Some users are reporting that they are seeing DISM Host servicing process high CPU, disk, and memory usage which is impacting other processes. In this guide, we have a few fixes that can help you get rid of this.
What is Dism Host Servicing Process?
The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) process is a command-line tool that is used to service a Windows image and fix various errors related to the image files of Windows. It generally is located in C:\Windows\System32\dism or C:\Windows\SysWoW64\dism. If it is located anywhere other than any of those folders, you should be aware of it and scan with antivirus or antimalware tools and get rid of it.
Many Dynamic Link Libray (DLL) files run through the Dism Host Servicing Process (DismHost.exe) as it executes their command-line parameters. That is why we see it running in the background in the Task Manager.
If DismHost.exe is located in the System32 or SysWOW64 folder and its Properties show it copyrighted to Microsoft, then it is the legit system process – else it could be malware. Here are the ways to check if a file is a virus or not:
- Check Location and Properties
- Right-click the file and scan it with your security software
- Get it scanned with an Online Malware Scanner
- Check for Verified Publisher
- Verify File Integrity with Hash Value
- Use the Windows Sandbox feature.
DISM Host Servicing Process (DismHost.exe) High CPU, Disk, Memory usage
If the DISM Host servicing process on your PC is using high CPU, disk, and memory, you can follow the following fixes to resolve it.
- Run SFC Scan
- Disable Superfetch Service
- Run Antivirus or Malware Scan
- Run DISM with a Repair Source
- Cloud Reset PC
Let’s see each detail in the method of these fixes.
1] Run SFC Scan
System File Checker (SFC) scan is run to restore missed or corrupted system files on Windows. There are chances that DismHost.exe is using a high CPU, disk, and memory due to a corrupted or missing system file. You need to run an SFC scan on your PC to fix it.
2] Disable Superfetch Service
Superfetch service is a built-in windows service that preloads the frequently used programs and files to speed up your PC. Sometimes, it may lead to high CPU usage by DismHost.exe. You need to disable it for the time being to free up some CPU usage. Disabling Superfetch service also stopped high CPU, disk, and memory usage by DismHost.exe for many users. Try this and see if it has fixed the issue.
3] Run Antivirus or Malware Scan
When you are seeing high CPU, disk, and memory usage by DismHost.exe, first run an antivirus or malware scan which would take care of the malware that is resulting in this. After the scan is done, restart your PC and check if the same problem persists.
4] Run DISM with a Repair Source
The other way to fix the issue is to run DISM using Windows installation as the repair source or use a Windows side-by-side folder from a network share, as the source of the files. To do this, run the following command:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess
Here you have to replace the C:\RepairSource\Windows placeholder with the location of your repair source.
Once the process is complete, DISM will create a log file in %windir%/Logs/CBS/CBS.log and capture any issues that the tool finds or fixes.
5] Cloud Reset PC
The last option to fix the issue is to Cloud Reset your PC. It can be done from the Settings app. It downloads a fresh Windows version from the cloud onto your PC and uses it to reset or reinstall the PC. It should fix the issue as it uses new files downloaded from the cloud.
These are the ways using which you can resolve the issue with DismHost.exe.
Is it safe to end the DISM host servicing process?
No, it is not. DISM host servicing process is an important command-line tool that is used to make repairs and services to Windows Image files and also to prepare Windows Pre-Installation environment. It is a safe process which you can see in the Task Manager.
Can I delete DismHost?
No, you cannot. It has very important functions related to Windows image files and their repairs. You will break that chain if you delete DismHost and it might break the normal functioning of your PC.
Related Read: General tips to fix 100% Disk, High CPU, High Memory usage in Windows.
