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
    2014-04-13T03:57:21+00:00

    Dear Ron!

    This Store Broker issue Got killed up following your instructions.

    A genius you are, Really made it.

    Goodos Gentleman!

    Thanks a lot.

    Enjoyed

    SRSS

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-04-10T14:26:24+00:00

    Just wanted to thank Ron very much indeed.

    I can confirm providing a new blank <Cache> folder works on Surface RT running windows 8.1. We can now access the Store using the original user account and Store Broker is no longer hogging the CPU.

    You do have to stop both Store and Store Broker in the task list first and then carry out the change relatively quickly (i.e. before Store Broker starts itself up again). I didn't use the text block, but just navigated to the folder using explorer and renamed the <Cache> folder as <Cache-Old> and then created a new <Cache> folder. Loading the Store for the first time took nearly half a minute, so be patient...

    The really scary thing in all this was the total lack of help from MS. Online help and call backs were a complete waste of time. Glad I came across this thread after noticing the Store Broker issue.

    Cheers again Ron.

    Simon

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