Windows 10: Service Host: Network Service using too much bandwidth

Just got my new computer with Windows 11, and noticed that the internet was weirdly slow. Task manager says 'Service Host: Network Service' was using 30% of my internet. I limited it through Delivery Optimization, and while the percentage has gone down, the amount it is using Mbps has stayed the same. I have also paused any ongoing windows update, and I have scanned with the windows tool for any malware.Just wondering if there is a fix to stop it using all my bandwidth and slowing down downloads and such. Thanks.

:)

 

How do I PERMANENTLY STOP Service Host: Network Service

Hi

Welcome to Microsoft community.

I understand your frustration, and I'm here to help you address the issue with Service Host: Network Service consuming excessive bandwidth on your Windows machine. Keep in mind that Service Host: Network Service is a critical system process responsible for handling various network-related tasks in Windows, so disabling it entirely is not recommended and could lead to other problems.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and mitigate the high network usage caused by Service Host: Network Service:

1. Identify the Specific Service: Service Host: Network Service is a container process that hosts several network-related services. To identify which specific service is consuming bandwidth, you can use the Resource Monitor:
   
   • Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager.
     
   • Go to the "Performance" tab and click on "Open Resource Monitor."
     
   • In Resource Monitor, navigate to the "Network" tab and look for processes under "Processes with Network Activity." Check which specific process is using the most bandwidth.
     
2. Check for Windows Updates: Ensure that your Windows system is up to date with the latest updates. Sometimes, updates can include fixes for known issues, including excessive network usage caused by specific services.
   
3. Check Background Apps and Services: Some background apps and services might be causing high network usage. Disable any non-essential apps and services running in the background and observe if the network usage decreases.
   
4. Check for Malware: Run a full system scan with your preferred antivirus software to check for any malware or potentially unwanted programs that might be using your network bandwidth.
   
   Disclaimer: Running Microsoft Safety Scanner can help you check if the system is disturbed or malicious software exists. To avoid any trouble for you, please follow them step-by step and back up all your personal files first to ensure you do not lose data.
   
5. Limit Bandwidth for Delivery Optimization (Windows Update): Since you mentioned that Delivery Optimization might be the issue, you can try limiting the bandwidth used by Delivery Optimization:
   
   • Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update."
     
   • Click on "Advanced options" and then "Delivery Optimization."
     
   • Under "Download settings," select "Limit how much bandwidth is used for downloading updates in the background" and set a lower percentage value.
     
6. Reset Network Settings: Resetting your network settings can help resolve any network-related issues. To do this:
   
   • Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
     
   • Type the following command and press Enter:
     
     netsh winsock reset
     
   • Restart your computer after the command completes.
     
7. Check for Network Driver Updates: Make sure you have the latest network drivers installed for your network adapter. Visit your computer manufacturer's website or the network adapter manufacturer's website to download and install the latest drivers.
   

Remember that some network usage is normal, especially during background tasks, updates, and syncing processes. Completely stopping the Service Host: Network Service might cause unintended consequences, and it's essential to identify and address the specific issue causing the high network usage rather than disabling critical system processes entirely.

Additionally, if you believe that Windows is continuously changing your settings, consider checking for third-party applications or policies that might be causing these changes. Unauthorized changes to your system settings could be indicative of a security issue.

Always ensure you have reliable backups of your important data before making significant changes to your system.

Please feel free to let me know if you have any further updates, thanks.

Best regards

Derrick Qian | Microsoft Community Support Specialist

 

Windows 10, new computer, Service Host: Local System uses all household bandwidth for minutes at a time

Hi

I just purchased a new computer. It sits on a 1.5 MBPS DSL line, unfortunately. Every so often, the Service Host: Local System uses the entire bandwidth of the household for minutes at a time (10-45 minutes). As BulldogXX pointed out, Service Host is
a shell. When I expand it, the resource monitor does not indicate what sub-process is using the bandwidth. Is there a way to determine the offending sub-process? Is there a way to throttle the bandwidth Service Host uses to enable the network to be used
for other things? Or is there a way to suspect Service Host until a more convenient time? OR is there a way to schedule it to run at a more convenient time?

Any suggestions are appreciated,

Patrick

 

HOST NETWORK SERVICE

I cannot find Host Network Service on Windows Services, why is that? How can I connect to Host Network Service?