rebuild Index
Since the search filter is related to the indexing files, you can resolve the issue by opening the control panel and looking for indexing options. Click on “Advanced”. In the next window, under the troubleshooting section, click “rebuild”, which will delete the old indexing and re-build the indexing afresh.
2. Modify Index
You can modify the way indexing is performed in the Windows operating system. You have the option to add or delete the files from the indexing list. One file extension that takes up high resources is XML extension files. Follow the procedure below to modify the indexing settings.
Open Control Panel> Indexing options>Modify
You can click “show all locations” if all the drives are not visible in the window. In the window showing all the locations, you can select or unselect the drives, folders, subfolders or files.
3. Repair Registry Entries
As already mentioned, one of the causes of searchfilterhost.exe errors is errors in their Windows Registry entries. Many programs in a system can share the same searchfilterhost.exe file. So deleting one or more programs from the PC can leave invalid or orphan entries in the Windows Registry. Thus it is important to repair these entries to resolve the issues arising from searchfilterhost.exe errors.
There are two methods to repair the Windows Registry. You can do it either manually or use a third-party repair tool. If you intend to do it manually (which is not recommended), even minor careless editing of the registry file can render the Windows operating system unstable. So it should be done only by a Microsoft-certified professional.
Whichever way you want to repair Registry Key, you should always take a backup of searchfilterhost.exe registry keys by following these steps.
Press win+R and Type Regedit in the RUN window; it will open the registry editor. The next step is to find the SearchFilterHost.exe-related key and select Export to save the Registry Key in the specified location.
Many 3rd party tools and software are available online to repair errors related to Windows Registry keys. Most of these tools are capable of taking automatic backup of registry keys. These registry cleaner tools find invalid registry entries, broken links within the registry and
missing file references and repairs them, enhancing the Windows OS speed and overall PC performance.
4. Malware Scan
The searchfilterhost.exe errors can be the result of virus infection on the PC. The intruded malware can replace, delete or corrupt the searchfilterhost.exe or related files. The best way to eliminate malware or virus is to scan the full PC with effective anti-malware software.
5. Windows Update
Microsoft is constantly releasing its updates to counter the discrepancies in earlier releases and improve the Windows system files. Most errors are automatically removed after updating Windows with its latest patch.
You can type Windows Update in the search field and click the “check for updates” button to update Windows.
6. Run in-built Windows file checker
Windows operating system has an inbuilt utility, “System File Checker”, that can scan and repair corrupt system files.
To run the utility, you need to open a command prompt. Open start> Win+R> type cmd> type “sfc /scannow” and finally press ENTER.
7. Re-install Windows
If the searchfilterhost.exe is still deteriorating the system’s performance by hogging CPU resources, the final option is to reinstall Windows 10 or 11 Operating System afresh.
“Note: Do not forget to take the backup of important files before installing a fresh copy of Windows OS.”
Is SearchFilterHost a virus?
SearchFilterHost.exe is not a virus but a native service of the Windows Operating System by Microsoft. It supports the Windows search functionality of your computer. Disabling or stopping the service will interrupt your PC’s search index feature.
How do I disable the Microsoft Search filter host?
You can disable the ‘Windows search’ service to accomplish this. Under the ‘Services’ console in Windows 11/10, locate the ‘Windows Search’ service. Stop the service first, then change the startup type to ‘Disabled’.
The searchfilterhost.exe file is necessary for the search function to work properly. The corrupted file can occupy some resources, but the search filter host service should not be disabled. We hope this guide will be useful in understanding and fixing any issues related to this Windows service.
Всем привет! Давайте сразу к сути проблемы. Смотрите, в Windows есть служба и функция «Поиска». То есть, когда вы жмете по значку лупы или строке поиска, вводите запрос и ищите какие-то файлы, программы, папки или что-то, что установлена и хранится на вашем ПК, идет процесс поиска по встроенной индексированной БД. Это достаточно удобная функция, и много кто ею пользуется.
