Svchost.exe is a Windows system file known as Service Host. This file controls a number of startup applications that run in the background. Because svchost.exe controls various services on your PC, you will see multiple instances of the file running on your computer at the same time.

Purpose

When you start up your computer, svchost.exe starts up as well and checks the Windows Registry to determine which Microsoft services must be loaded. The file then hosts, or contains, these services. Multiple instances of svchost.exe run to ensure stability on your PC. If one of them crashes, your system will not crash.

Is Svchost.exe a Virus?

No, svchost.exe is not a virus, and it is not harming your computer. It is a file created by Microsoft to keep your computer running properly. Multiple instances of it running in your Task Manager may give it the appearance of a virus, but it is not.

Can I Delete Svchost.exe?

Computer users should not delete svchost.exe or prevent it from running. Without this file, your computer will no longer be able to run the Windows operating system or function properly.

What Services Run Under Svchost.exe?

To view which services are currently running under svchost.exe, open the Task Manager by right-clicking the task bar and selecting "Task Manager." Click the "Processes" tab and then click "Show processes from all users." Right-click an instance of svchost.exe and then click "Go to Services." The associated services will be highlighted on the "Services" tab.

Can Viruses Pose as Svchost.exe?

Yes, viruses can install themselves as svchost.exe. There also is a common virus called scvhost.exe, with the "C" and the "V" transposed. To be certain that a harmful file is not posing as svchost.exe, you can check that the file is always running from the C:\\Windows\System32 folder.

Source:

Microsoft: What is Svchost.exe?

How-To Geek: What is Svchost.exe and Why is it Running?