Service Host: Web Account Manager using 70+% of CPU

Question

I noticed that the fan on my laptop (Thinkpad Yoga X1) running Windows 10 was running at full speed, which was draining the battery quickly.  At the same time noticed a sharp drop off in performance on the machine.  (I was waiting for the applications to catch up with the keystrokes, etc.)

I the looked at the task manager and noticed a process called Service Host:Web Account Manager using most of the CPU capacity.  See below. 

If I stop the process, the fan slows down, the applications and  internet browser return to their normal self.  But, when I restart the machine, this Web Account Manager returns along with the degraded performance.  Do I need this process, and if not, can I disable it?  Or, it this situation a result of something else going on.  (This started back after a recent update I did.  I tried to restore, but it wasn't successful.) 

Any help or suggestions are appreciated.   

Answer 1

By shut off, I mean in Services.msc to choose the service to Disable and Turn Off.

More here about it: http://batcmd.com/windows/10/services/tokenbroker/

Answer 2

Hi Steve. I'm Greg, an installation specialist and 8 year Windows MVP, here to help you.

It's a new service added in Fall Creators Update Version 1709 so your PC may have a conflict. Did you notice when this began? Was it after Fall Creators Update Version 1709 installed or a later Update? If a later Update you can try rolling back System Restore to before then or uninstalling it in Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update > Installed Update History to test if it corrects. If not then I'd shut off the service and see if you have any problems without it.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

Answer 3

Greg - Thank you so much for the quick response.

I tried the restore before posting the message, but got and error message.  So, I have disabled that process in the Services.  Seems to have done the trick - CPU usage has dropped significantly to a more manageable level, the fan is no longer running out of control, and the application usage is back to the normal responsiveness. 

Doesn't sound like that application/process is required, yes/no?, for the machine to operate.  I haven't rebooted the machine yet.

Thank you again for the help and quick response!

Best regards,

Steve

Answer 4

With the latest build and update the problem has disappeared. I'm thinking Microsoft saw this and made the fix.

Answer 5

But by disable it i can't access my apps and games that use my Microsoft account (like xbox apps and games)

P.S. sorry for my bad english i'm italian