Но у неё есть и минус. Иногда сама функция Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host сильно грузит процессор. Ведь именно CPU и занимается сканированием файлов на жестком диске и сохраняет данные в результатах индексирования. Ниже я расскажу, что в таком случае нужно сделать.
Содержание
- Принцип работы самого поиска
- Проверяем сам файл
- Приостановить параметры индексирования
- Устранение неполадок
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Убрать из индексации некоторые папки
- Windows 10
- Windows 11
- Отключение индексации диска
- Отключение поиска
- Видео
- Задать вопрос автору статьи
Принцип работы самого поиска
Чтобы понять, как решить проблему, нужно понять, как работает поиск. Сама функция действует по такому сценарию.
- Windows Search Filter Host сканирует весь жесткий диск на наличие файлов, папок и программ.
- Результаты заносятся в специальную базу данных по определенному индексу. В базу обычно заносится – название программы или файла, дата создания и другая важная информация.
- Когда вы что-то ищите – поиск идет не на жестком диске, а именно в этой базе.
Именно поэтому периодически, обычно, когда вы не пользуетесь ПК (в бездействии) и запускается эта служба. Некоторые даже её начинают путать с майнером. В «Диспетчере задач» обычно можно встретить исполняемый файл службы, который называется – searchfilterhost.exe.
Смотрите, если данная служба вас вообще не беспокоит, и ПК нагружается только тогда, когда вы не трогаете компьютер, то ничего делать не нужно. Если же, вас начало — это беспокоить, когда вы работаете или играете, то милости прошу к способам, описанным ниже.
Также проблема может появится, если вы на диск «C:\» загрузили извне много данных, папок с большим количеством файлов. При это Виндовс видит новые разделы и пытается их индексировать. Дополнительно индексация может начаться, после подключения второго диска HDD и SSD с большим количеством информации.
СОВЕТ! Если компьютер сильно грузится и висит, и вы не можете ничего толком сделать, то можно снять задачу, кликнув по ней ПКМ в «Диспетчере задач».
Проверяем сам файл
В первую очередь нам нужно проверить, что «Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host» – точно не вирус. Да, некоторые вирусы могут маскироваться под него. Поэтому откройте «Диспетчер задач», через правую кнопку мыши по кнопке «Пуск».
Найдите сам процесс, кликните по нему ПКМ и откройте расположение файла.
Файл должен находиться по пути:
C:\Windows\System32
Если файл находится в каком-то другом месте – удалите его. А лучше полностью проверьте компьютер на наличие вирусов.
Приостановить параметры индексирования
Можно временно приостановить индексирование, если компьютер сильно грузится и подвисает. Для этого:
- Откройте поиск.
- Через него найдите «Параметры индексирования».
- Жмем по кнопке паузы.
Устранение неполадок
В операционной системе есть встроенная программа поиски и устранения проблем со встроенными модулями ОС. Можно попробовать её использовать.
Windows 10
- Откройте «Пуск».
- Выберите «Параметры».
- Находим «Обновление и безопасность».
- Слева откройте нужный раздел.
- Справа в самом низу кликаем по ссылке с дополнительными средствами.
- Запускаем средства в соответствующем подразделе, обозначенным значком лупы. Далее просто действуем согласно инструкциям.
Windows 11
- Раскройте «Параметры» системы.
- Переходим в «Конфиденциальность и защиту».
- Находим пункт «Поиск в Windows».
- Кликаем левой кнопкой мыши по кнопке «Средство устранения неполадок индексатора».
- Когда запустится служба, выбираем «Проблем нет в списке» – «Далее».
Убрать из индексации некоторые папки
Если вы ранее на системный диск загружали какие-то объемные папки с большим количеством файлов, то проблема может быть в этом. Мы их можем добавить в исключение индексации.
Windows 10
- В «Параметрах» находим пункт «Поиск».
