How to Fix Windows Input Experience High Memory Usage

The Windows Input Experience process plays a crucial role in managing user input methods on Windows operating systems — including touch, handwriting, and keyboard interactions. However, some users have reported that the Windows Input Experience process sometimes consumes an unusually high amount of memory, degrading system performance and responsiveness. Understanding the causes and implementing workable solutions can help restore the computer’s efficiency.

TLDR: High memory usage by the Windows Input Experience process is often caused by outdated system files, misbehaving input components, or background Windows services. To fix this issue, users can restart services, update Windows, rename system folders, or run built-in troubleshooting utilities. Persistent problems may require registry edits or a system reset.

What Is the Windows Input Experience?

The Windows Input Experience process is part of the Text Input Management system on Windows 10 and Windows 11. It is responsible for handling tasks like the on-screen keyboard, handwriting panel, and voice input. Its process name is usually TextInputHost.exe. Under normal conditions, it should remain relatively low in system resource consumption. However, when something goes wrong, it may begin to consume hundreds of megabytes or even gigabytes of RAM.

Common Causes of High Memory Usage

The reasons why this process behaves abnormally can vary. Below are some common triggers:

Outdated Windows versions with bugs in input management components
Corrupt user profile or system cache files
Third-party software conflicts particularly involving overlays or accessibility features
Windows services glitches like stuck input service loops

How to Fix Windows Input Experience High Memory Usage

Here are several proven methods for resolving the high memory usage of the Input Experience process.

1. Restart the Text Input Service

One of the quickest ways to address the problem is to restart the Input Experience process manually:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Locate and select TextInputHost.exe.
Click on End Task in the bottom-right corner.
Restart your computer. The process will relaunch with a fresh state.

This technique often resolves temporary memory spikes caused by glitches.

2. Update Windows

High memory usage may be the result of a bug that has already been patched. To update Windows:

Go to Settings > Windows Update.
Click Check for updates.
Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Many users have reported that cumulative updates significantly reduce resource usage for various system services.

3. Rename the Input Method Folder

Renaming the system folder that stores input method temp files can sometimes reset corrupted files:

Press Windows + R, type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open elevated Command Prompt.
Run the following commands one by one:

   net stop TabletInputService
   ren C:\Windows\System32\InputMethod\InputService InputService.bak
   net start TabletInputService

This will force Windows to recreate the service folder with fresh settings.

4. Use Windows Troubleshooter

Windows includes built-in troubleshooters that can fix various system services:

Navigate to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
Run both the Keyboard and Windows Store Apps troubleshooters.

These tools will automatically scan and fix issues related to input services or app compatibility.

5. Create a New User Profile

Sometimes, corrupt user profiles can cause erratic service behavior. Creating a new local user account will help determine if the issue is user-specific:

Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
Click Add account and select I don’t have this person’s sign-in information.
Create a local account and log in with it.

Check Task Manager under the new account to see if the issue persists.

6. Disable Services (Advanced)

Be cautious with this method as it may disable accessibility features. To stop the touch keyboard and handwriting panel service:

Press Windows + R, type services.msc and hit Enter.
Scroll to Touch Keyboard and Handwriting Panel Service.
Double-click it, and select Disabled in the Startup type dropdown.
Click Stop and then Apply.

This will stop the service permanently, including the on-screen keyboard functionality.

7. Clean Boot to Rule Out Conflicts

A clean boot will start Windows with only essential drivers and services:

Open System Configuration by typing msconfig in the Run dialog.
Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services and click Disable all.
Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager. Disable all startup items.
Reboot the PC and monitor memory usage.

8. Run System File Checker and DISM

Corrupt or missing system files can cause services to malfunction. Use the following steps:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Run the following two commands:

   sfc /scannow
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These tools will scan and replace any damaged Windows components.

9. Reset the PC (Last Resort)

If all else fails, resetting Windows is a viable solution:

Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
Click Reset this PC and choose either Keep my files or Remove everything.
Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows.

FAQ: Windows Input Experience High Memory Usage

1. Is it safe to end the Windows Input Experience process?

Yes, it is generally safe. Ending TextInputHost.exe will not crash the system. The service will usually restart automatically or upon restart.

2. Does disabling the Input Experience break my keyboard?

No. Your physical keyboard will continue to function. However, you may lose access to the on-screen keyboard and handwriting features.

3. I only see high memory usage sometimes. Is that normal?

Temporary spikes can be normal, especially when using input tools like voice typing. Persistent high usage while idle is a concern and should be investigated.