High CPU Usage Caused by Network List Service: Troubleshooting Guide

Even with minimal programs running, your computer might experience high CPU usage. While sometimes this resolves itself, other times, manual intervention is necessary, particularly when the Network List Service is the culprit. This guide provides solutions to fix this issue.

The Network List Service helps Windows manage and identify available networks, notifying applications of network property changes and displaying network status in the system tray. High CPU usage from this service can stem from malware, incorrect network configurations, corrupted drivers, or other factors.

Here are several methods to resolve the netprofm.dll high CPU error:

Method 1: Run the Network Troubleshooter

Windows' built-in network troubleshooter can often quickly identify and fix network connectivity problems.

1. Press Win I to open Windows Settings.
2. Go to Network & Internet > Status, then locate and select Network troubleshooter.

The troubleshooter will automatically scan for issues and provide suggested fixes.

Method 2: Update or Reinstall the Network Driver

A faulty network driver is a common cause of this problem. Updating or reinstalling it can resolve the issue.

1. Right-click the Windows icon and select Device Manager.
2. Expand Network adapters and locate the problematic driver.
3. Right-click the driver and choose Update driver.
4. Select Search automatically for drivers.

Windows will search for and install the latest driver. If this doesn't work, right-click the driver again, select Uninstall device, and restart your computer. The driver will reinstall automatically.

Method 3: Run System File Checker (SFC)

A corrupted netprofm.dll file can also cause high CPU usage. The System File Checker can repair corrupted system files.

1. Press Win R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type cmd, then press Ctrl Shift Enter to run Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Method 4: Perform System Restore

System Restore can revert your system to a previous state, but only if you have created restore points beforehand.

1. Search for "Control Panel" and open it.
2. In the "View by" menu, select "Large icons" and choose Recovery.
3. Select Open System Restore and click Next.
4. Choose a suitable restore point and click Next.

5. Review the information and click Finish to begin the restore process. Do not interrupt this process.

Data Recovery Considerations:

While System Restore usually doesn't delete files, some users report data loss. If you experience this, use data recovery software like MiniTool Power Data Recovery to retrieve lost files. The free version allows recovery of up to 1GB of data.

Conclusion:

These methods should help resolve high CPU usage caused by the Network List Service. Remember to back up important data before attempting any significant system changes.