Why does Store Broker (wshost.exe) keep killing my CPU?

Anonymous
2014-01-24T23:58:25+00:00

I've got a new Windows 8 machine and, for some reason, the Store Broker keeps pegging my CPU. It seems to pop up every time I do anything with the Windows Store (makes sense) or use some Metro apps (also makes sense). However, for some reason, this process takes up 33% of my CPU and never lets go of it once it starts. This causes the machine to get hot which causes the fan to come on and the combination drastically reduces my battery life (from 11hrs to 3).

Aside from frequently checking for and killing this app, is there anything else I can do about this? Is anyone else having this problem? Is it a misconfiguration on my end? I'm running this on a new Surface Pro 2.

Thanks!

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2014-03-19T01:17:01+00:00

I SOLVED this. At least for myself. It's been a 3-day journey. Argh!

The upshot is this:

Kill Store and Store Broker from task list.

Rename the Cache folder to CacheOld at:

C:\Users(Your User Account)\AppData\Local\Packages\WinStore_cw5n1h2txyewy\LocalState

(Your WinStore_gobblygook might be a different bunch of gobbblygook)

Create an empty folder called Cache.

Solved! For me anyway.

Enjoy,

Ron

PS

I have been at this for days. I've read every article and post everywhere. I have updated graphics drivers, set date and time, run wsreset, sfc /scannnow, created new user account (store did work for new account), app troubleshooter, etc, etc, etc...

Today I just started digging around and looking at dates. I don't have log files to back this up but I believe I broke Store with CCleaner. I'm not sure exactly when the Store broke so this is a best guess but it makes some sense since Ccleaner does clean Store cache.

I also recently installed Tor Browser but my gut is that that was totally unrelated.

I might create a sandbox user and try to break Store with Ccleaner to confirm. But honestly I am tired of this little adventure.

Was this answer helpful?

20+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

220 additional answers

Sort by: Newest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-28T23:39:42+00:00

    DonDuvalXO: My StoreBroker issue was with Windows 8.1.  I didn't hear the issue happening with Windows 8. 

    I got a brand new Acer Aspire laptop a few weeks ago. Came with Windows 8, but updated it immediately with the free Win 8.1 update, and that's when the problems began. Turned off the microsoft store with the patch, and no issue whatsoever. I don't plan on using the store in any case, as I hate the Metro Interface on a laptop and stick to the classic Win interface. 

    So yeah, the reg file should definitely fix your problem for the time being, if you don't mind deactivating the Microsoft Store. I don't understand why Microsoft hasn't officially addressed this yet. It's a MAJOR issue, and it's widespread.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-28T23:36:20+00:00

    Laurencerb, 

    From the looks of it, you downloaded the file in your default download folder.  Try to find the .reg file, or just download the file again by right clicking with your browser on the download link, and use the "Save target as..." option in the contextual menu.  

    Then, a dialog box will open to let you choose where you want to save the file. Save it on the desktop or any other place you can easily access. Once it's done, you can proceed to click the reg file and merge it with your registry.  Then, you reboot, and your problems are gone, as the Microsoft Store is disabled until you activate it again with the other .reg file on the website that was mentioned before. 

    Let me know if that helps. Good luck :)

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2014-02-28T23:35:12+00:00

    If you double-clicked the file, just reboot.  Store should be closed when it restarts.

    Hey, Twomby...  I'm assuming the .reg file you posted works for 8.1 as well as 8.  Can you verify that?  

    Turning off the auto updates in the Store didn't work so I'm just going to shut it down.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2014-02-28T23:28:37+00:00

    Do I need to reboot? Try it again? Bit lost now. Even the simplest thing as pressing a button doesn't seem to work for me these days!

    H-h-h-help?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments