@shewbob1 @Darrell_Wunder @ARP As I have tried to convey earlier the model host issue is 100% connected to the AI that has been incorporated into Norton products. Of which the AI is also tied to the added closed domain entries it is inserting into Windows host file.
AI Overview
Yes,
model_host.exeis part of Norton’s artificial intelligence and machine learning infrastructure.The process is a component of Gen Digital’s software suite (the parent company of Norton and Avast). It acts as a local “host” to execute Machine Learning (ML) models directly on your device. [1, 2]
What is it doing?
Deepfake and Audio Scam Detection: One point of agreement among users on a Reddit community discussion is that the file interacts with
.onnx(Open Neural Network Exchange) files located in folders labeled for machine learning audio processing (\mlm\*\FakeAudio). It runs locally to scan audio streams (such as from browser pages or videos) to detect real-time AI voice scams or deepfakes. [1]AI Agent Protection: It is tied into Norton’s newer security suites designed to monitor, filter, and act as a checkpoint for local and web-based AI tools. [1]
Common Issues: High GPU and CPU Usage
Because
model_host.exeprocesses complex machine learning algorithms locally, it is heavily optimized to leverage your computer’s hardware. On some platforms, including discussions on the Avast Community Forum and AskWoody, users have reported thatmodel_host.execan cause massive spikes in GPU and CPU utilization (often taking 15% to 50% of processing power), which leads to significant battery drain on laptops and game stuttering. [1, 2, 3]If it is causing severe performance issues on your machine, checking for the latest software updates within the Norton client or temporarily adjusting your real-time browser/audio protection settings may mitigate the heavy hardware usage.
SA