Host Process for Setting Synchronization, which is also known as SettingSyncHost.exe, is defined as a process that is used for syncing all the system settings with the other computers. Basically, if one makes some changes to a certain PC, then the change will be applied to the other devices as well. The wallpaper, mail app service, scheduled services, Xbox, OneDrive, browsers, and the other useful applications can be synced with the Host Process for Setting Synchronization.
The file of Host Process for Setting Synchronization named SettingSyncHost.exe is placed in the C:\Windows\System32 folder, which is the most important part of Windows and rarely causes problems. The only weakness is sometimes it consumes too much CPU storage and even 100% CPU.
So, is SettingsSyncHost.exe considered as a virus? Usually, cybercriminals are named the viruses after the legitimate files so they cannot be identified by the system or the user. There is a possibility of the cybercriminals to name the virus and malware SettingSyncHost.exe to pass off as the actual process.
Keep in mind that the original SettingSyncHost.exe file is located in the System32 folder. If you want to check for its existence, you can just right click on the troublesome process in the Task Manager and choose Open file location. If you see one in a place other than the System32 folder, then it is better for you to run a full system antivirus to scan the system.
SettingSyncHost.exe really consumes too much CPU usage every time it gets stuck in the sync process and is unable to come out of the loop. In fact, the Registry setting could have changed. The correct permissions should be assigned through the Registry. Aside from that, another possible reason why this issue is occurring is because the Setting Synchronization process is unable to write a certain directory since it lacks the important rights. This kind of thing will keep stressing the disk usage.
Then, how to fix the Host Process for Setting Synchronization or SettingsSyncHost.exe with high CPU usage error? There are some useful solutions that you can try to fix the issue.
Solution 1: Update Windows
Microsoft is aware that SettingSuncHost.exe consumes huge amounts of CPU and is working on the solution. As the first action, you should try to update Windows to fix the issue. A lot of errors usually appear when you have not updated the system, so making it up to date can fix the issues related to the system. Here are the instructions that you will need to follow to install the available Windows updates:
- The first thing that should be done is to press the Win key and I at once to open Settings and then click Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update and click Check for updates located in the right panel.
- If you see some updates available, Windows will begin to download all of them. Once you have downloaded the updates, please restart the computer to perform the installation process.
- After the operating system has been installed to the up to date one, check if the issue is still there.
Solution 2: Add Ownership for a Registry Key
In some cases, the reason why the Host Process for Setting Synchronization consumes high CPU is the Registry setting has changed. In this case, it is necessary to add ownership for a registry key to fix the issue. Here is the guide:
- Firstly, press the Win key and R at once so that the Run box will be opened.
- Then, enter “regedit” in the box and click OK to open the Registry Editor window.
- The next thing that you will have to do is to go to the path: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Micrisoft\InputPErsonalization\TrainedDataStore.
- After that, right click TrainedDataStore to select Permissions…
- Do not forget to check Full Control located under the Allow tab and then click Apply and OK to save changes.
- Lastly, restart the Windows and then check if the Host Process for Setting Synchronization still uses a high CPU.
Solution 3: Running a PowerShell Script
In case both of the solutions mentioned above do not work, you can try to write a PowerShell script which has the function to kill the process SettingSyncHost.exe from the PC per five minutes. Please take note that you will be needed to enter the credentials to register the job on the computer. Before trying this method, keep in mind that it is only suggested for advanced users who know what they are doing.
- First of all, you should press Windows + S at the same time, enter “PowerShell” in the dialogue box, right click on the application, and choose Run as Administrator.
- Then, execute the following code once in elevated status:
Register-ScheduledJob -Name “Kill SettingSyncHost” -RunNow -RunEvery “00:05:00” -Credential (Get-Credential) -ScheduledJobOption (New-ScheduledJobOption -StartIfOnBattery -ContinueIfGoingOnBattery) -ScriptBlock { Get-Process | ?{ $_.Name -eq “SettingSyncHost” -and $_.StartTime -lt ([System.DateTime]::Now).AddMinutes(-5) } | Stop-Process -Force}
You will be asked to input the credentials before registering the job on the computer. Once you have entered the credentials, please check if the process SettingSyncHost gets terminated immediately. You are encouraged to try restarting the computer if it does not. After the second attempt, do not forget to check again.
- For everyone who has already registered the job but want to kill it, you can execute the following command below:
Get-ScheduledJob | ? Name -eq “Kill SettingSyncHost” | Unregister-ScheduledJob
- When everything is done, restart the computer and the job should be unregistered.
If after following the last solution you still get the same error, you are recommended to reach out the customer service of Windows. Please tell everything that you are currently facing and seek for help. Actually, you can also visit the Windows related communities, the places where the users of Windows gather. Feel free to throw any questions and to seek help. Most of them are nice so do not hesitate to make a thread and discuss with them.
AUTHOR BIO
On my daily job, I am a software engineer, programmer & computer technician. My passion is assembling PC hardware, studying Operating System and all things related to computers technology. I also love to make short films for YouTube as a producer. More at about me…
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