TextInputHost.exe

Text Input Host - Touch Keyboard

System Safe Input

Quick Answer

TextInputHost.exe is safe. It manages the Windows touch keyboard, handwriting panel, and modern text input methods.

What is TextInputHost.exe?

TextInputHost.exe manages the Windows touch keyboard, handwriting panel, emoji picker, and other modern text input methods. It's essential for touchscreen devices but also runs on regular PCs to support features like the emoji panel (Win + . shortcut) and voice typing.

This process only activates when you use these features - touch keyboard appears, open emoji picker, use voice input, or use handwriting recognition. On non-touch devices, it typically uses minimal resources until needed.

Main Functions

Touch Keyboard - On-screen keyboard for touch devices
Emoji Picker - Win + . emoji and symbols panel
Handwriting Recognition - Converts handwriting to text
Voice Typing - Speech-to-text input
IME Support - Input Method Editors for different languages
Text Predictions - Autocomplete and suggestions

Is TextInputHost.exe Safe?

Yes, TextInputHost.exe is completely safe - it's a legitimate Windows component for modern text input features.

How to Verify Legitimacy

File Location: C:\Windows\SystemApps\MicrosoftWindows.Client.CBS_cw5n1h2txyewy\
Digital Signature: Signed by Microsoft Corporation
Activates on Demand: Only runs when text input features are used
User Context: Runs under your user account

Note: TextInputHost.exe may briefly appear and disappear - this is normal behavior as it only runs when needed. On devices without touchscreens, it's mainly used for the emoji picker and voice typing features.

Resource Usage

TextInputHost.exe uses minimal resources when idle, but can increase during active use.

Normal Resource Usage

Idle State: 0-1% CPU, 10-30 MB RAM
Touch Keyboard Active: 2-5% CPU, 30-60 MB RAM
Handwriting Recognition: 5-15% CPU, 50-100 MB RAM
Voice Typing: 10-20% CPU, 60-120 MB RAM

Troubleshooting High Usage

Close Input Panel - Close touch keyboard or emoji picker if stuck open
Restart Process - End task in Task Manager (will restart automatically)
Disable Touch Keyboard - If not needed: Settings → Personalization → Taskbar → Turn off "Show touch keyboard button"
Update Windows - Ensure latest text input improvements installed
Check Language Packs - Corrupted language files can cause issues

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I disable TextInputHost.exe?

You cannot fully disable it as it's a core Windows component, but you can minimize its activity by: 1) Hiding the touch keyboard button from taskbar, 2) Not using emoji picker or voice typing, 3) Disabling touch keyboard service if you never use touch input. However, it uses minimal resources when not active, so disabling is usually unnecessary.

Why does TextInputHost.exe start randomly?

It automatically starts when: 1) You press Win + . for emoji picker, 2) Touch screen is detected, 3) Voice typing is activated, 4) Certain text fields request touch keyboard, 5) Some apps trigger input method editor. This is normal behavior for on-demand text input features.

How do I fix touch keyboard not working?

Try: 1) Restart TextInputHost.exe via Task Manager, 2) Settings → Time & Language → Typing → Advanced keyboard settings → Reset, 3) Run Windows Update, 4) Check Settings → Devices → Typing for disabled features, 5) Run PowerShell command: Get-AppxPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}