Windows Store Broker problem: very high CPU usage

Anonymous
2014-02-24T10:36:33+00:00

Starting several weeks ago (January 2014) the task Windows Store Broker (wshost.exe) starts randomly and quickly climbs up to 50-60% CPU usage - even if no "Metro" apps are running and I haven't opened the Windows Store. I can end the task in the Task Manager yet it starts again within minutes and begins using 50%of my CPU again. (See screenshot).

Full anti-virus scan reveals no problems.

Resetting the Windows Store (wsreset.exe) doesn't solve the issue.

I searched the Windows\WinSxS directory and found wshost.exe in 3 places. One of them was updated January 17, 2014. My guess is that this update caused the problem.

Anyone else having the same issue?

Anyone found a solution?

Is Microsoft aware of the issue and working on a solution?

My only resort for now is to disable the Windows Store via a registry entry to avoid my laptop continually overheating due to extremely high CPU usage.

I appreciate any help.

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

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Anonymous
2014-03-19T01:40:43+00:00

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

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Anonymous
2014-12-31T04:32:09+00:00

It may be necessary to show both Hidden, and System Files, and also to uncheck "Hide known file types" in Control Panel/ Folder Options/ View, to navigate to the mentioned AppData location.

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Anonymous
2014-12-31T01:56:03+00:00

Select Options.

Folder options should appear:

Click the View tab then select "Show hidden files, folders and drives"

Select OK.

Proceed to Appdata

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-26T09:12:39+00:00

    Installing the optional windows update kb2919394 seems to have fixed this problem for me.  Since I've rebooted, I've opened the windows store, updated metro apps and opened all of the native MS metro apps, all without the Store Broker service starting up and eating cpu cycles.  I guess I'll start paying a little closer attention to the "optional" windows updates. :)

    Hi hi. I also installed optional update and hasn't fixed it for me. Also I have no clock apps, have been checking all instances of failure. Clock app from 2012 caused problems! I'm hoping that as store broker running CPUs high for the last 2 years with same problem that there is now an answer to it. Have tried all the tricks. New laptop, no disk prob, no viruses, no malware all works well apart from store broker in CPU and store app doesn't work, neither app updates, can't even download Facebook. Any definitive answer to this will gain my undying gratitude. Getting back the last 2 days of my life might be a little harder though :)

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-02-26T13:58:26+00:00

    Hello,

    I am having similar problem.

    Store Broker keeps turning itself on and using 99 percent of my CPU when I open Store. If I don't open windows Store it also turns on. It is random and I have to keep ending it in task manager to stop my laptop overheating.

    In Store I cannot update Apps. Always 'pending'. Also cannot download Apps

    Through all of my googling of this problem I have tried most things. 

    I have no malware, no viruses, no problem with disk or other hardware, no clock apps (which caused similar problem for lots of people in 2012). I have updated drivers and windows all up to date (apart from apps of course)

    Did this: sfc /scannow

    And this:  wsreset.exe

    This: check logs

    Also this: Download the apps troubleshooter

    IN ADDITION:

    Fix Store App in Windows 8.1

    http://blogs.msdn.com/b/notime/archive/2013/10/21/10

    •Sometimes, after upgrading to Windows 8.1, the Store App may not start. PREINSTALLED W8.1

    •It might still show the number of available updates on the Live Tile. THE TILE IS LIVE.

    •Starting the app may show a progress ring but it may not finish loading. YES

     

    •To fix this, run the following in a Command Window (CMD) to re-register the Store App:

    powershell -ExecutionPolicy Unrestricted Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register $Env:SystemRoot\WinStore\AppxManifest.xml

    DIDN'T WORK FOR ME (ALTHOUGH DID FOR A LOT OF PEOPLE APPARENTLY)

    Do you dabble with Registry Cleaners or "Boosters"?  They often cause weird problems.

    NOTHING NEW INSTALLED EXCEPT AVAST 2014 (NOW UNINSTALLED AS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON THEME TO THIS PROBLEM).

    Win8: App: Modern: Apps fail to start if default registry or file permissions modified

    http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2798317

    What if you test with another Windows user rather than the current user?

    Store will open fine and not cause problems when I open with new user with local account

    How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8

    http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/929135

    READING OTHER PEOPLES ACCOUNTS SHOWS ME THAT THIS HASN'T WORKED FOR ANYONE SO FAR. NOR HAS REFRESHING COMPUTER.

    Really hope someone can help me (and many others) with this.

    Any ideas please?

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