Fix High CPU Usage by Local Service No Network Firewall

If your server is running unresponsive with high CPU usage attributed to something called ‘Local Service (No Network)’, then it is probably an issue with Windows Firewall.

High CPU Symptoms include:

Applications & Windows Services not starting
Windows Service Distributed Transaction Coordinator stuck in “Starting” state
Attempts to go into Control Panel > Windows Firewall result in nothing happening and/or the explorer process hanging

Steps to resolve:

You can try to correct this by resetting the Firewall:

Run CMD.exe as Administrator
Use the command:
```
netsh advfirewall reset
```

If this process also hangs then try:

Using regedit go to path:

HKLM\System\CurrentControlSet\Services\SharedAccess\Parameters\FirewallPolicy

Rename Key FirewallRules to something else such as FirewallRulesBak
Create a new FirewallRules key
Go to the DomainProfile key and change the REG_DWORD Value EnableFirewall to 0 (zero)
Do this for PublicProfile and StandardProfile as well.
Reboot your server.

Try the “netsh advfirewall reset” (from CMD.exe as Administrator) again.

Reboot again and if all goes well, CPU usage will return to normal and you should also be able to open Windows Firewall from the Control Panel.

Kim Pham

Kim Pham is the Technical Services Director and co-owner at IT Networks. With a Bachelor of Engineering and certifications as a Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE), Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP), and Cisco Certified Voice Associate (CCNA.Voice), he brings a wealth of expertise to his role. He leads IT Networks’ technical initiatives, focusing on enhancing operational efficiency and delivering innovative solutions. He is also very passionate about leveraging AI to streamline workflows.

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