Shell Infrastructure Host – What Is It & How to Fix It?

Jack

By Jack

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Shell Infrastructure Host

Shell Infrastructure Host” is a process in the Windows system, and it is seen in the Task Manager window. Many users have no idea about this process.

If you’re one of them and want to learn about “Shell Infrastructure Host,” continue reading and learn about it.

Shell Infrastructure Host

Introduction to Shell Infrastructure Host process

In layman’s terms, Shell Infrastructure Host is an element in the Windows operating system. One of the purposes of this process is to present universal apps on the Windows OS.

In addition, it can handle various graphical elements in the interface. For instance, it handles the below-mentioned aspects and more.

  • Transparency of the taskbar and start menu
  • New visuals for the notification area flyouts
  • Clock
  • Calendar and many other elements.
Introduction to Shell Infrastructure Host process

On top of that, it can even handle some elements related to desktop background behavior. For instance, it controls the functionality of changing the background if it is set as a slideshow. Users started to experience the “Shell Infrastructure Host” issue, mainly with the early releases of Windows 10.

In fact, they experienced that Shell Infrastructure Host takes a lot of CPU and memory to function. Since then, Microsoft has introduced a variety of patches, and now users experience far fewer errors. However, that doesn’t mean that this error is completely eliminated.

In other words, any Windows PC is vulnerable to experiencing the Shell Infrastructure Host issue sooner or later.

Why Does Shell Infrastructure Host Take So Much Memory?

When your computer runs in normal mode, Shell Infrastructure Host doesn’t require any CPU support. It will show very little CPU usage when some graphics of the system are changed. But it goes back to zero quickly.

In general, this process may take around 200 MB of memory. The memory will occasionally be used too, but it goes back to zero very quickly.

However, some users see that the process starts to consume more CPU pretty often. Also, they see that the process takes around 30% of the CPU with a significant proportion of the CPU.

If that is the case with you as well, you have to address it as soon as possible. Otherwise, it may impact badly on your PC performance.

Why does Shell Infrastructure Host take so much memory?

Is It Possible to Disable Shell Infrastructure Host?

In simplest terms, you cannot necessarily disable the Shell Infrastructure Host process in your system. Even if there is a possibility, you should never do that. In fact, Shell Infrastructure Host is a compulsory element for your system to deliver essential visuals in Windows 10.

However, you can end the respective process temporarily and check if it resolves the issue. To do that, you should right-click on the “Shell Infrastructure Host” process inside the Task Bar.

Then, choose End Task to disable it temporarily. Once you have done that, Windows will restart the service after a couple of seconds.

Is it possible to disable Shell Infrastructure Host?

Is It a Virus?

The simplest answer is that Shell Infrastructure Host is not a virus. It is an official component included in your Windows operating system. Also, we have hardly noticed malware disguised as Shell Infrastructure Host.

But if you suspect that there is such a threat, scan the computer with an antimalware program. In this case, even Windows Defender will be OK.

1. Update the Universal Apps and Windows

The most basic solution you should try to fix this issue is updating your Windows OS and universal apps. Check if there is an update ready for your Windows OS first.

After that, you can update the universal apps you have installed. Go to Windows Store and click on the user icon, which is located next to the search bar. Then, click on the option called “Downloads and Updates.”

Update the universal apps and Windows

When the “Downloads and Updates” Window is opened, just click on the option “Check for Updates.” If there are available updates, click on the option “Update All.”

Once the update is done, you should allow it to be completed. If the problem appears again, you should move to the other solutions mentioned in this article.

Update the universal apps and Windows

2. Check for the Issues Mentioned Below to Fix Issues About Shell Infrastructure Host

Check for some common issues if the issue still appears after updating all the apps. You can try checking all those aspects one by one. If one change does not work, discard the changes, and try the next solution.

In general, a large number of users experience this issue when there is a slideshow background used. Although it may not be the case with every user, you shouldn’t underestimate the possibility.

When it happens on your PC, it consumes a lot of memory and CPU whenever a slide changes. The problem is that the memory it consumes doesn’t get changed even after the transition.

If you notice a significant spike in the CPU usage chart, you should address it as soon as possible. To get it tested, you should do the following.

  • First, go to Settings and choose Personalization.
  • Then, go to Background and change it to a solid color instead of a slideshow.
Check for the issues mentioned below

If this method solves the shell infrastructure host issue, you should use a single picture as the background.

