To determine if SearchHost.exe is causing the issues, perform a full system scan. Read on below to know the necessary actions required to remove the infected file.
Is SearchHost.exe Safe?
Before assuming that SearchHost.exe on your system is a malware infection and taking action to remove it, make sure that it is indeed the case. You may do so by right-clicking on the file and verifying its publisher in Properties. If the file is signed by Microsoft, it’s safe to continue running the process. However, if not signed by a legitimate publisher, it’s a concern, as your system and data may be at risk. Immediately focus on making your computer malware-free. The legitimate file is typically located in the: Important Note: Be aware that some malware might camouflage itself as SearchHost.exe, especially if found in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder.
How Dangerous is the SearchHost.exe Virus?
If a file seems to be using extensive CPU/GPU resources, it could be due to a SearchHost.exe virus. This virus may either infect the SearchHost.exe or mimic it, causing various system issues. Although the virus may not cause extensive damage to your system files, it will undoubtedly interfere with your regular PC use. Some things that you may notice with a SearchHost.exe virus include high CPU/GPU usage, poor PC performance, system errors, high temperature of your PC, and regular app crashes. So, if you find any of the signs that your PC is infected, it’s important to take prompt actions to identify and remove the threats.
How to Remove SearchHost.exe Malware/Virus
Before performing any of the methods to remove the virus, it’s recommended that you backup important data to prevent any data loss.
Step 1. Run a Full System Scan on your PC
If you suspect that SearchHost.exe is infected with a virus, one of the most effective ways to eliminate it is by running a full scan on your PC. An antivirus program will help you identify any malicious or suspicious files and take the necessary actions to remove them from your computer. Here’s how to run a scan with Microsoft Defender: You may also use a third-party software such as Malwarebytes to run a full system scan. Follow these steps below to do it: In addition to Malwarebytes, run a full scan with AdwCleaner to remove any persistent virus or remaining threats. Here’s how:
Step 2. Run SFC Scan
When Searchost.exe gets infected by a virus, it tends to corrupt system files within your PC leading to various problems, such as system errors, application crashes, or performance issues. Running SFC scan will fix this problem and restore the corrupted files back to their original state. Perform the following steps to run the scan:
Step 3. Run DISM Scan
Sometimes, a virus can be persistent and may require you to run various scans to restore the system to a healthy state. To do so, you may utilize DISM scans to repair the Windows operating system. Here’s what you must do:
Step 4. Disable Add-Ons From Browser
To disable add-ons that you didn’t add or seems suspicious, below are the steps you must follow: For Google Chrome: For Firefox: For Microsoft Edge:
Step 5. Run Windows Repair Installation
If none of the methods mentioned above were successful in eliminating the SearchHost.exe virus, the last resort is to run a Repair Install by using the Media Creation tool. This method will protect all your data, files, and settings and allows you to get rid of the virus by downloading a clean Windows 11 on your PC. Simply follow the steps mentioned below: To prevent issues with SearchHost, it’s recommended to keep your computer clean and tidy. This includes running scans for malware, cleaning your hard drive, uninstalling unnecessary programs, managing Autostart programs, and enabling automatic updates for Windows.
