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How to fix ‘Modern Setup Host high CPU usage’ issue: There are a variety of factors that can have a negative effect on the performance of your computer; consequently, determining the cause of the issue requires an investigation. Task Manager is typically opened by a large number of Windows users who want to determine whether or not there is something that is using up system resources and causing performance drops.
And if, during the course of your investigation, you discover that the issue is high CPU usage caused by Modern Setup Host, we are going to demonstrate how to resolve this issue for you. On your computer, the self-extracting archive and installer known as Modern Setup Host plays an important role. To put it another way, it is an essential part of Windows Update that ensures that updates are installed in the correct manner.
As a result, it only executes when there is a requirement to install an update. Since Modern Setup Host was developed to function as a background process, it is expected that it will use very few resources while it is operational. Despite this, a significant number of users have reported that Modern Setup Host continues to run for extended periods of time, even when there is no update available, and uses a significant portion of both their CPU and disc space. here are the steps how to fix ‘Modern Setup Host high CPU usage’ issue.
What Is Modern Setup Host on Windows?
During the process of installing a new version of Windows, the Windows component known as Modern Setup Host will operate in the background to ensure that everything goes according to plan. After Windows has finished installing the update, Modern Setup Host will then assist in ensuring that everything is configured appropriately so that it will work effectively with the system. This is particularly important if the update was a Feature Update. Another thing that it does is make sure that Windows is stable and that there are no security holes in the system. This is something that it checks to make sure of.
Common causes of ‘Modern Setup Host high CPU usage’ issue
- Windows Update Process: The Modern Setup Host (SetupHost.exe) is part of the Windows Update process. Sometimes, it can become stuck or fail to complete, causing it to continuously consume CPU resources.
- Pending Updates: If there are pending updates that require installation or configuration, the Modern Setup Host may run for an extended period, leading to high CPU usage.
- Corrupted Update Files: Corrupted or incomplete update files can cause the Modern Setup Host to behave abnormally and use excessive CPU resources.
- Background Services: Other background services or applications running on your computer may interfere with the Windows Update process and cause the Modern Setup Host to consume more CPU.
- Outdated Drivers: Outdated or incompatible device drivers can sometimes lead to issues with Windows Update, which can result in high CPU usage by the Modern Setup Host.
- System File Corruption: Corruption of system files or the Windows Update database can hinder the proper functioning of the Modern Setup Host.
- Third-Party Software Interference: Certain third-party security software or firewalls may block or interfere with Windows Update, causing the Modern Setup Host to consume more CPU.
How to fix ‘Modern Setup Host high CPU usage’ issue
Troubleshoot Windows Update

- In the Windows search box, type troubleshoot, and then press the Enter key.
- If you do not see the additional troubleshooters listed on the right, you can access them by clicking the Additional troubleshooters link.
- Choose Windows Update, then click the button labelled “Run the troubleshooter.”
- Correct the problems that have been identified.
Reset Windows Update components
- Launch the Command Prompt with Administrator privileges, as was explained earlier.
- Simply copy, paste, and remember to hit Enter after each command as you go through the list below:
- nett stop msiserver
- nett stop bits
- nett stop wuauserv
- nett stop cryptSvc
- nett stop msiserver
- Open File Explorer by pressing the Win key and the E key simultaneously, then navigate to C:\Windows\System32\catroot2 and delete everything inside the folder.
- Perform the same action in the folder located at C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution.
- Return to the Command Prompt and paste the commands in the following order:
- nett start msiserver
- nett start wuauserv
- nett start cryptSvc
- nett start bits
- nett start wuauserv
- nett start msiserver
Kill the Modern Setup Host or SetupHost.exe process
- Launch Task Manager and search for the setuphost.exe file or the Modern Setup programme.
- To put an end to the process, click the End Task button.
Disable Windows Update
- To open the Run window, press the Win key plus the R key.
- After typing services.msc, press the OK button.
- Try to find a service in Windows that’s called Update.
- To use that service, double-click on it.
- Select Disabled from the list of available Startup types.
- Restart the computer.
Perform a Clean boot
- To open a box labelled Run, press the Windows key and the letter R simultaneously.
- After typing msconfig, hit the Enter key.
- Uncheck the box labelled Load startup items located under the General tab of the System Configuration preferences.
- Navigate to the Services tab, and once you’re there, click the Disable all button after checking the box to Hide all Microsoft Services.
- Click Open Task Manager after you have located the Startup tab.
- Turn off each and every item.
- The computer needs to be restarted.
Run SFC and DISM
- In the Windows search bar, type cmd, and then right-click on the Command Prompt icon to select the Run as administrator option.
- If the User Account Control prompt appears, select Yes from the menu.
- After entering sfc /scannow, hit the Enter key.
- If SFC was successful in repairing corrupted files, restart your computer; if it was unsuccessful, type in the following commands, pressing Enter after each one:
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Scanhealth
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Checkhealth
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth
- DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Checkhealth
- When you are finished, you should restart your computer.
Conclusion
When you open the Windows Task Manager on your Windows 11/10 computer, you will see a number of applications that are part of the operating system as well as processes that run in the background. You’re probably familiar with a few of these procedures already. Some people, however, are not. If you’ve noticed that the “Modern Setup Host” process is using up a lot of your computer’s processing power in the Task Manager and you’re curious about what it does, we’ve broken down everything you need to know about the system process so that you can easily understand it. You will also learn how to check if the Modern Setup Host is safe to use and how to reduce the high amount of CPU usage it causes on your computer. This will be the icing on the cake.
Questions and Answers
It is likely that the Modern Setup Host error is occuring because some background programmes on your computer are interfering with the Windows Update process or because your computer is experiencing software conflicts. If you perform a clean boot, your computer will start up with only the necessary drivers and programmes for the operating system. This will make it easier for you to solve the problem you are having.
It’s possible that viruses or other malicious programmes are to blame for the high CPU and memory usage of the svchost.exe services. Therefore, launch your antivirus software and conduct a scan to look for potentially harmful programmes and viruses. If you find any, remove them entirely along with the installation files, and then check to see if the issue still exists.
The issue with your computer’s CPU having 100% usage could also be caused by malicious software or viruses. Therefore, you should try to perform a scan with your antivirus software to determine whether or not your computer is infected with viruses, spyware, or Trojan horses. If the antivirus software on your computer found any malicious software or viruses, you need to get rid of them as soon as possible.