- В левом блоке в «Поиске в Windows», листаем вниз.
- Жмем по плюсику и добавляем папки, которую не нужно индексировать.
Windows 11
- В «Параметрах» и разделе «Конфиденциальность и защита».
- Находим «Поиск в Windows».
- Кликаем ЛКМ «Добавить исключённую папку».
- Укажите именно те разделы, которые нужно добавлять в поиск.
Отключение индексации диска
Индексацию можно деактивировать не просто для папки, а вообще для всего диска. Например, у вас есть носитель, на котором хранятся какие-то фотографии и видео, которые вам не нужны в поиске. В таком случае через проводник, кликаем ПКМ по диску, заходим в «Свойства» и на вкладке «Общие» отключаем галочку, как на скриншоте ниже.
Отключение поиска
Если ничего не помогает, а комп просто намертво зависает от индексации, то можно попробовать отключить службу насовсем. Но помните, после этого поиск работать не будет, и все файлы придется искать вручную.
- Зажимаем кнопки:
+ R
- Вводим:
services.msc
- Двойным щелчком ЛКМ откройте свойства «Windows Search».
- Кликаем «Остановить». После этого устанавливаем тип запуска в режим «Отключено». В конце обязательно жмем «Применить». Перезагружаем компьютер.
Я настоятельно рекомендую обновить вашу версию Windows до последней. Таким образом вы минуете какие-то поломки. Также обязательно проверьте все диски на наличие вирусов, если вы до этого еще это не делали. До новых встреч на портале WiFiGiD.RU.
Видео
Readers help support Windows Report. We may get a commission if you buy through our links.
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial team. Read more
The Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process or SearchFilterHost.exe is a vital component of the search functionality in Windows and has been a part of the OS since Windows XP. But over the years, many discovered high CPU usage by SearchFilterHost.exe or the process kept crashing!
The key reasons for SearchFilterHost.exe’s high CPU usage and crashes are corrupt search index, issues with active indexing, problems with Windows Search service, corrupt system files, or an incomplete Windows installation.
Before we begin with the slightly complex troubleshooting, reboot the PC, install all pending Windows updates, and switch to the high performance power plan. If the high CPU usage or crashes persist, head to the solutions listed next.
How do I fix high CPU usage by SearchFilterHost.exe?
1. Check the SearchFilterHost.exe file’s authenticity
Often, threat actors disguise a virus by using the name of a critical system file, which prevents early detection. So, it’s important to verify that SearchFilterHost.exe is not malware.
To do that, check the file location. The SearchFilterHost.exe file is, by default, stored in: C:\Windows\System32
If it’s stored elsewhere, scan the PC for malware using the built-in Windows Security or another top-rated antivirus solution.
2. Rebuild the search index
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type Control Panel in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
- Select Large icons from the View by dropdown menu near the top right.
- Locate and select Indexing Options.
- Now, click the Advanced button.
- Click on Rebuild under Troubleshooting.
- Click OK in the prompt that appears.
For 9 out of 10 users (including me), rebuilding the index did the trick when SearchFilterHost.exe had a high CPU usage in Windows 11. Here, it was likely some issue with the existing search index, which made it difficult for Windows to fetch files and, subsequently, led to increased resource consumption.
3. Exclude OneDrive from indexing
- Open the Control Panel, select Large icons from the View by menu, and click on Indexing options.
- Click on Modify.
- Now, look through the various paths, identify the OneDrive folder, untick the checkbox before it, and click OK to save the changes. The OneDrive folder is usually stored under the following path, where Username is the active profile’s name:
C:\Users\Username
In the past, OneDrive and other similar cloud storage services have triggered high CPU usage by SearchFilterHost.exe due to issues with file indexing. So, the easiest way out is to exclude these from the search index!
