How to Fix High Memory Usage by IPHLPSVC Service on Windows 10? – Operating systems are made up of several different processes and services, each of which performs an explicit task. Microsoft Windows 10 is one of those compound operating systems that use these services and processes monitored through Task Manager.

This article will debate one such process that can be observed through Task Manager, IPHLPSVC. Often, this process can consume significant amounts of memory and CPU, but many users do not know what it is for.

If you are experiencing excessive resource usage with the IPHLPSVC process, this article explains how to fix it.

Let’s see in detail what this process is and how you can fix its unnecessary consumption of resources.

What is IPHLPSVC?

IPHLPSVC is an acronym for Internet Protocol Helper Service. This is a legitimate Windows 10 service running in the background whose function is to provide the information requested by users concerning their network connection. This includes all information regarding the network card, IP addresses, subnets, etc. More prominently, IPv6 relies on this service to function normally.

Here is what Microsoft wants to say regarding(about) the IP helper service called Assistance IP. Windows 10 users don’t need this service normally. However, if you are a system technologist or power user, you will definitely see this process running periodically in Task Manager.

The file responsible for running this process (IP Helper service or Assistance IP) is called iphlpsvc.dll and can be found in the following location:

C drive -> Windows -> System32

Users have reported that this process hogs a significant amount of system resources for no superficial reason and slows down their devices from time to time. We will discuss some important ways to fix this issue later in the article. However, since these solutions include entirely disabling the service, whether it is safe to do so or not.

Can IPHLPSVC be safely disabled?

As mentioned, the IPHLPSVC service must obtain information regarding network connectivity on your computer and whether you are using IPv6. However, if you don’t need to perform these tasks on your computer, you can disable the IP Helper service, and it won’t affect your system.

Also, if you completely disable the service, you can always reenable it if needed in the future.

Yes, it is safe to disable IPHLPSVC if you don’t need it on your computer. All standard network protocols and services will continue to function normally after this service is disabled.

Fix high memory usage by IPHLPSVC on Windows 10

There are several ways to fix the IPHLPSVC high memory and CPU usage issue on Windows 10. Start by restarting the IP Helper service and then check if that fixes the problem.

Restart the IP Helper service

There are two ways to restart the service. One is through the Services tool, and the other is through the command line.

Restart the IP Helper service via Services

To restart the service using the Windows 10 Graphical User Interface (GUI). msc in Run ( Windows + R ).

  • Right-click on the IP Helper service and click Restart from the context menu.
  • Within seconds, the service restarts.
  • Check if the IPHLPSVC process is still consuming a significant amount of system resources.

You can also restart the service using the command line.

Restart the IP Helper service using the command line

  • To continue the IP Helper service using the command line, launch the Command Prompt with administrative rights, then type the following command to stop the service:

net stop iphlpsvc

  • The service will stop. Restart the device or service by entering the following command Prompt:

net start iphlpsvc

If that doesn’t fix the problem, try disabling the service (if you’re not using IPv6).

Disable the IPHLPSVC service (IP Helper)

Disable IPHLPSVC using the Services tool

You can use the Services to disable the service permanently. Don’t worry. It can be manually enabled in the future if needed.

  • To disable IPHLPSVC using Services, launch the tool by typing  msc in Run ( Windows + R ).
  • Right-click on the IP Helper service and click Stop from the context menu. This will temporarily stop the service.
  • To prevent it from running automatically again, right-click again and this time select Properties from the context menu.
  • In the Properties window, on the Startup type menu, select Disabled. Click Apply and OK when done.

The service is disable, and you should no longer see the process running in Task Manager, freeing up system resources.

  • If you want to reenable the service, go back to the same Properties window and select Automatic from the Startup type drop-down menu.

Disable IPHLPSVC from Registry Editor

You can also disable the service from the registry editor. However, before proceeding with the process, we recommend that you create a system restore point, as incorrect changes to the system registries could be fatal to your operating system.

  • Launch the Registry Editor by typing or entering “Reged it in Run”  as administrator, then paste the following pathway into the address bar at the topmost of the window:

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iphlpsvc

  • Double-click Start in the right pane.
  • In the dialog box that seems, select the Decimal radio button and type 4 under the Value data
  • Once you’re done, click OK.
  • Restart your laptop or computer for the variations to take effect.

The IPHLPSVC process is no longer running in Task Manager.

  • If you want to reenable the service, all you have to do is access the registry editor the same way, change Value data back to 2, and restart the computer.

Conclusion

Some corrupted system files can frequently cause certain processes to consume more system resources than usual. If so, you can also try installing pending Windows updates or performing a System File Checker (SFC) scan.