Learn what Application Frame Host and ApplicationFrameHost.exe do, why they run, how to verify the file, and how to fix high CPU or memory usage safely. The true ApplicationFrameHost.exe file is a safe Microsoft Windows system process, called Application Frame Host. However, writers of malware programs, such as viruses, worms, and Trojans deliberately give their processes the same file name to escape detection. ApplicationFrameHost.exe is a Windows app host. Find the Store app behind high CPU or memory, fix hangs, and check a suspicious wrong-path copy. ApplicationFrameHost.exe is located in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. If it is located in any other folder, right-click it and check whether it is a legitimate Microsoft operating system file. We haven’t seen any reports of malware imitating the Application Frame Host or ApplicationFrameHost.exe process. However, if you are concerned about malware, it’s always a good idea to run a scan with your preferred antivirus program to ensure nothing dangerous is running on your system. When using the Get Started app in Windows 11 Pro 64-bit 21H2 Build 22000.708, the app will start and make it through the first 2 screens, but ALWAYS hangs on the 3rd screen and can only be terminated by using task Manager and forcing the Application Frame Host to stop. We haven't seen any reports of malware imitating the Application Frame Host or ApplicationFrameHost.exe process. However, if you are concerned about malware, it's always a good idea to run a scan with your preferred antivirus program to ensure nothing dangerous is running on your system. ApplicationFrameHost.exe is a core Windows system component that handles the outer frame for modern apps. It connects the app content with the desktop shell, the taskbar, and features such as snapping or virtual desktops. I found that there are actually two parts of a UWP application which is called ApplicationFrameHost.exe and its 'real' exe. So why UWP apps need a 'host'? Also, I've found that UWP cannot run without explorer.exe. Application Frame Host is usually a legitimate Windows process. Learn what ApplicationFrameHost.exe does, how to verify it, and how to fix high CPU or memory usage.