Killer Network Service: Fix High CPU Usage in 3 Steps! ⚡🖥️

Recently, many Windows users have reported problems due to the Killer Network Service (KNS). Sometimes, it causes a spike in disk usage; other times, it simply runs in the background and consumes memory. 😩

What is Killer Network Service?

Like other Microsoft services, the Killer Network Service (KNS) is a silent, background service for Intel Wi-Fi cards that focuses on improving the gaming experience. 🎮

If you see the Killer Network Service in your Task Manager, your laptop or PC likely has an Intel Killer Wireless card. Killer cards are ideal for gaming and improve game performance.

This service is primarily found on gaming laptops, providing low latency while playing over Wi-Fi. 🚀

Is Killer Network Service a virus?

In short, NO! The Killer Network Service is not a virus or malware. It's simply a completely legitimate and safe background process. If any antivirus software flags it as malware or a virus, it's a false positive.

However, if you're not using an Intel Killer gaming-grade Wi-Fi card and the Killer Network Service appears in Task Manager, it could be a virus or malware.

Sometimes, malware disguises itself as a Windows service and tricks you into thinking it's a legitimate process. If you're suspicious, you should check the process. 🔍

If the Killer Network Service in Windows is using your PC's resources for an extended period of time, it may be a virus or malware. Typically, the process is located in C:\Program Files\KillerNetworking\KillerControlCenter. Therefore, if the program is not in the same path, you should remove it as soon as possible.

Can you stop the Killer Network Service?

There's not just one option, but several! You can choose to stop the service completely or uninstall it. 👌

1. Stop Killer Network Service using Windows Services

This method will use the Windows Services application to stop the Killer Network Service. Stopping the service will immediately resolve the high disk or CPU usage. Here's what to do.

First, press the keys Windows + R on your keyboard.
This will open the RUN dialog box. Type services.msc and press Enter.
In Windows Services, look for the Killer Network Service.
Double click on Killer Network Service. In the service status, select Arrest.
Once this is done, click on the button Apply and close the Windows Services application.

After making the above changes, restart your Windows computer. This will stop the Killer Network Service from running on your PC. 🔄

2. Switch to a High Performance Plan

Your Windows PC offers multiple power plans, and selecting the right one can significantly affect your computer's performance.

If Killer Network Services is slowing down Windows, you can try switching to a High Performance Plan. This plan adjusts some settings to improve performance, although it consumes more battery. Here's how to switch to a High Performance plan.

1. First, click on Windows search and type 'Control Panel'. Then, open the Control Panel application from the list.

2. When the Control Panel opens, click on Power Options.

3. In Power Options, select 'High Performance'

After making the changes, restart your Windows computer to see if the Killer Network Service high CPU usage has been resolved.

3. Uninstall Killer Network Service from the Control Panel

If you can't stop Killer Network Service, you can uninstall it directly from the Control Panel. 🛠️

1. Click on Windows Search and type Control Panel. Then open the Control Panel app. Control Panel from the list.

2. When the Control Panel opens, click on Programs and features.

3. Now, under Programs and Features, click on Uninstall a program.

4. Now, locate Killer Network Manager Suite. Right-click on it and select Uninstall.

5. You should also uninstall Killer Wireless drivers from the Control Panel.

After uninstalling both programs, the Killer Network Service will no longer appear in your Windows Task Manager. ✌️

4. Stop Killer Network Service using Resource Monitor

Resource Monitor is an advanced version of Task Manager in your Windows operating system. You can also use it to stop the Killer Network Service. Here's what to do.

1. Press the keys Windows + R to open the dialog box RUN.

2. When the RUN dialog box opens, type resmon and press Enter.

3. This will open the Resource Monitor. You need to find the Killer Network Service.

4. Right-click on the Killer Network Service and select 'End Process'

After making the changes, close Resource Monitor on your computer. 🔚

5. Run the DISM command

The DISM command will restore your operating system to health. This will not stop or uninstall the Killer Network Service. If you believe the service has already corrupted your Windows files, follow this method.

1. Click Windows Search and type Command Prompt. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

2. When the Command Prompt opens, execute the command which we have shared below:

DISM.exe /online /clean-image /Restorehealth

3. This will restore your operating system to health. You should wait until the process is complete.

If DISM didn't help, you can try running the System Checker SFC command. Archives of the System. 🛡️

6. Return to a previous restore point

Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer the option to create a restore point. Restore points can return your operating system to a previously working state. 🔄

This is part of the System Protection feature and does its job very well. We've already shared a detailed guide on how to create a restore point.

Additionally, you can set up a Automatic restore point on your Windows 10/11 computer/laptop.

If you already have a restore point, type Recovery into the Start menu and follow the on-screen instructions to return to a previous restore point. 🔙

7. Update the operating system

Having an updated operating system is key to maximizing performance. If you feel that the Killer Network Service is slowing down your PC, you can easily disable it. 🖥️

However, if you suspect your system's slowdown is due to a bug, updating your operating system may help. Go to Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates to update Windows.

This guide is about the Killer Network Service and whether you should disable it. We've tried to answer all your related questions. If you need more help disabling it on Windows, let us know in the comments below. ✉️