4. Run the Search and Indexing troubleshooter
- Press Windows + R to open Run, paste the following in the text field, and hit Enter:
msdt.exe -ep WindowsHelp id SearchDiagnostic
- Now, follow the on-screen instructions in the Search and Indexing troubleshooter and make the recommended changes, if any.
5. Disable the Windows Search service
- Press Windows + R to open Run, type services.msc in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Scroll down, right-click on the Windows Search service, and select Properties.
- Choose Disabled from the Startup type dropdown menu, and then click on Stop under Service status.
- Once the service stops running, click Apply and OK to save the changes.
Disabling Windows Search doesn’t affect the core functioning of the OS. The only downside is that future searches may take longer since the OS won’t update the index and would rely on the one created previously.
6. Repair the corrupt system files
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type Command Prompt in the text field, and click on Run as administrator.
- Click Yes in the UAC prompt.
- Paste the following DISM commands individually and hit Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Next, run the following command for the SFC (System File Checker) scan:
sfc /scannow
Repairing the corrupt system files with DISM commands and SFC scans also helps when SearchFilterHost.exe keeps crashing on Windows 11.
7. Perform an in-place upgrade
NOTE
The steps listed below are to perform an in-place upgrade on Windows 11. If you are on the previous iteration, check our guide detailing the process for repair upgrade on Windows 10.
- Go to Microsoft’s official website, choose the OS edition and product language, and then download the Windows 11 ISO.
- Once downloaded, right-click on the ISO file, choose Mount, and then click Open in the confirmation prompt.
- Run the setup.exe file.
- Click on Next.
- Now, click Accept to agree to Microsoft’s license terms.
- Verify that the setup reads, Keep personal files and apps, and click on Install.
- Wait for the in-place upgrade to complete. It typically takes 1-3 hours.
An in-place upgrade is almost as good as reinstalling Windows and gets rid of problems like SearchFilterHost.exe crashing or showing high CPU usage. The best part about it is that you don’t lose stored files and installed apps during the process.
If this, too, fails to work, as a last resort, you can reset Windows 11 to factory defaults.
Also, before you leave, discover some quick tips to make your Windows 11 PC faster than ever!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim has always been fond of technology, be it scrolling through the settings on his iPhone, Android device, or Windows PC. He’s specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
Long-time Windows user, Kazim is ready to provide a solution for your every software & hardware error on Windows 11, Windows 10 and any previous iteration. He’s also one of our experts in Networking & Security.
Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host is a background process that helps index and search files on your computer, making it easier to find what you’re looking for. However, it can sometimes cause high CPU usage, slowing down your system and causing frustration. If you’ve noticed that your CPU usage is consistently high and suspect that the Search Filter Host is the culprit, there are a few steps you can take to address the issue and optimize your computer’s performance.
One possible solution is to disable the Windows Search service temporarily. This will prevent the Search Filter Host from running, alleviating excessive CPU usage. To do this, open the Services window by pressing Windows + R, typing «services.msc,» and hitting Enter. Look for the «Windows Search» service, right-click on it, and select «Properties.» In the Properties window, change the Startup type to «Disabled» and click on «Apply» and «OK.» Keep in mind that this will disable the Windows Search feature temporarily, so you won’t be able to search for files using the Windows search bar. However, you can always re-enable it later if needed.
If you are experiencing high CPU usage from Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host, try these professional troubleshooting steps: Step 1 — Open Task Manager and identify the process that is causing high CPU usage. Step 2 — Disable Windows Search service temporarily. Step 3 — Restart your computer and check if the issue persists. Step 4 — Update your Windows operating system and install the latest updates. Step 5 — Run a full scan with a trusted antivirus software to check for any malware. By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the high CPU usage issue caused by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host.
Understanding Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host and High CPU Usage
Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host is an important process in the Windows operating system that helps with indexing and searching files on your computer. However, there are instances where this process can consume excessive CPU usage, causing your computer to slow down and become unresponsive. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind high CPU usage by Search Filter Host and discuss possible solutions to resolve this issue.
