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Sihost.exe Unknown Hard Error [5 Solutions]

Sihost.exe is a critical process in the Windows directory, but it can also cause many system failures. PC users may experience problems with their Windows OS if the Sihost.exe becomes corrupt. The Sihost.exe is a core system program that supports Windows OS to function.

This article provides a detailed guide on the Sihost.exe program and how to fix any problem caused by the program.


What is sihost.Exe?

So let us dive right into it and start by understanding the Sihost.exe program and what functions it performs on your computer. The Sihost.exe is an acronym name that stands for Shell Infrastructure Host. The [.exe] file extension at the end stands for an executable file meaning that it is a system program file that executes automatically to keep your OS running smoothly.

sihost Exe overview

The program is a critical system program and stored in a secure file location for security reasons. The default system location for core programs in Windows OS is the System32 folder in Drive C.  You can expect to find the Sihost.exe program in the [C:\Windows\System32] file path.

The Sihost.exe program works in conjunction with the ShellExperienceHost.exe program in Windows 8 and above. The core function of both programs is to manage the graphical user interface (GUI) for your OS. The programs also depend on other programs like the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable Packages and are part of Microsoft Inc. programs.

The Sihost.exe program is responsible for managing selected tasks like the transparency/opacity feature on your taskbar, the wallpaper changing scheme, and the start menu display features on your OS.


Check the security of sihost.Exe

It is not easy to find the Sihost.exe program using the task manager. It is challenging to find the Sihost.exe program in the task manager because it works in conjunction with other programs, thus listed under a different name. However, the program still runs as a shell infrastructure host.

The easiest way to ascertain the authenticity of the Sihost.exe program on your PC is to check the Copyright. A quick way to look for the Copyright of a program is to locate it in its designated file path and check the properties. You can follow the procedure below to find the Copyright of the Sihost.exe program.


Check the Copyright details of the Sihost.exe program

Step 1: Start by opening the file location of the program by following the [C:\Windows\System32] file path and locating the [sihost] file.

opening the file location of the program

Step 2: Right-click on the [sihost] file and click on the Properties option.

Step 3: Click on the Details tab and ensure the Copyright for your program is the Microsoft Corporation.

Sihost properties

Another way to ascertain the authenticity of the [sihost] file is to check the file path. You can use the following steps to check the file path of your program.


Check the file path for the Sihost.exe program

Check the file path for the Sihost exe program

Step 1: Open the Drive C partition on your computer.

Step 2: Double-click on the Windows folder after opening the Drive C partition on your PC.

Step 3: Locate the System32 folder and double-click on it to open the folder.

Step 4: Ensure the [sihost] file is in the System32 folder.


Can I disable or delete it?

The Sihost.exe program is responsible for very few Windows operations. However, you cannot delete the program because it will render your OS unstable or nonfunctional. Some of the core features that rely on the Sihost.exe program include the Windows start menu, taskbar, and Cortana.


How to fix the sigost.exe error

Some common errors caused by sihost.exe include high CPU usage, the Mobile hard drive occupation, system warnings that cannot enter Windows, etc. You can try to fix them by the following methods.

1. Roll back the system backup point

You can follow the steps below to roll back your system to an earlier backup point.

Step 1: Go to the search box at the bottom left of your taskbar and type Control Panel before hitting the Enter key.

Step 2: Launch the Control panel on your PC and type recovery in the search box.

Launch the Control panel on your PC

Step 3: Select the Recovery option before clicking on the Open System Restore option.

Step 4: Go to the Restore system files and settings option and click on the Next button.

Restore system files and settings

Step 5: Pick your preferred restore point before clicking on the scan for the affected programs.

Pick your preferred restore point

Step 6: Wait for the scan to complete before seeing a list of all the programs to be removed.

Next button before finishing by clicking on the Finish button

Click on the Close button and then the Next button before finishing by clicking on the Finish button.


2. Perform a clean boot

Follow the steps below to perform a clean boot on your Windows operating system.

Step 1: Press the Windows + R key before typing [msconfig] and hitting the Enter key.

Windows + R key before typing msconfig

Step 2: Click on the Services tab and click on the checkbox next to the Hide all Microsoft services option.

Hide all Microsoft services option

Step 3: Click on the Disable all button at the bottom right of the Microsoft Configuration console.

Step 4: Click on the Startup tab and stop any programs that might cause problems using the Task Manager console.

Step 5: Click on the Ok button before clicking the Apply button.

Step 6: Complete the process by restarting your Windows PC.


3. Scan system file 

Follow the steps below to scan the system files on your PC.

Step 1: Click on the search button and type CMD. Right-click on the Command Prompt application and select the Run as Administrator option.

Command Prompt application and select the Run as Administrator option

Step 2: Click Yes if prompted for administrator privileges.

Step 3: Type [SFC /scannow] before hitting the Enter key to commence the system file scan process.

SFC -scannow command


4. Check the disk

Follow the steps below to check the disk on your Windows PC.

Step 1: Open This PC or My Computer section depending on your OS version.

Open This PC or My Computer section

Step 2: Right-click on the Drive C partition before clicking on the Properties option.

Right-click on the Drive C partition

Step 3: Click on the Tools tab before clicking the Check button.

Step 4: Select the Automatically fix file system errors option before clicking on start to commence the process.

Automatically fix file system errors


5.  Automatic system repair

Follow the steps below to repair your system automatically on your Windows PC.

Step 1: Boot your PC using the Windows bootable disk.

Boot your PC using the Windows bootable disk

Step 2: Follow the on-screen instructions until you get to the screen with the Install now option.

Step 3: Click on the Repair your computer option at the bottom left of your screen.

Click on the Repair your computer option

Step 4: Navigate to the Troubleshoot section before clicking on the Advanced options.

clicking on the Advancedoptions

Step 5: Click on the Startup Repair option and wait for the repairing process to commence.

Click on the Startup Repair option