Fix wmpnetwk.exe High Memory and CPU Usage in Windows

It could be a virus or malware

TheWindows Media Player (WMP)has a media sharing functionality that allows you to stream your PC’s media library to other devices over a network. Wmpnetwk.exe is the process that handles the media sharing service in the background.

When you enable media sharing on WMP for the first time, wmpnetwk.exe starts indexing your media library immediately. You may notice aspike in CPU usage during this operation, or when streaming media files to other devices.

That should plunge as soon as your files are indexed successfully. If wmpnetwk.exe continues to hog system resources when you aren’t sharing media files, jump to the troubleshooting steps below. But first, verify the safety and legitimacy of the wmpnetwk.exe file.

Wmpnetwk.exe Could Be a Virus or Malware

Avirus or trojancan camouflage itself as the legitimate wmpnetwk.exe program file to infect your computer. So before anything else, verify that the wmpnetwk.exe slowing down your computer is the genuine program file.

Launch the Task Manager, go to theDetailstab, right-clickwmpnetwk.exe, and selectProperties.
In the General tab, ensure the file location readsC:\Program Files\Window Media Player.

If the file is outside this folder, it’s most likely a malicious program camouflaged as wmpnetwk.exe. Run the file through your anti-malware scanner or delete it from your device immediately. However, if wmpnetwk.exe is in the appropriate location, the troubleshooting steps below should fix the problem.

To resolve the issue with wmpnetwk.exe using high memory or CPU resources, we recommend terminating the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service. Press theWindows key+Rto launch the Windows Run box. Typeservicesin the dialog box and selectOK.

That’ll launch the Windows Services Manager. Scroll through the services on the list, right-click “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service” and selectStop.

Head to the Task Manager and verify that Windows stopped the service. Reboot your computer and check the Task Manager in about 5 – 20 minutes. If the wmpnetwk.exe exploit has relaunched or otherwise continues running in the background, jump to the next troubleshooting step to change its startup behavior.

By default, Windows will start the wmpnetwk.exe process automatically about 2 minutes after your PC and other important services start. This is known as a “Delayed Start.”

The ripple effect of this startup type is that wmpnetwk.exe may linger in the background—endlessly consuming high memory and causing high CPU usage—even when you aren’t using the Windows Media Player.

Configuring the WMP Network Sharing Service to only run when you manually start it should resolve the problem. Open the Windows Services Manager and double-click “Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service.”

Select theStartup typedrop-down button and selectManualfrom the options.

Afterward, selectApplyand then selectOKto save the change.

Configuring the WMP network sharing service to startup manually is a temporary fix, especially if you don’t use Windows Media Player. Disabling the service is a much better alternative.

You won’t be able to stream or share content to networked devices using Windows Media Player. But that shouldn’t be a problem since you don’t use the app, right? Besides, you can always re-enable the service any time in the future.

Open the Windows Services Manager, double-clickWindows Media Player Network Sharing Service, select theStartup typedrop-down button, and selectDisabled.

4. Turn Off Media Streaming

If wmpnetwk.exe encounters a problem while indexing or streaming your media files, it could get stuck in the background. Disabling media streaming should solve the problem, especially if you don’t plan to stream your media files with other devices.

Launch the Windows Media Player, select theStreamdrop-down option at the top-right corner, and selectMore streaming options.
Alternatively,open the Windows Control Panel, selectNetwork and Sharing Center, and selectMedia streaming optionson the sidebar.
Finally, uncheck theAllowedbox next to “Media programs on this PC and remote connections” and selectOKto save the change.

That’ll disable media streaming on your local network and stop the wmpnetwk.exe process from running in the background.

5. Uninstall Windows Media Player

You’ll never have to deal with the wmpnetwk.exe menace if you remove Windows Media Player from your computer. It’s a permanent solution to the problem—like unrooting a weed from your garden.

Consider uninstalling Windows Media Player in the unlikely event that none of the troubleshooting steps above fixed the problem. Or, if you usethird-party media playersor servers likeVLC, Quicktime, Plex, or Kodi.

Launch the Control Panel, selectPrograms and Features, and selectTurn Windows features on or off.
Expand the Media Feature folder, uncheckWindows Media Player, and selectOK.
SelectYeson the confirmation prompt to proceed. You may need to provide your account credentials during the process.

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Restart your PC for the changes to take effect. If you ever need to reinstall the app, refer to this guide ondownloading Windows Media Player 12 for Windows.

Did terminating wmpnetwk.exe resolve the high memory or CPU usage issues? Or did you have to stop or disable the process? Let us know which one did the trick.

Sodiq has written thousands of tutorials, guides, and explainers over the past 4 years to help people solve problems with Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows devices. He also enjoys reviewing consumer tech products (smartphones, smart home devices, accessories, etc.) and binge-watching comedy series in his spare time.Read Sodiq’s Full Bio

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Fix wmpnetwk.exe High Memory and CPU Usage in Windows#

Wmpnetwk.exe Could Be a Virus or Malware#

1. Stop the Windows Media Player Network Sharing Service#

2. Disable Automatic Startup for the WMP Network Sharing Service#

3. Disable the App’s Network Sharing Service#

4. Turn Off Media Streaming#

5. Uninstall Windows Media Player#