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How to fix wmpnetwk.exe wasting system resources in Windows 7

3 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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You can fix  wmpnetwk.exe high CPU usage by:

The wmpnetwk.exe is a process that connectsWindows Media Playerwith external networks. It is a process for a service needed forWMPstreaming. However, someWindows 7users have stated that wmpnetwk.exe can hog more than 50 percent RAM. In which case, those users need to fix that process wasting system resources. These are a few fixes for wmpnetwk.exe wasting system resources.

Solutions to fix Wmpnetwok.exe high RAM/CPU usage

Solutions to fix Wmpnetwok.exe high RAM/CPU usage

1. Adjust the Media Player Network Sharing Startup Settings

Wmpnetwk.exe is the process for theWindows Media PlayerNetwork Sharing Service inWin 7. Thus, users can configure that service’s startup to fix its system resource wastage. Follow the guidelines below to adjust theWindows Media PlayerNetwork Sharing Service’s startup.

— RELATED:Looking for the best Windows 7 audio player? Here are our top picks

2. Uninstall Windows Media Player

Users who never utilizeWMPcan also uninstallWindows Media Playerto fix wmpnetwk.exe wasting system resources. However, users can’t uninstallWindows Media Playerin the same way as third-party software. Follow the guidelines below to turnWMPoff.

3. Scan for Malware

Note that malware also disguises itself as the wmpnetwk.exe process. As such, it might be the case that the wmpnetwk.exe process with excessively high system resource utilization is malware.

Users can scan for and eradicate malware with the freeware version of Malwarebytes. ClickFreeon theMalwarebytes pageto download the freeware version, which is also includes a 14-day trial for the premium package. Open the software’s installer to add it to Windows. Then click theScan Nowbutton when you’ve opened the software.

So that’s how users can fix wmpnetwk.exe wasting system resources inWindows 7and 10. The fixes above will free up RAM for other software.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

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Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.