What is Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host?
Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host, also known as SearchProtocolHost.exe, is a process responsible for enriching the search capabilities of the Windows operating system. It assists in indexing and searching files, emails, and other content on your computer. When you perform a search through the File Explorer or the Start menu, the Search Filter Host process kicks in to provide relevant search results quickly.
The Search Filter Host process utilizes the Windows Search service, which maintains an index of your files’ metadata and content to facilitate faster searches. By maintaining an index, Windows Search can quickly retrieve search results without the need to search through every file on your hard drive.
However, in some cases, the Search Filter Host process can malfunction or experience issues that lead to high CPU usage. When this happens, you may notice your computer becoming slow, unresponsive, or the fan spinning loudly as the CPU works overtime to handle the excessive load caused by the process.
Causes of High CPU Usage by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host
There can be several reasons why the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process is causing high CPU usage on your computer. Let’s explore some of the common causes:
- Inefficient search indexing: If the search index is outdated or corrupted, the Search Filter Host process may struggle to retrieve search results efficiently, leading to increased CPU usage while indexing files.
- Large number of files: If you have a vast number of files on your computer, the Search Filter Host process may take longer to index all the files, resulting in prolonged CPU usage.
- Conflict with third-party software: Certain third-party applications or antivirus programs may interfere with the Search Filter Host process, leading to high CPU usage. These conflicts can occur due to compatibility issues or conflicting system resources.
- Hardware limitations: If your computer’s hardware specifications are not sufficient to handle the indexing and search operations efficiently, the Search Filter Host process may consume a significant amount of CPU resources.
How to Fix High CPU Usage by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host
If you are experiencing high CPU usage due to the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process, here are some solutions to help resolve the issue:
1. Restart the Windows Search service
One of the simplest solutions is to restart the Windows Search service. Follow these steps to do so:
- Open the Run dialog by pressing the Windows key + R.
- Type «services.msc» (without quotes) and press Enter.
- In the Services window, locate «Windows Search» in the list.
- Right-click on «Windows Search» and select «Restart».
Once the Windows Search service restarts, observe if the CPU usage by Search Filter Host returns to normal.
2. Rebuild the search index
If the search index is corrupt or outdated, rebuilding it can help resolve the high CPU usage issue. Follow these steps to rebuild the search index:
- Open the Control Panel by searching for it in the Start menu.
- In the Control Panel, change the View By option to «Large Icons» or «Small Icons».
- Click on «Indexing Options».
- In the Indexing Options window, click on «Advanced».
- In the Advanced Options window, click on «Rebuild» under the Troubleshooting section.
- Click «OK» to confirm and initiate the search index rebuild process.
Rebuilding the search index may take some time, but it should help resolve any issues related to the index and reduce the CPU usage caused by Search Filter Host.
Exploring Other Dimensions of High CPU Usage
In addition to the causes and solutions discussed earlier, there may be other contributing factors to high CPU usage by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host. It is important to consider the following:
1. System performance optimization
Optimizing your system’s overall performance can indirectly help alleviate high CPU usage by the Search Filter Host process. Consider the following steps:
- Regularly update your operating system and installed software.
- Scan your computer for malware and viruses using a reliable antivirus program.
- Remove unnecessary startup programs that may consume system resources.
- Close any unnecessary applications or processes running in the background.
- Consider upgrading your hardware components if they are outdated or insufficient for your needs.
2. Monitor system resource usage
Monitoring the resource usage on your computer can provide valuable insights into the processes that are consuming excessive CPU resources. Use tools like Task Manager or Resource Monitor to identify any processes other than Search Filter Host that may be causing high CPU usage. Addressing these processes can help improve overall system performance.
3. Seek professional assistance
If you have tried the suggested solutions and are still experiencing high CPU usage by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host, it may be beneficial to seek professional assistance. A technical expert or computer technician can diagnose the issue more comprehensively and provide tailored solutions to resolve the problem.
