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To fully understand the Console Window Host process, you need a bit of knowledge about its related history. In Windows XP, the Command Prompt was handled by a process named ClientServer Runtime System Service (CSRSS). As its name suggests, CSRSS is a system-level service.
What exactly is Conhost.exe? Why is it running on your computer?
What is the Console Window Host process?
This leads to several issues. The primary concern is CSRSS errors which can potentially bring down the entire system, not only affecting reliability but also exposing security vulnerabilities.
The secondary issue is that CSRSS is not utilized as a theme. This is because developers avoid incorporating theme code that constantly carries such risks into a system process. Therefore, the Command Prompt always maintains a more classic interface compared to newer elements.
Note, below is a screenshot of the Command Prompt on Windows XP.
Microsoft introduced the Desktop Window Manager on Windows Vista - a service responsible for managing visual effects on the desktop. Despite Command Prompt borrowing some themes from this service, it required effort to drag and drop files, text, etc., into the Command Prompt window.
When observing the control interface on Windows Vista, you may notice that it shares the same theme with other elements, but the scrollbar still retains the old interface style. This is because the Desktop Window Manager handles drawing title bars and frames, while an outdated CSRSS window remains within it.
Access the Console Window Host process on a Windows 7 iso computer. True to its name, Console Window Host serves as a host process on the command interface window.
This type of process sits between CSRSS and Command Prompt (cmd.exe), allowing Windows to address the above two interface issues - accurately drawing interface elements such as scrollbar handles and enabling drag-and-drop functionality into the Command Prompt.
Windows 8 and Windows 10 still embrace this method, ushering in a blend of fresh interface elements alongside the familiar ones from Windows 7 iso.
Although Task Manager delineates Console Window Host as a distinct entity, it remains intertwined with CSRSS. By scrutinizing the sub-process conhost.exe using Process Explorer, one can discern its close association with csrss.ese.
Ultimately, Console Window Host serves as a shell to sustain the operations of a system-critical service like CSRSS, ensuring both security and reliability in integrating modern interface elements.
Within the Process, the standalone process rundll32.exe operates alongside Conhost.exe. This process is housed within .DLL files. For a deeper understanding of rundll32.exe, refer to the article on rundll32.exe for further insights.
Why are there numerous instances of Console Window Host processes running on the system?
You'll often notice multiple instances of the Console Window Host process running in Task Manager. Each instance of the Command Prompt spawns a Console Window Host process.
Moreover, other applications utilizing the command line will generate their own Console Window Host processes—even if you don't see an active window. A prime example is the Plex Media Server application, which operates in the background and employs the command line to make itself available on other devices within your network.
Many background-running applications function in this manner, so encountering several Console Window Host processes running concurrently is not uncommon. It's par for the course. For the most part, each process consumes minimal memory (usually under 10 MB) and virtually no CPU unless actively engaged.
Windows harbors numerous operational EXE files that often escape notice, MOM.exe being one among them. What exactly is MOM.exe? Is it a virus? If curious, delve into MOM.exe here.
If you encounter a specific instance of Console Window Host or a related service causing trouble—such as incessant CPU or RAM usage—you may investigate specific associated applications. At the very least, this can provide a starting point for troubleshooting. However, Task Manager doesn't furnish such details.
The good news is Microsoft furnishes a sophisticated tool for managing processes. Simply download Process Explorer and run it. Process Explorer is a portable application, so no installation is required (Download the software here: download Process Explorer). Offering advanced features, Process Explorer allows for deeper insights into processes. For further understanding and usage tips, consult online resources.
The simplest way to track processes using Process Explorer: first, press the Ctrl + F key combination to initiate search. Then, enter the keyword 'conhost' into the search box. From the search results list, select conhost.exe. Upon doing so, you'll observe changes in the main window displaying applications (or services) linked to specific instances of Console Window Host.
If CPU or RAM usage is abnormal, this entity is the likely culprit, and at least you've narrowed it down to a specific application.
Is this process a virus?
The process itself is an integral component of Windows. Although viruses may substitute the genuine Console Window Host with their own executable files. To verify, you can check the base file location of the process. Open Task Manager, select the Process tab, right-click on any Service Host process, and choose the Option File Location.
If the file is stored in the WindowsSystem32 directory, you can rest assured it's not a virus.
In reality, a trojan named Conhost Miner disguises itself as the Console Window Host process. In Task Manager, it appears as a legitimate process, but upon closer inspection, you'll find it stored in the %userprofile%AppDataRoamingMicrosoft directory rather than the WindowsSystem32 directory.
Essentially, this trojan is employed to 'seize control' of your computer and demand ransom. Signs of its presence include high memory usage and sustained CPU usage at very high levels (often above 80%), a major contributor to instances of CPU reaching 100% usage during system operation. Following the steps outlined by Mytour, your system will return to normal operation.
Of course, utilizing antivirus software is the best way to prevent and remove malicious software (malware) like Conhost Miner. With the quality of antivirus software available for PCs today, you need not worry about viruses or malware, and that's all you need to do to protect your computer.
Similarly, the svchost.exe process also runs extensively on the system. Can svchost.exe be disabled? Mytour's introduction to the svchost.exe process will provide further insights into this process.
