WMI Provider Host High CPU Windows Server 2016: Fixing the Problem

Hello, Dev! If you are reading this article, you must be facing a frustrating problem on your Windows Server 2016. The WMI Provider Host is taking up too much CPU usage, which slows down your server’s performance. Don’t worry, in this article, we will explain the problem and provide you with the solutions.

What is WMI Provider Host?

Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is a Windows built-in tool that provides information about the status of local or remote computer systems. WMI Provider Host is a service that runs in the background and facilitates communication between WMI and other applications. It is responsible for executing WMI requests from other applications and querying system information.

However, sometimes the WMI Provider Host takes up too much CPU usage, causing the server to slow down. This is a common problem that many Windows Server 2016 users face. Let’s explore the causes and solutions.

Causes of WMI Provider Host High CPU Usage

There are several reasons why WMI Provider Host consumes high CPU usage:

1. Malware or virus: Malware or virus infections can cause WMI Provider Host to consume high CPU usage. Run a malware scan to detect and remove any infections.
2. Multiple applications: Running multiple applications that query the WMI service at the same time can cause high CPU usage. Close unnecessary applications or limit their access to WMI.
3. Corrupted WMI Repository: The WMI repository stores configuration data and can become corrupt. Repairing the repository can solve the problem.
4. Unsupported WMI providers: Some third-party applications install unsupported WMI providers that cause high CPU usage. Uninstall or disable these providers.

Fixing the WMI Provider Host High CPU Usage

Step 1: Run a Malware Scan

The first step is to check if your server is infected with malware or viruses. Running a malware scan can help detect and remove any infections.

Antivirus Software	Link
Microsoft Security Essentials	https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/comprehensive-security
Avast	https://www.avast.com/en-us/index
Norton	https://us.norton.com/
Kaspersky	https://www.kaspersky.com/

Step 2: Close Unnecessary Applications

If you have multiple applications running that query the WMI service at the same time, close unnecessary applications or limit their access to WMI. Here’s how:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
• Click on the Processes tab and select the application that is consuming high CPU usage.
• Click on the End Task button to close the application.
• Alternatively, you can right-click on the application and select Go to details. Then, right-click on the selected process and click Set affinity. Uncheck all CPU cores except for one to limit the application’s access to WMI.

Step 3: Repair WMI Repository

If the WMI repository is corrupt, repairing it can solve the problem. Follow these steps:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type winmgmt /resetrepository and press Enter.
3. Restart the server and check if the problem is solved.

Step 4: Disable Unsupported WMI Providers

If you have third-party applications that install unsupported WMI providers, remove or disable them. Here’s how:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type wmic /namespace:\\root\subscription path __eventfilter delete and press Enter.
3. Type wmic /namespace:\\root\subscription path subscriber delete and press Enter.
4. Restart the server and check if the problem is solved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why is WMI Provider Host taking up so much CPU usage?

A1: Several reasons can cause high CPU usage, including malware or virus infections, multiple applications querying the WMI service, corrupted WMI repository, and unsupported WMI providers.

Q2: How do I repair the WMI repository?

A2: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator, type winmgmt /resetrepository, and press Enter. Restart the server and check if the problem is solved.

Q3: How do I limit an application’s access to WMI?

A3: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, click on the Processes tab, select the application that is consuming high CPU usage, and click on the End Task button. Alternatively, right-click on the application and select Go to details, then right-click on the selected process and click Set affinity. Uncheck all CPU cores except for one to limit the application’s access to WMI.

Q4: How do I remove unsupported WMI providers?

A4: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator, type wmic /namespace:\\root\subscription path __eventfilter delete, press Enter, type wmic /namespace:\\root\subscription path subscriber delete, and press Enter. Restart the server and check if the problem is solved.

Conclusion

High CPU usage by WMI Provider Host can be frustrating, but it is a solvable problem. By running a malware scan, closing unnecessary applications, repairing the WMI repository, and disabling unsupported WMI providers, you can free up your server’s resources and improve its performance. We hope this article provided you with the solutions you need.