Troubleshooting TextInputHost.exe Crashing and High CPU Usage in Windows

Are you experiencing issues with your Windows computer? Is the TextInputHost.exe process crashing frequently and causing high CPU usage? Don't worry, we've got you covered! In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of this problem and provide you with some troubleshooting steps to resolve it.

What is TextInputHost.exe?

TextInputHost.exe is a legitimate Windows process that is responsible for handling text input and on-screen keyboard functionality. It is an essential component of the Windows operating system and is usually located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder.

Possible Causes of TextInputHost.exe Crashing and High CPU Usage

There can be several reasons why the TextInputHost.exe process is crashing and causing high CPU usage. Some of the common causes include:

• Corrupted system files: If the system files related to TextInputHost.exe are corrupted, it can lead to crashes and high CPU usage.
• Incompatible or outdated drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause issues with the TextInputHost.exe process.
• Third-party software conflicts: Conflicts with third-party software, especially antivirus programs or other security software, can interfere with the normal functioning of TextInputHost.exe.

Troubleshooting Steps

Now that we know the possible causes, let's dive into the troubleshooting steps to fix the TextInputHost.exe crashing and high CPU usage issue:

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Before trying any complex solutions, it's always a good idea to start with a simple restart. Restarting your computer can help resolve temporary glitches that may be causing the problem.

Step 2: Run Windows Update

Make sure your Windows operating system is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. To run Windows Update, follow these steps:

1. Click on the Start menu and select "Settings".
2. In the Settings window, click on "Update & Security".
3. Click on "Check for updates" and let Windows download and install any available updates.
4. Restart your computer after the updates are installed.

Step 3: Perform a System File Check

Corrupted system files can cause various issues on your computer. To check and repair system files, you can use the built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool. Here's how:

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, right-click on the Start menu and select "Command Prompt (Admin)".
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the tool will attempt to repair them automatically.
4. Restart your computer after the process is finished.

Step 4: Update Drivers

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause conflicts and lead to crashes. To update your drivers, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start menu and select "Device Manager".
2. In the Device Manager window, expand the categories and locate any devices with a yellow exclamation mark icon.
3. Right-click on the device with the exclamation mark and select "Update driver".
4. Choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software and let Windows download and install the latest drivers.
5. Restart your computer after the driver updates are installed.

Step 5: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

If you have third-party antivirus software installed on your computer, it may be conflicting with the TextInputHost.exe process. Temporarily disable your antivirus software and check if the issue is resolved. If the problem goes away, consider updating or reinstalling your antivirus software.

Step 6: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of startup programs and services, which can help identify if any third-party software is causing the issue. Here's how to perform a clean boot:

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type msconfig and press Enter to open the System Configuration window.
3. In the System Configuration window, go to the "Services" tab and check the box that says "Hide all Microsoft services".
4. Click on the "Disable all" button to disable all the remaining services.
5. Go to the "Startup" tab and click on the "Open Task Manager" link.
6. In the Task Manager window, disable all the startup programs by right-clicking on each entry and selecting "Disable".
7. Close the Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
8. Click on the "Apply" button and then click "OK".
9. Restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If the TextInputHost.exe crashing and high CPU usage problem is fixed after performing a clean boot, you can gradually enable the disabled services and startup programs to identify the culprit.

Conclusion

TextInputHost.exe crashing and high CPU usage can be frustrating, but with the troubleshooting steps mentioned in this article, you should be able to resolve the issue. Remember to always keep your Windows operating system and drivers up to date to prevent such problems in the future.

Explore our collection of tech support articles for more solutions to common Windows issues and errors.