Conclusion
High CPU usage by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host can be a frustrating issue that affects the overall performance of your computer. By understanding the causes and implementing the appropriate solutions, you can alleviate the excessive CPU usage and restore smooth operation to your system. Remember to regularly optimize your system’s overall performance, monitor resource usage, and seek professional assistance if needed to ensure your computer operates efficiently.
Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host Is Causing High CPU Usage
If you are experiencing a high CPU usage on your computer and notice that the «Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host» process is using a significant amount of resources, you are not alone. This issue has been reported by many users and can be quite frustrating.
The «Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host» is a part of the search feature in Windows operating system. Its main function is to index and organize files on your computer, allowing for faster searching. However, sometimes it can cause excessive CPU usage, which leads to performance issues.
To resolve this issue, you can try the following solutions:
- Restart your computer and check if the CPU usage returns to normal.
- Disable the Windows Search service temporarily to see if the CPU usage decreases. You can do this by going to «Services» in the Control Panel and finding the «Windows Search» service.
- Update your Windows operating system to the latest version. Microsoft often releases updates that address various performance issues.
- Perform a malware scan to ensure that your computer is not infected with any malicious software.
- Use a third-party search tool instead of the built-in Windows search feature.
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve the high CPU usage caused by the «Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host» process and improve the overall performance of your computer.
Key Takeaways — Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host Is Burning My CPU Usage
- Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host can cause high CPU usage.
- High CPU usage by Search Filter Host can slow down your computer.
- Disabling Search Filter Host may resolve high CPU usage issue.
- Updating Windows and drivers can fix CPU usage problems.
- Running a malware scan can help identify and remove any malicious programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are experiencing high CPU usage due to the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host, here are some commonly asked questions and answers to help you understand and resolve the issue.
1. What is Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host?
The Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host is a process in the Windows operating system that helps filter and index files for search results. It serves as a background process that runs in the background, allowing users to search for files, documents, and other content on their computer quickly. However, in some cases, this process can cause high CPU usage, leading to performance issues.
If you notice that your CPU usage is unusually high, it may be due to the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process. By understanding its purpose, you can better troubleshoot the issue and find ways to optimize your system’s performance.
2. Why is Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host causing high CPU usage?
There are several reasons why the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process may be causing high CPU usage:
— Indexing: The process continuously scans and indexes files on your computer, which can consume significant CPU resources, especially if you have a large number of files or folders.
— Search queries: When you perform a search on your computer, the search filter host needs to process and filter the results, which can also contribute to increased CPU usage, particularly if the search query is complex.
— Faulty installations or updates: Sometimes, issues can arise during the installation or update process, causing the search filter host process to malfunction and consume excessive CPU resources.
3. How can I fix high CPU usage caused by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host?
To resolve high CPU usage caused by the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process, you can try the following solutions:
— Restart the process: Sometimes, restarting the search filter host process can help alleviate high CPU usage temporarily. You can do this by opening the Task Manager, locating the process in the «Processes» tab, right-clicking on it, and selecting «End Task.» The process will restart automatically.
— Adjust indexing settings: You can modify the indexing settings to reduce the number of files being indexed or exclude specific folders. To do this, go to the Control Panel, search for «Indexing Options,» and select it. From there, you can customize the indexing locations and file types.
— Disable Windows Search: If you rarely use the search function on your computer or prefer to use third-party search tools, you can disable the Windows Search service. To do this, open the «Services» application from the Control Panel, locate «Windows Search» in the list, right-click on it, and select «Properties.» Change the startup type to «Disabled,» and click «OK.»
— Update Windows and drivers: Keeping your operating system and drivers up to date can help resolve any compatibility issues or bugs that may be contributing to high CPU usage. Check for Windows updates and install them, and also update your device drivers.