Then, you should check if the Windows is picking an accent color to match your background. To get it done, you should follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First, go to Settings and head toward Personalization.
  • Choose Colors and locate the option “Automatically pick an accent color from my background.”
  • Wait for a while and check if you were able to resolve the issue. If it doesn’t work, enable the settings once again and check for other reasons.
Check for the issues mentioned below

The transparency effect is another common cause that can trigger this issue. Elements like the taskbar, start menu, action center, etc., have transparency levels.

So, you could change that setting and see if you can resolve the issue. To do that, you should do the following.

  • First, go to Settings and locate the option called Personalization.
  • Then, choose Colors.
  • Locate the option “Make Start, taskbar, and action center transparent.”
Check for the issues mentioned below

3. Reinstall the Microsoft Redistributable Packages

Microsoft Redistributable Package is a special package that comprises Microsoft C++ components. This package is required for several applications to run.

To be more precise, it is required to run Windows apps that are developed using Visual C++. There can be plenty of those files installed on your PC. You will be able to reinstall this package whenever it is possible.

Doing so will ensure that problems related to the redistributable package will be gone. Mentioned below is how to do it.

  • Bring the Run utility up by simultaneously hitting the Windows key and R key on the keyboard.
  • Then, you should enter the text appwiz.cpl in the given search field.
  • Hit the Enter key to see that the Programs and Features section is opened.
  • You will see a long list of programs in this Window. Choose the listings with the name “Microsoft Visual C++ XXXX Redistributable (x64)” and “Microsoft Visual C++ XXXX Redistributable (x86).”
  • Now, perform a right-click on those items to see the popup menu on the screen. Choose the option “Uninstall” and get it uninstalled from the PC.
Reinstall the Microsoft Redistributable Packages
  • Then, reboot the PC.
  • Once you have rebooted the computer, you should install the Microsoft Redistributable Packages again. To do that, you should visit Microsoft Download Center. This method allows you to download and install the latest Redistributable Packages.

4. Run the System File Checker to Fix Issues with Shell Infrastructure Host

Shell Infrastructure Host error can also appear due to a system file error. For instance, corrupted system files can cause it. So, it is better to run a System File Checker and see if it resolves the issue.

If you have an old Guest Account, you should delete it and log in using a new one. For many individuals, the issue can be resolved simply with this trick.

6. Troubleshoot the Issue Using a Clean Boot State

It is possible to troubleshoot the issue using the Clean Boot State of the PC. By running such a process, you can pinpoint the third-party processes or services behind this issue.

With a clean boot, you make your system boot only with the essential drivers and startup programs. Your computer is programmed to boot with minimal drivers and programs if you Clean Boot it.

Those programs and services are good enough to boot the computer and do basic functions. If there’re any advanced third-party apps that may cause the issue, those will be disabled. However, you cannot expect normal performance from a Clean Booted computer.

And click here to find out how to fix the Igfxem Module high CPU issue.

FAQs

  1. What is the Shell Infrastructure Host? The Shell Infrastructure Host is a system process in Windows that manages many graphical elements of your interface and ensures smooth interaction between your apps and the operating system.
  2. Is the Shell Infrastructure Host necessary? Absolutely! It’s crucial for the aesthetic and functional aspects of your user interface and for the smooth running of your applications.
  3. Can I end the Shell Infrastructure Host process? It’s not advisable to end this process as it could lead to graphical issues and disruptions in the functioning of your apps.
  4. What do I do if the Shell Infrastructure Host is causing high CPU usage? Restarting the process or scanning for malware could help resolve this issue.
  5. How can I prevent issues with the Shell Infrastructure Host? Regular system updates and a reliable antivirus solution can go a long way in preventing problems associated with the Shell Infrastructure Host.
  6. Can the Shell Infrastructure Host be a virus? While the genuine process is not a virus, malware can disguise itself as the Shell Infrastructure Host. Regular malware scans can help detect such threats.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! The Shell Infrastructure Host might seem like just another process in the vast sea of system operations, but it certainly holds its own in keeping your user interface visually appealing and ensuring your apps play nice with the operating system. Knowing what it is and how to troubleshoot common issues can save you a lot of hassle. So the next time your system throws a curveball, remember, you’ve got this!

Jack
Jack

Ten years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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