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What is SearchFilterHost.exe & How to Fix its Issues
Rebuilding the search index is the quickest fix
5 min. read
Published onAugust 8, 2024
published onAugust 8, 2024
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TheMicrosoft Windows Search Filter Hostprocess orSearchFilterHost.exeis 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 bySearchFilterHost.exeor the process kept crashing!
The key reasons forSearchFilterHost.exe’shigh 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 thatSearchFilterHost.exeis not malware.
To do that, check the file location. TheSearchFilterHost.exefile is, by default, stored in:C:\Windows\System32
If it’s stored elsewhere, scan the PC for malware using the built-inWindows Securityor anothertop-rated antivirus solution.
2. Rebuild the search index
For 9 out of 10 users (including me), rebuilding the index did the trick whenSearchFilterHost.exehad 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
In the past, OneDrive and other similar cloud storage services have triggered high CPU usage bySearchFilterHost.exedue 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
5. Disable the Windows Search service
Disabling Windows Searchdoesn’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
Repairing the corrupt system fileswith DISM commands and SFC scans also helps whenSearchFilterHost.exekeeps crashing on Windows 11.
7. Perform an in-place upgrade
An in-place upgrade is almost as good as reinstalling Windows and gets rid of problems likeSearchFilterHost.execrashing 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 canreset Windows 11 to factory defaults.
Also, before you leave, discover some quick tips tomake your Windows 11 PC faster than ever!
Which fix worked for you? Share with our readers in the comments section.
More about the topics:exe file,High CPU usage,Windows 11
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.
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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.
