Some users reported that there is a wudfhost.exe in their task manager that takes up a lot of CPU usage. Is this a virus program? I will share some of the best ways to reduce CPU usage in your device.
What is wudfhost.exe?
Windows user-mode driver framework host. An executable file(wudfhost.exe) is the basis of Microsoft Windows drivers. It is the user-mode driver framework host process. Each hardware device must be accompanied by a user-mode device driver, which must be installed in Windows.
When Windows communicates with the device, the operating system will create a wudfhost.exe process and load the device driver into it.
You can find it under
Is it safe?
Yes, it is safe because it is a Windows system process. However, if you check its file location from the task manager, and it’s not in the system32 directory, then most likely, it is a disguised Trojan horse.
To check, search for the wudfhost.exe file in the task manager and when you locate it on the processes tab, right-click and click “open location.” It should direct you to
If the CPU usage rate is too high, it is recommended that you wait a while to see if it will drop by itself. If the CPU usage continues to be high, it is recommended that you use the following methods.
1: Scan for viruses
To know what the issue might be, you can try to do a full scan of your computer. Mcafee is one of the best software that you can use. It is an all-in-one protection that you can use to safeguard your privacy and identity.
It also features a VPN that can hide your identity well. You will enjoy your life online. It can help defend you and your family against malware, viruses, ransomware, and spyware.
You can try it for a month then choose a suitable plan for you. It also has a phone application that provides malware and web protection while on your device. Ultimately, it will keep you safe while using the internet. It can be used on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
2: Update device drivers
The other way is to update your device drivers. You can opt to update your drive to see whether it will solve the issue. Updating the drivers can quickly fix the problem. If you don’t have time to update the driver manually, you can use the driver booster software.
When you download it into your system, it will recognize the issues and find the correct drivers for them. The software will take care of everything to ensure nothing goes wrong.
If you have any outdated, broken, or missing drives, it can make your wudfhost.exe not function normally. Hence, drive booster software will spot the specific broken or outdated driver and find the perfect match for the system.
First, you will need to uninstall the driver in place.
Step 1: Click on the Windows key + X on the keyboard. A menu bar will appear.
Step 2: Select the device manager on the list.
Step 3: On the next page, you can look for the specific driver from the device list. Once you locate it, right-click and select “Uninstall.”
Step 4: You can then use the driver booster to install the right driver.
3: Disable Intel wireless gigabit
Another way is to disable the intel wireless Gigabit. The “Intel Wireless Gigabit mode driver” can also pose issues with the wudfhost.exe file.
Step 1: Click on the Windows + X button.
Step 2: On the menu that appears, click on device manager
Step 3: Search for Intel wireless gigabit and disable it. Just right-click and choose “disable.”
Step 4: That’s it. This should help to solve the issue. Also, restart your computer to save the changes.
After you disable it, the CPU usage taken up by the wudfhost.exe will drop drastically. You can confirm by checking on the task manager. Just use the shortcut; CTRL + Shift + Esc.
4: Disable NFC
If your device has an NFC function, you ought to disable it.
Step 1: Click on Windows + S buttons.
Step 2: Search for “control panel” and select “network and internet.”
Step 3: Select Airplane mode on the left panel. Then turn off the toggle button of NFC. This is precisely below wireless devices.
Step 4: This should help to solve the issue. Go and check the CPU usage for wudfhost.exe in the task manager.
5: Disable portable devices
Portable devices and external drives include mobile phones, USB flash drives, keyboards, mice, etc., are connected to your computer.
Therefore, you can enter “device manager” to disable them.
Step 1: Click Windows + X button.
Step 2: Select the device manager on the list.
Step 3: Disable any portable devices on your computer. For example, your external keyboard, mouse, or USB. Right-click on the device, then click “disable.”
Step 4: Click Ctrl+ Shift + Esc to check the CPU usage on the task manager.
6: Disable Microsoft Services
To disable the Microsoft services, do this:
Step 1: Click Windows + R button.
Step 2: On the run command, write MSConfig.
Step 3: You will be redirected to the system configuration window. Click on the services tab.
Step 4: Uncheck “Device Install Service.
Step 5: Click Apply and OK.
You can now check your CPU usage on the task manager. It should have been reduced.
7: Repair Windows damaged files
Some damaged files may also be causing CPU hogging issues. If all the other methods don’t work, you can try this:
Step 1: Click on the Windows + R button. This will open the run command prompt.
Step 2: First, type CMD, and on the command prompt, write SFC /scannow – to scan the system and repair the corrupted ones.
Step 3: When prompted with permission to make changes to the device, click on Yes.
Step 4: Wait until the verification process ends.
Step 5: Open task manager and check the CPU usage; it should have been reduced.
Keep CPU running normally.
The CPU usage should be expected if you want your computer to function effectively. With each method that you try, open the task manager to see whether CPU usage has reduced. The wudfhost.exe file is essential, and you can’t just delete it as it is.
However, you can use these seven methods to solve the issue. Also, remember to use reputable malware programs to help detect any issues on your device. This will lead to a lot of stability improvements.
