Ever found your computer crawling to a halt? A peek into Task Manager might show the “Usermode Font Driver Host” (fontdrvhost.exe) eating up all the resources. It’s a common headache for Windows users, slowing things down and messing with your workflow.
But don’t lose hope just yet. Let’s unpack this problem and find ways to get your system running smoothly again.
What is Usermode Font Driver Host?
Fontdrvhost.exe is a genuine Windows system process that handles font management and rendering in user mode. It’s there to make sure the fonts in different applications look just right. Usually, it works quietly in the background, but sometimes it starts to use up too much memory and CPU.
Why does fontdrvhost.exe gobble up so many resources?
There are a few reasons why this might happen:
- Corrupted or old font cache: Windows keeps a font cache for quicker access. If it’s messed up or outdated, fontdrvhost.exe might overwork, leading to higher resource use.
- Problematic fonts: Some fonts, especially those from dodgy sources, might not be well-made or compatible with your system. This can make fontdrvhost.exe work harder.
- Software clashes: Some software, especially those that are heavy on graphics, might clash with fontdrvhost.exe, causing it to use more resources.
- System issues: Things like malware infections or damaged system files can also make fontdrvhost.exe act up.
How can you fix high memory and CPU usage by fontdrvhost.exe?
Try these solutions:
1. Clear the font cache
- Open the Start menu and type “services.msc.”
- Find and stop the “Windows Font Cache Service.”
- Delete everything in the
C:\Windows\ServiceProfiles\LocalService\AppData\Local\FontCachefolder. - Restart the “Windows Font Cache Service“.
2. Remove troublesome fonts
- Open the Control Panel and go to “Fonts.”
- Check your installed fonts and remove any added recently or suspicious ones.
- Restart your computer.
3. Update software and drivers
- Make sure your operating system and graphics drivers are up to date.
- Update any software that might be conflicting with fontdrvhost.exe.
4. Scan for malware
Run a thorough scan with Loaris Trojan Remover to find and remove any threats. Begin by downloading the Trojan Remover:
Once downloaded, follow the installation prompts to install Loaris Trojan Remover on your system.
Launch Loaris Trojan Remover and select the option to perform a full system scan. This comprehensive scan will check all files, programs, and system settings for any signs of Trojan.Malware.300983.Susgen and other malware. The duration of the scan will depend on the size of your hard drive and the amount of data stored on your computer.
Once the scan is complete, Loaris Trojan Remover will display a list of detected threats. Carefully review these results to identify any instances of Trojan.Malware.300983.Susgen, as well as other potentially harmful software that might have been installed on your system.
With the threats identified, you can now instruct Loaris Trojan Remover to clean your system. The software will offer options to remove or quarantine the detected malware. For maximum safety, it’s advisable to remove the threats. However, if you’re unsure about a specific file, quarantining it temporarily allows you to safely isolate the file without permanently deleting it.
5. System File Check (SFC)
Open Command Prompt as an administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter. This will check and fix any corrupted system files.
6. Monitor resource usage
Keep an eye on fontdrvhost.exe’s resource usage after trying these solutions. If the issue continues, you might need to get help from a computer technician or contact Microsoft support.
A cautionary note
While fontdrvhost.exe is a legit process, malware can sometimes masquerade under the same name. If you still see high resource usage by fontdrvhost.exe after trying these solutions, make sure to run a thorough anti-malware scan to rule out any malicious activity.
By following these tips and keeping up with regular maintenance, you can keep your system running smoothly and prevent fontdrvhost.exe from taking over your resources. Remember, a healthy system requires vigilance and regular upkeep.