How to Fix the Error "Svchost.exe Service Host: Local System (Network Restricted)"?

Svchost.exe is a non-stop process on the Windows operating system. Svchost means “service host”, a center collecting various services in Windows. Many programs can independently perform files as executable, such as .exe. However, most of services are displayed in the form of DLL which cannot run separately. Therefore, svchost will load and perform these services. For example, Windows Update is one of the component services in svchost.exe. One or more services can be inside a svchost.exe instance.

The process of svchost.exe is organized by the logical groups. These groups are classified as the system, local services and network services, all of which are compiled as .dll. Since it is service, it still runs in the background and waits for making response even though no user logs in the account or uses the system.

The error “svchost.exe service host: local system (network restricted)” occurs because the service host contains many Windows services and component services. One or more running services will take up the large amount of CPU, RAM and the other resources. However, as 90% of the disk has been used up, this error should be fixed. Or, the extremely high usage will damage the computer.

The error often appears in Windows 8 and Windows 10. If the svchost.exe service host: local system (network restricted) error leads your computer to become stuck or even corrupted, you can refer to the below methods to fix.

1. Scan virus

First, you should check whether the svchost.exe is attacked by virus. In some cases, the virus-carried programs will sustain the hidden status in the name of svchost. If the file is stored in the Windows/system 32 folder, it is basically not a virus. But it is suggested that you scan the computer with the anti-virus software.

2. Open Task Manager

For Windows 8/10 users, it is outdated to use the command lines or Process Explorer to check. Next, we will introduce the quick method:

① Press [Ctrl + Shift + ESC] to open Task Manager. In the tab [Processes], scroll down to find [Windows processes].

② Expand [Service Host: Local Service (Network Restricted)] and view each item.

If the item is not part of the Windows processes, like Windows Update and Windows firewall, you can end the task. But the error is usually related to the Windows processes.

If you want to fix the svchost.exe error, please try these methods:

Superfetch service is responsible for pre-loading data from hard disk to RAM. Although it can improve the computer’s performance, the process often uses lots of CPU. It is suggested that you disenable the service and check if it helps to solve the problem.

① In the Windows search box, type [services] and choose [Services] from the results.

② When in Services, find [Superfetch], right-click on it and choose [Stop]. Finally, restart the computer.

Corrupted or deleted system files may be the reason for Service host: Local system (Network restricted) error. Therefore, running SFC and DISM scans help to restore these files and fix the error.

① Search [cmd] in the Windows search box. Then, right-click at it and select [Run as administrator].

② In the Command Prompt, type [sfc /scannow] and click Enter.

③ The scan should finish in about 10 minutes. If some issues were detected and fixed, you will see the result.

④ If SFC scan was ineffective, you should run DISM scan:

Run Command Prompt as administrator again, but type the following command and press Enter: [DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth]. After a few minutes, if the issue has not be solved, you should proceed with the third method.

Sometimes, the problems of Windows Updates may be the reason for the Service host: Local system (Network restricted) error. Therefore, you can run the troubleshooter to test if there is something wrong.

① Press [Win + I] and open [Settings].

② In Settings, navigate to [Update & Security].

③ Open [Troubleshoot] > [Windows Update] > [Run the troubleshooter].

④ When the scan is over, check whether the error exists.