Share this article
Improve this guide
nslookup.exe: What Is It & How to Get Rid of It
Everything you need to know about the process!
4 min. read
Updated onApril 2, 2024
updated onApril 2, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
As is the case with any operating system, Windows comprises a wide array ofbackground processes, tasks, and services. While programs call some of these, others are native to the Windows ecosystem. One such is the nslookup.exe process.
The nslookup.exe often results inhigh CPU usage, and that’s when most users realize its existence. Many wonders if it’s a virus and their PC has been compromised, along with many other queries. And we are here to answer it all! Keep reading to find out.
What is the nslookup process?
The nslookup.exe process relates to a critical built-in command-line tool, nslookup, which is used to query the DNS (Domain Name Server) and other similar network-related tasks. The host file can be found in:C:\Windows\System32
Most of us have never seen the process or been interrupted by it, given its functioning in the background, and that, too, rather discreetly. So, you shouldn’t remove it or try to modify the process.
Though when nslookup.exe keeps popping up, it doesn’t just affect the experience but also leads to high resource consumption, which will ultimately crash the PC if not rectified right away.
How do I get rid of nslookup?
Before we head to the slightly complex solutions, here are a few quick ones to try:
If none work, move to the fixes listed next.
1. Disable startup apps
When faced with multiple instances of nslookup.exe in Task Manager, your primary approach should be to check for apps that trigger it and disable them from running automatically at boot.
2. Repair corrupt system files
If you face issues with any built-in processes, a quick solution is torepair the corrupt system files. For that,running the DISMtool and SFC scan usually works best.
If this Windows command is overly complicated, we suggest asystem repair solutionthat simply works to repair corrupted system files on your Windows OS.
3. Scan for malware
While nslookup.exe is not a virus, it could be triggered by malware that has infected the PC. And in this case, running a malware scan will help. Besides the built-in Windows Security, you can use aneffective antivirus solutionfor a deeper scan.
4. Uninstall suspicious programs
A suspicious program might often call the nslookup.exe utility, and you will have to identify anduninstall the app. Remember, any credible program uninstalled in the process can always be downloaded later.
5. Reinstall Windows
If nothing else works, the only option left is toreinstall Windowsto fix nslookup.exe high CPU usage. Simply download the Media Creation Tool or ISO file fromMicrosoft’s official website, and use it tocreate a bootable USB drive.
All that’s left is tochange the boot order, load the Windows setup, and install the OS. It will result in data loss, so we recommend transferring the critical files to external storage beforehand.
And once you have fixed the nslookup.exe errors, learn some quick tips and tricks torun Windows faster than ever.
For any queries or to share more solutions with us, drop a comment below.
More about the topics:DNS,High CPU usage
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.
User forum
0 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Kazim Ali Alvi
Windows Hardware Expert
Kazim is specialized in hardware devices, always ready to remove a screw or two to find out the real cause of a problem.
