3 Simple Ways to Find dasHost.exe Issues and Resolve Them

dasHost.exe device association host

dasHost.exe = Device Association Host

dasHost.exe is a genuine system file which is a part of the Microsoft Windows OS. This file is an integral part of Operating System starting from Windows 8 which released back in 2012.

This file runs the Device Association Framework Provider Host service, which is used when communicating with devices. It enables pairing between the system and wired or wireless devices.

In simple words, it essential when you are connecting external devices (wired and wireless) like a Printer, mouse, Pendrive, External drive etc.

Generally, this file should not cause any problems. But if it is affecting your system performance like high CPU usage, system lags, etc. then you can follow this guide to resolve issues.

Is dasHost.exe a virus?

In a normal situation, NO.

dasHost.exe is a part of a system process called “Device Association Framework Provider Host” and is entirely safe.

But, there could be chances that some malware has masked as dasHost.exe and is acting as a legitimate file. In the next few sections, I will tell you how you can identify if its a threat or not and remove it.

How to confirm if its a virus or not?

Follow these three methods to check if your dasHost.exe file is a virus or not.

1: Check the file Location

The correct file location for dasHost.exe file is C:\Windows\System32\dasHost.exe.

If you have found this file on any other location, especially under program files, then it might be a virus.

Windows 8 and its successor operating systems need this file for proper working.

If you have found this file in any older OS like Windows 7 or Vista, then its definitely a virus. Follow the next section to remove it from your system.

dasHost.exe file location
dasHost.exe file location

You can check the location by using the below method.

  • Open task manager.
  • Go to the processes tab.
  • Right-click on the dasHost.exe file and click on the open file location.
  • You press Ctrl + L to check the path as mentioned above where C:\ is the drive letter on which you OS is present.

2: Check the file name

This file may infect your system either by external storage devices or when downloading a file over the internet.

The chances of getting infected with such viruses are while downloading a PDF, a song, movies, game etc.

Name of the malicious files are not the same but creates a mirage. e.g. facebook.com sometimes masked as facebook.corn in Phishing attacks.

Similarly, the file might be masked not exactly like dasHost.exe but with a little and not much visible change in the file name.

  • dash0st.exe
  • dahost.exe
  • deshost.exe
  • dashosl.exe etc.

You get the idea.

So, if you find any kind of similar files, even at C:\Windows\System32\ location, follow the steps explained in the last section to remove it.

3: Check the file size

Sometimes, the file size can also give you a rough idea about the issues with the file.

Have you ever generally encountered with a jpeg image file in your PC with more than 100Mb size? No right. But if you have it, you might want to check it for the sake of curiosity.

Similarly, the average size of dasHost.exe file would be around 65Kb – 100Kb depending upon the version.

If you have different size, then you might want to get it scanned with a malware cleaner.

How to resolve issues or delete dasHost.exe file?

1. Temporarily disabling the dasHost.exe

You can temporarily disable the Device Association Framework Provider Host service through task manager.

It is the easiest method to resolve the issue and check the impact on PC behaviour.

  • Open the task manager by right-clicking on the taskbar.
  • Right-click on the Device Association Framework Provider Host service and click on End Task.
    Device Association Framework end task
    Device Association Framework – End Task
  • If this doesn’t work then click the Go to details option, after the right-clicking the same service.
  • Then right-click dasHost.exe from the Details tab, and select End process tree.

2. Removing issues using Malware Scanner.

One of the best solution to be safe from viruses and future malware issues is to use a malware scanner.

Malwarebyte features
Malwarebyte features

Malwarebyte is an excellent malware scanner that I would recommend to install in your machine. Complete a full scan of your PC and resolve all the issues mentioned by the software.

3. Removing using an Antivirus Program

Antivirus programs have an extensive database of known viruses and are always updated from time to time.

It is a mandatory software which should be present and updated regularly.

These are smart programs that keep you away from future threats and keep systems safe before these viruses can cause any damage.

Scan the dasHost.exe file with antivirus
Scan the dasHost.exe file with antivirus

Try manually scanning your file with a virus scanner. There will be an option to browse either from antivirus dashboard or from the right-click menu.

4. Scheduling a Boot-time scan

This method is the best way to find and eradicate the viruses or malware from your machine.

If a virus is keeping a hold of any process and is not allowing the antivirus to run a scan on it or delete it, then this method is perfect.

Boot-Time scan
Boot-Time scan

In boot-time scan mode, the antivirus scans your PC before Windows OS starts loading the applications. It examines the files and shows options to neutralize the threat.

5. Manually deleting the file

If none of the above methods has worked for you so far, then you can try this method.

And If you are 100% sure that file does not belong to a particular location, then you can delete it. Just right click on the file and click delete.

What’s next?

If you are facing slowness or lags in PC, then you should check for driver updates. There might be issues with the driver compatibility, especially with Windows 10.

Try updating your drivers using the device manager and recheck your system performance. Updating drivers might resolve some common issues like

  • dasHost.exe has stopped working
  • dasHost.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close.

Conclusion

Device Association Framework Provider Host process or dasHost.exe file is a crucial part of the system.

If infected by a virus, can easily take control of the network and cause loss of data and damage the system.

It is essential to check for issues regularly and always keep your antivirus programs up to date.

These small updates which we ignore very quickly can save us from a big blunder. This saying in medical can also be applied in Computer security too.

Precaution is better than Cure.

If you have any issues or suggestions, do let us know through the comments section below. I will love to hear from you.