What Is Svchost.exe For?

It`s always one of the processes that takes most mem, VM size and has most handles (along with taskmgr.exe) What r these processes for? Can i just kill `em?

(XP Pro w/o Sp1)

#74005

I don't know the specifics but you cannot end it. Windows does need it to operate.

Edit : Info : http://searchwin2000.techtarget.com/tip/1,...i911525,00.html

#74006

looking at task manager i also saw that msmgs.exe (MS Messenger) was taking almost as much

:blink:

so i killed it! :rant:

#74018

i believe the svchost have something to do with the services you have running on your os...

actually i found a site that defines what it does and how it does it

http://www.grtg.org/stuff/computers/window...svchost_exe.php

#74044

it hosts the services...

hence the name, svchost.exe

otherwise, networking, and alot of other features wouldnt run.

Actually, the OS wouldnt work, period

#74045

some svchost.exe are unnecessary, but don't just kill random services. use black viper's configuration to disable some unnecessary services: http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm

also, make sure it's svchost, and not scvhost, which is a virus.

#74047

thanks guys

it`s not like i`m going to kill all the processes, i just wanted to know what does this one do since it was using so much resources.

#74180