How to fix DISM Host Servicing Process (DismHost.exe) High CPU/Memory/Disk Usage

What is DISM Host Servicing Process and why it can have high resource usage

DISM Host Servicing Process, or DismHost.exe, is a component of the Windows Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM). DISM is a command-line utility used for servicing and preparing Windows images, including those for Windows Setup, Windows PE, and Windows Recovery Environment. Often running in the background, it plays a critical role in maintaining system health by applying updates and fixing corrupted system files. Under typical circumstances, this process should consume minimal resources. However, several scenarios can lead to high CPU, memory, or disk usage. These may include running intense operations like system image backup, disk cleanup, or system file repair using DISM commands. Additionally, conflicts with third-party applications, malware interference, or incorrect configurations can exacerbate this issue. In some cases, high resource consumption might be momentary as the tool completes its tasks. Nevertheless, if the issue persists, it can signify underlying problems that require troubleshooting. Users often report experiencing slow system performance, lag, or overheating due to prolonged high resource consumption by DismHost.exe. Understanding its purpose and behavior helps in addressing these performance concerns effectively.

Solutions for High CPU/Memory/Disk Usage by DismHost.exe

Check for Malware or Virus Infection

1. Open the Start menu and type Windows Security.
2. Select Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Click on Quick Scan to perform an initial scan, or select Scan options for a full scan.
4. If threats are found, follow the prompts to remove them.

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Malwarebytes main window

Malwarebytes settings

Malwarebytes scan results

Update Windows

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update & Security.
3. Click on Check for updates and allow Windows to install any available updates.
4. Restart your computer if prompted.

Windows 11 -> Settings

Settings ->Windows Update

Windows Update -> Check for Updates

Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

1. Press Windows + X and choose Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Wait for the scan to complete and fix any detected issues.

Windows 11 Start -> Terminal (Admin)

Windows 11 Terminal -> sfc /scannow

Run DISM Command to Fix System Image

1. Open Command Prompt (Admin) as mentioned above.
2. Type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth and press Enter to check for any issues.
3. If issues are found, type Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
4. Allow the command to run and reboot your system once completed.

Perform a Clean Boot

1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
3. Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
4. Switch to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
5. Disable all startup items by selecting each and clicking Disable.
6. Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
7. Restart your computer.

Update Drivers

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand each category and look for devices with a yellow triangle icon.
3. Right-click on these devices and choose Update driver.
4. Follow the prompts to search automatically for updated driver software.

Updating each driver manually is time- and energy-consuming. If you are willing to save it and update drivers faster, we recommend using a special utility called Driver Booster from IObit. It has broad databases of drivers for all of the devices you need to maintain your PC. You can download it using the button below.

Driver Booster start screen

Driver Booster scan results

Driver Booster tools section

Check Event Viewer for Errors

1. Press Windows + X and click on Event Viewer.
2. Navigate to Windows Logs and select Application or System.
3. Look for errors related to DismHost.exe and investigate possible issues using the details provided.

Disable Third-Party Antivirus Temporarily

1. Locate your antivirus program in the system tray.
2. Right-click the antivirus icon and select the option to disable it temporarily.
3. Check if the high resource usage persists.
4. Re-enable the antivirus after testing.

Reinstall DISM components

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Run the command Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup.
3. Restart the system after the process completes.