4. Are there any risks involved in disabling Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host?
Disabling the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process should generally not pose any significant risks or impact the overall functionality of your computer. However, it may affect the search functionality within the Windows operating system. If you rely heavily on the built-in search feature, disabling it might not be the best option for you. In such cases, it is recommended to explore other solutions to reduce the high CPU usage, or consider optimizing the process instead of disabling it entirely.
5. Is there a way to optimize Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host for better performance?
Yes, there are a few ways to optimize the Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host process for better performance:
— Limit indexing locations: By reducing the number of folders and files that are indexed, you can lessen the CPU usage. You can do this by going to the Control Panel, searching for «Indexing Options,» and selecting it. From there, click on «Modify» and uncheck the folders or locations you don’t need to index.
— Exclude file types: If there are specific file types that you rarely search for, you can
To wrap up, the high CPU usage caused by Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host can be a frustrating problem.
In order to resolve this issue, you can try disabling the Windows Search service or rebuilding the search index. These options can help reduce the strain on your CPU and improve system performance. If the problem persists, you may want to consider seeking additional support from Microsoft or consulting with a technical professional for further assistance.
The genuine SearchFilterHost.exe file is a software component of Microsoft Windows Operating System by .
«SearchFilterHost.exe» is a Microsoft Windows core process residing in «C:\Windows\System32.» It «hosts» (links to and loads into memory) search filter «.dll» (Dynamic Link Library) modules so that Windows Search or another full-text indexing program can execute them. Filters are registered under «HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Classes» by «regsvr32.exe» to enable finding the filter designed for a file’s internal format, (e.g., PDF, Word, Excel, or HTML), based on a file’s class, its name extension, or a GUID. The filter negotiates the file’s structure and formatting codes to extract text content and file properties for indexing. Filter DLL’s have to be written in native code because Windows 7 and later expressly block managed code. One filter can handle multiple file types but each time a file type is met the same filter must be used.
SearchFilterHost stands for Windows Search Filter 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 SearchFilterHost.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 SearchFilterHost.exe related errors
SearchFilterHost.exe file information
The process known as Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host belongs to software Windows Search or Microsoft Windows Operating System by Microsoft (www.microsoft.com).
Description: The original SearchFilterHost.exe from Microsoft is an important part of Windows, but often causes problems. SearchFilterHost.exe is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder.
Known file sizes on Windows 10/11/7 are 86,528 bytes (39% of all occurrences), 173,056 bytes and 23 more variants.
The program has no visible window. It is a Microsoft signed file. The file is a Windows core system file.
Therefore the technical security rating is 4% dangerous; but you should also compare this rating with the user reviews.
Recommended: Identify SearchFilterHost.exe related errors
Viruses with the same file name
Is SearchFilterHost.exe a virus? No, it is not. The true SearchFilterHost.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called «Microsoft Windows Search Filter Host».
However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection. Viruses with the same file name are e.g. PE_VIRUX.S-4 (detected by TrendMicro), and Win32:MalwareX-gen [Trj] (detected by Avast).
To ensure that no rogue SearchFilterHost.exe is running on your PC, click here to run a Free Malware Scan.
How to recognize suspicious variants? If SearchFilterHost.exe is located in a subfolder of «C:\Program Files», the security rating is 64% dangerous. The file size is 2,099,712 bytes.
The program has no visible window. There is no description of the program. SearchFilterHost.exe is not a Windows system file. The app is launched periodically by the Windows Task Scheduler.
Important: Some malware disguises itself as SearchFilterHost.exe, particularly when not located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. Therefore, you should check the SearchFilterHost.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 SearchFilterHost issues
A clean and tidy computer is the key requirement for avoiding problems with SearchFilterHost. 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 SearchFilterHost.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
reiguard.exe traymenu.exe classiciedll_32.dll SearchFilterHost.exe qmemulatorservice.exe mbamtray.exe xapauthenticodesip.dll hkvolkey.dll everything.exe scpservice.exe applicationframehost.exe [all]