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

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.

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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
    2014-03-13T06:11:05+00:00

    I think this is update that we are pinning are hopes on to fix some of what ails Windows 8.1.

    A major update to Windows 8.1 is soon to be released, perhaps things will improve after such update but don't hold your breath.

    Windows 8.1 Update 1 hits RTM

    http://www.pcpro.co.uk/news/385750/windows-8-1-update-1-hits-rtm

    https://www.google.com.au/search?q=major+update+coming+for+windows+8.1&sourceid=ie7&rls=com.microsoft:en-AU:IE-Address&ie=&oe=&gfe_rd=ctrl&ei=yLMgU-2tMeHC8gfw7YGACw&gws_rd=cr

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-03-13T02:48:34+00:00

    See companion thread:

    http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-performance/why-does-store-broker-wshostexe-keep-killing-my/4c878d5d-de09-4648-b844-834383f447f3?page=15&tm=1394678809052#LastReply

    Disabling Windows Store via registry is the only thing that has worked long-term.  Mar 12 updates did not resolve the issue.  BTW, I also see 100% Disk Activity along with Store Broker high CPU.  Moreover, Store does not work and image tiles of Apps to the right of the Store start screen remain blank.  I think it is because of computer is bogged down by Broker.

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