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Shell Infrastructure Host: Should I Delete or Disable it?

An Outdated OS might cause the Shell Host to use high resources

4 min. read

Updated onMarch 29, 2024

updated onMarch 29, 2024

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Key notes

The Shell Host dictates taskbar transparency, start menu layout, background images, and other graphical elements as a core function of Windows.

Unlike some processes you find running in the task manager, it doesn’t take up too much power. It shoots up about 1-3 percent at times. But you’ll mostly find it taking up 0% of your CPU.

So, if you notice a high CPU power usage by the Shell Host Infrastructure process on Windows 11, it means things are not standard on your PC. And this could be a sign of worse to come.

Thankfully, we have provided detailed fixes for the issue in the guide, as we did with theShell Host Infrastructure has stopped workingproblem.

Why is Shell Infrastructure Host causing high CPU usage?

If the Shell Infrastructure Host uses high CPU resources, it can be down to an outdated operating system. In this case, you should try first to update your OS.

Also, the feature is responsible for processing the startup of essential UI elements. So, if you use slideshow desktop background photos, the Shell Infrastructure Host might use high CPU power. Here, switching to a static one is advisable.

Lastly, the problem can be down to corrupt system files. You can fix this by repairing the files with the built-in repair tools or dedicated software.

The Shell Infrastructure Host is essential in handling a series of graphics UI elements on Windows PC. Some of these processes include the background, Taskbar, and Start Menu.

So, the process is necessary for various graphic elements and shouldn’t be deactivated.

What can I do if Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host uses a high CPU?

1. Update Windows

2. Go through your system files

You’ll have to wait a few seconds after this as the SFC scans and repairs any broken system components.

If this seems like a tedious task, you can always usethird-party repair software. These tools scan your entire computer for corrupted or damaged system files and replace them with fresh Windows originals.

3. Run DSIM

You’ll have to wait a couple of minutes to complete the process. Other than this, you can run a simple antivirus scan to be sure.

Can I end Shell Infrastructure Host?

You can end the Shell Infrastructure Host process like every other process from the Task Manager. However, it warns that your PC will be unusable or shut down if you deactivate the feature.

And since the process is generally safe, it is advisable not to end it.

With the information in this guide, you should be able to fix the Shell Infrastructure Host high CPU usage on Windows 11. Although this same issue was reported on Windows 10, we haveresolved it accordingly.

When the CPU usage for any system component is abnormally high, the resulting overheating can cause your PC to shut down abruptly, So you might want to check out this guide on how tofix CPU temperature on Windows 10/11.

Here’s to hoping that this guide was a great and informative read. If your Shell Host uses a high CPU, don’t hesitate to troubleshoot using any techniques.

The section below is open for your awaited comments and suggestions.

Shell Infrastructure Host: Should I Delete or Disable it?#

Why is Shell Infrastructure Host causing high CPU usage?#

What can I do if Windows 11 Shell Infrastructure Host uses a high CPU?#

1. Update Windows#

2. Go through your system files#

3. Run DSIM#

Can I end Shell Infrastructure Host?#