backgroundTaskHost.exe

Windows ProcessMicrosoft Corporation

Also called backgroundtaskhost, background task host

WindowsSystem Component

Background Task Host. It runs background work registered by Microsoft Store and other packaged apps.

What you need to know

This runs Store-app background work. taskhostw.exe is the scheduled-task DLL host.

backgroundTaskHost.exe executes background tasks that packaged apps register. Mail sync, tile updates, and VoIP keep-alives use it. It is not Host Process for Windows Tasks.

Safe?: Yes, in System32
Why is it waking the PC?: A packaged app registered a task
Same as taskhostw?: No. This one is for app background tasks

Feex says

If the laptop wakes and this host is the name, I look at which Store app registered the trigger. I do not delete System32\backgroundTaskHost.exe.

What is backgroundTaskHost.exe?

backgroundTaskHost.exe is the host process for packaged-app background tasks. The app declares a trigger. Windows starts this host, runs the task, then can exit.

What does it do?

It is a sandbox host, not the app UI. RuntimeBroker.exe brokers capabilities. ApplicationFrameHost.exe draws the window when the app is in the foreground.

Why is it running?

A trigger fired: timer, push, system event, or user presence. Mail and messaging apps are frequent callers. A host that never exits may be a stuck task.

Is it safe?

Usually safe

The legitimate host is in System32. Background tasks can still be annoying. Annoying is not the same as a fake exe in Temp.

A legitimate copy normally runs from:

C:\Windows\System32\backgroundTaskHost.exe

Expected publisher: Microsoft Corporation
Inspect the app identity, not only the host name
Different from taskhostw.exe

Can I end it?

OK for a stuck task

Ending the host cancels that background run. The app will register again. Use Settings > Apps to stop a package that keeps waking the PC.

Can I remove it?

Do not delete backgroundTaskHost.exe. You would break background work for every packaged app.

Should it start with Windows?

Triggers start it. Battery settings and Background apps permissions are the supported controls.

Normal resource behavior

These are contextual labels, not universal averages.

CPU: Short spikes per task
Memory: Small per run
Disk: Depends on the app
Network: Common for mail and chat packages

File information

backgroundTaskHost.exe file information
Executable name	backgroundTaskHost.exe
Common legitimate path	C:\Windows\System32\backgroundTaskHost.exe
Publisher	Microsoft Corporation
Signature expectation	Signed by Microsoft Windows

Common problems

Laptop wakes every few minutes

Look at Background apps and the last package that ran. The host is the container.

Confused with Task Scheduler

Classic scheduled exe tasks do not need this host. They use the task image or taskhostw.

Troubleshooting

Diagnose before you change anything destructive.

Settings > Apps > the package > battery

Restrict background activity there. Process killers will not un-register the trigger.

Do not disable the host file

You would break every package at once.

Technical details

backgroundTaskHost.exe technical details
Image name	backgroundTaskHost.exe
Role	Packaged app background task host

Sources and verification

Reviewed by Feex editorial. Last verified August 2026 Status: Feex Reviewed. How we research.

Microsoft Learn: Background tasks · Packaged app background tasks
Microsoft Support: Windows · Public support naming
Foxhole process map · First-party samples on Windows PCs. Not a lab benchmark.

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