Sihost.exe is an important process in the Windows directory, but it can also cause many system failures. Keep reading the article to know more about this crucial file for Windows 10.
What is sihost.exe?
Sihot.exe stands for Shell Infrastructure Host file. This is a key element of the Windows Operating System that runs in the background. It exists in
The system file is responsible for various Windows 10 such as action center and launching the context menu. Sihost.exe also controls the graphical interface (GUI) of Windows together with shellExperienceHost.exe.
Although the system file enhances efficiency in Windows, it can also cause many system failures. For instance, you may encounter a sihost.exe system warning unknown hard error after installing new updates or software.
More so, some types of viruses and malware disguise themselves as shost.exe. Therefore, it’s good to check whether the sihost.exe in your computer is legitimate or it’s a virus.
Check the security of sihost.Exe
Sihost.exe (shell infrastructure host file) is a helpful system file on Windows OS. However, it would help ensure that the file you have on your computer is indeed a genuine sihost.exe. Many viruses and malware disguise themselves as system files, and you may be having a virus that looks like sihost.exe.
You need to confirm whether its copyright comes from Microsoft. Alternatively, you can check whether its file directory is in
Here's a systematic guide on checking the security of sihost.exe to make sure it isn't malware or virus.
Method 1
Step 1: Go to your computer, open the “Task Manager,” and go to “Shell Infrastructure Host.”
Step 2: Right-click on “Shell Infrastructure Host” and select the “properties” option.
Step 3: On the page that opens, click on “Details” and read details on the page. If the sihost.exe has Copyright from Microsoft Corporation, it means that it’s genuine.
Method 2
You can also determine the location of sihost.exe. To prove whether it’s legitimate. The right location for the system file is
If sihost.exe is located in another location on your computer, it could be a virus or malware. Here’s a guide on how to check the location of sihost.exe in the directory.
Step 1: Go to your computer, open the “Task Manager,” and go to “Shell Infrastructure Host.”
Step 2: Right-click on “Shell Infrastructure Host” and select the “Open file location” option
Step 3: Now confirm the location of the system file. If the file is located in (C:\Windows\System32), then you’re safe. However, the file could be malware or a virus if it is located somewhere else.
Can I disable or delete it?
Unfortunately, you cannot disable or delete it. Although sihost.exe is responsible for a few problems you may encounter with your computer, you must have it.
For instance, the Windows start menu, taskbar, and Cortana all depend on this executable program. However, if you really wanna disable sihost.exe, then you can go to the task manager and click the “End Task” option. Be warned that doing so may cause a critical error on your system.
Please note that sihost.exe is not a threat to your computer, but you must make sure it isn’t malware or a virus in disguise.
Fix the sihost.exe error
Some common errors caused by sihost.exe include high CPU usage, the mobile hard drive being occupied, system warnings that cannot enter Windows, etc. You can try to fix them using the following methods.
1. Roll back the system backup point
You can fix the sihost.exe error by performing a system restore on your computer. That way, you will restore your computer to an earlier working state before the error occurs.
Step 1: Press the (Win + R) shortcut commands to access and open the Run dialog window. Type cmd on the dialog box and press (Ctrl + Shift + Enter) keys to open the command prompt as an administrator.
Step 2: Go to the pop-up window, type (rstrui.exe), and press “Enter” to execute commands.
Step 3: Navigate to the system restores window that will pop up and click the “Next” option.
Step 4: Scroll the list of all systems restore points that appears and choose the restore point that you think can fix the sihost.exe error. Confirm your choice and click the “Finish” button so that your computer can be restored and the error repaired.
2. Perform a clean boot
Another effective hack for fixing the sihost.exe error is by performing a clean boot on your computer. The following are systematic tips on how to do it.
Step 1: Press the (Win + R) shortcut commands to access and open the Run dialog box. Type MSConfig and hit the “enter” key to access the “system configuration” window.
Step 2: Scroll to the “Services” tab and tick the box behind the “Hide All Microsoft Services” button.
Step 3: Go to the “Disable all” button and click it. Click the “Apply” button to save your changes.
Step 4: Now navigate to the “Startup” tab, then to “Open Task Manager” and click it
Step 5: Scroll to the “Startup tab” and disable all the apps one by one. That way, you can identify the app that is responsible for the sihost.exe error and uninstall it.
3. Scan system files
You're likely to experience a sihost.exe error if any of the system files of your OS are broken or corrupted. For that reason, you should conduct an SFC scan on your computer and repair the corrupted system files. Here are basic steps on how to do it.
Step 1: Go to the search box and type “cmd” (without quotes), right-click on the “Command Prompt” app, and choose the “Run as administrator” option.
Step 2: Now, go to the elevated command prompt, type “SFC/scannow” (without quotes), and press enter key. Be patient as the scanning process takes place.
Step 3: Once the scanning is complete, now you can re-start your computer, and you're done. If you still experience sihost.exe errors, try another approach to solve the problem.
4. Check the disk
The presence of hard disk errors in your computer can cause a sihost.exe mistake. Here is a systematic guide on how to check errors on the hard disk and fix them.
Step 1: Go to the search box and type “cmd” (without quotes), right-click on the “Command Prompt” app, and choose the “Run as administrator” option.
Step 2: Now, go to the elevated command prompt, type “chkdsk /f /r” (without quotes), and press enter key. Be patient as the scanning process takes place.
Step 3: Wait for Windows to detect hard disk errors and repair them. (This is an automatic process.
5. Automatic system repair
If you can't fox sihost.exe error after performing the hacks listed above, the remaining option is to perform an automatic system repair on your computer. That way, you can detect errors and try to fix them.
Step 1: Start your computer using a Windows 10 DVD or bootable USB.
Step 2: Follow the instructions shown on the screen until you reach the “Install now” option. On the same screen, navigate to the “Repair your computer” option.
Step 3: Go to “Troubleshoot” and select “Advanced options.”
Step 4: Once the “Advanced options” window opens, select “Startup Repair.”
Conclusion
You can get an error message, “sihost.exe unknown hard error,” after installing a new Windows update on your computer. However, that doesn't mean you have a virus or malware on your computer. It would be best to start by checking whether the sihost.exe system file on your computer is legitimate. Please don't get rid of sihost.exe because it's essential to your Windows 10 OS.
On the contrary, you should use any of the approaches explained in this article to fix “sihost.exe unknown hard error” and continue using your computer stress-free. Be very careful because some viruses and malware can disguise themselves as sihost.exe.
