How To Fix Killer Network Service High CPU Usage Issues

Killer Network Service is quite the conundrum amongst users, some swear by it and others think it is pretty useless. I will be explaining how to fix (and avoid) any problems the killer network service causes because that is usually the reason why people search for it. 

It is a background executable so people don’t really know about it much until something goes wrong. I will also be explaining all about it just after I explain the tips on how to fix the problems the service causes. 

What you need to know now is that the killer network service isn’t a Windows app, it doesn’t really do much of anything good (according to some experts, I say it does a little bit of good) and it isn’t classified as malware either. 

Sometimes though it might give you problems like high CPU usage, these problems can be avoided by following these tips. 

Fixing Killer Network Service Issues

Some of the fixes below are preventive measures while some can help after the damage has been done. Utilize the tips according to user preferences and enjoy better system speed. 

Fix 1:- Enabling Updates

This fix relies on the Windows Updates Service making sure that every app and process is daily updated and bugs that might sometimes store in-app processes will be wiped as updates take place on a regular basis. 

This is a preemptive solution to making sure that you avoid issues with processes that might lead to problems with the killer network service. 

Fix 2:- Using The MsConfig To Disable Network Killer Service Auto-Start

The network killer service automatically starts up every time you turn on your system if it has been wired that way. When you notice that the executable is giving you some problems, you will have to ensure the process is disabled. 

This is where Microsoft Configuration comes in. Open the MsConfig menu and check the apps and processes that auto-start and then disable the killer network service. 

MSconfig opens up the task manager where you can handle this feature.

This fix works preemptively but it also works after issues arise with the network service. 

Fix 3:- Using Restore Points

These are points in a system’s timeline when every process worked okay. The system creates automatic restore points and allows users to create a manual restore point too. 

Create restore points as you use your system so that when you encounter issues, you can easily go back to that point where your system worked well. 

You will lose quite a bit of data but then that data was probably what was hampering your system. This is also important because most times whenever our systems have issues, it is a recent app or process that caused it. 

The restore points can help maintain healthy starting points for your system. To get a restore point, follow these steps:

Type system recovery and open the control panel app. On this app, click on “Open system recovery”.

This will open up the recovery applet. Here follow the prompts to restore your computer.

Fix 4:- Using The Restore Health Command

This works for Windows 8 and above so if you’re using a Windows version that is lower, this is not the best option for you. 

Instead of tinkering with the whole operating system whenever we have issues that the killer network service caused, we can just launch the Command Prompt (admin) and input this command 

DISM.exe/online/clean-image/Restorehealth 

This command usually helps repair your system without you having to do much of anything. You will also not lose any significant data while the repair takes place. 

Fix 5:-  Using A 3rd Party Antivirus App Or Inbuilt Windows Defender

This is also a measure that guards against the killer network service issues even before they arise. I will advise users to scan daily to stay abreast of any potential threats and to also immediately uninstall apps that aren’t in use anymore. 

Another important cleanup site is the caches. There are caches for many data processes, these are files that can easily be infiltrated by malware. 

Clear these caches and you will have ensured that you limit the chances of malware issues occurring in your system. 

Fix 6:- Completely Uninstalling The KNS

This is a last-ditch fix that totally gets rid of the entire network service process. Because it is not a core Windows file, it has little or no relevance to your processes and if it is gone, you probably won’t notice it. 

You can uninstall the service by navigating to the Control Panel in your Settings menu and following the process of uninstallation. 

You can also navigate to Program and Features. Select the Killer Network Manager Suite and uninstall it. Remember to use the same process to uninstall the Killer Wireless Drivers to ensure that the uninstallation is complete. 

This method only works best if users have decided that the service is not much use to their systems. Like we earlier discussed, the jury is still out on the killer network service being a process that’s relevant. 

Fix 7:- Using The ResMon Command

Like the Restore Health fix, this command helps diagnose your system and pinpoints exactly the processes that are causing your system issues. 

This command works for most serious issues a system can face so it is a really recommended tip if you want to find out where to fix. 

This fix ensures that users don’t have to reinstall their operating systems whenever issues occur, they can just find out exactly where the problem lies. 

To use this feature, open a run dialog (Windows key +R) and type Resmon. In the applet that opens search for the process, right-click on it and end it.

Fix 8:- Using 3rd Party Apps Like Security Task Manager

What these 3rd party apps offer is access to all running Windows tasks even if the processes are hidden. In some 3rd party apps like Security Task Manager, there are features that can even rate the process based on whether it is risky to your system. 

Using these 3rd party apps can help you uncover processes that are likely malicious but normally hidden and it will help you decide which process could hurt your system. 

These steps are not just isolated to the killer network service issues, the steps essentially make sure your system is free of most issues that could make your system slow or unresponsive. 

What Exactly Is The KNS? 

This question is really subject to different opinions. I will say it mainly helps you game better. 

In tech terms, the Qualcomm Atheros KNS keeps an eye out on your network connection to enhance your online game performance. 

What Does The KNS Do?

It views all of the processes that use network connection and modifies their access to enhance your gaming experience. This is a background operation so you won’t notice much if it’s happening. 

You will only get a better network connection for your online gaming until something goes wrong and then you start looking for ways to get rid of it. 

Is The KNS Harmful?

It has earned a bad rep mainly due to two things. 

Reason 1 

Most invasive malware ensures invisibility by mirroring the name of processes like the KNS. 

The only way to know which one is the real deal and which one is harmful is to check the path. 

The path for the real and safe killer network service is 

C:\programfiles\killernetworking\killercontrolcenter 

Right-click on any executable that looks like this service and select Properties. If the path displayed is different from the one above, then the file you just clicked on is most likely malware. 

The paths that most malware or virus displays are 

C:\Windows\System32 and

C:\Windows. 

Reason 2 

Because it has its hands in so many processes (modifying other apps to ensure online gaming is enhanced), sometimes these processes might not be compatible and they may cause the killer network service to start exhibiting high CPU usage errors. 

This can be solved using the tips already explained above. The KNS is not a virus nor is it particularly essential. It is useful but it can be disabled without causing any long-term damage to your system. 

Note: Most Antivirus scans won’t even bring up this process which lends credence to it being sinister even though it is just a background process made for the purpose of enhancing online gaming. 

Conclusion 

I have explained 8 ways to fix the issues that the killer network service will sometimes cause. These fixes can be used even before you notice any problem with your systems. 

In fact, I’d advise you to use it more now that your system is okay and not wait until your system starts crashing before fixing it. 

You can uninstall the killer network service or keep it. It usually doesn’t make a big difference to systems so if you feel it is worth the trouble then you can just manage it with the preemptive fixes and ensure it does its function of enhancing your online gaming. 

If you feel it isn’t worth the hassle, disable the process following the tips suggested above. 

Have you ever had issues with the killer network service? Did any of the fixes above work for you? Do you feel like the KNS is important to systems or just harmful? We would really love to know what your views are concerning it, please use the comment section below to share your opinions.