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An Active Process has a Possible Handle Leak [Fix]
No more memory leaks with a new user account
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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Key notes
An active process that has a possible memory leakis not a new occurrence for PC users. This problem occurs when the system does not release memory that was used by an app or program after it has been closed. The message can be spotted on the popular Webroot program.
Amemory leakis when the system uses more memory than it should, which can cause problems with apps and programs running simultaneously and with other processes on your computer.
What is a memory leak?
RAM is a crucial ingredient in both older and newer systems. You can never have too much RAM; the more you have, the better. This is because you cannot foresee your needs, or sometimes yourPC is just not using all the available RAM.
Whenrunning out of RAM, your system will try to compensate for it by moving some files and processes to the virtual memory. Unfortunately, if this happens, there’s no guarantee that all your data will be safe.
An active Webroot process with a possible handle leak is still running after its last window was closed. This is not necessarily indicative of a leak, as there are many legitimate reasons a process might remain open even though no windows are open.
For example, when you close a window in Windows Explorer, the explorer.exe process remains active because it’s waiting for the following file operation to complete. You can use Task Manager to end the process, and Windows kills off any remaining threads, and the program exits gracefully.
Memory leaks are a tricky thing to track down. They’re usually caused by code that is not correctly releasing resources or is holding on to references to objects that are no longer needed.
To find the cause of a memory leak, there are two things you need to do. First, you need to make sure there is a leak. Second, you need to find out what is causing it.
Finding out if there is an actual memory leak can be done pretty quickly by using tools like the built-in Windows 11 Resource Monitor orResource monitor software. To do so, follow the steps below:
The list of active processes will depend on the number of apps you have installed but some of the common ones include the following:
How do I fix an active process has a possible memory leak?
Before any advanced troubleshooting can take place, try the following:
1. Run a full system scan
2. Run the DISM command
3. Create a new user account
It’s not uncommon for auser account to be corruptas unprotected accounts tend to open security holes to third parties. This could end up causing issues such asan active process has a possible memory leakerror. The best thing would be tocreate a new user account.
If this fixes the problem, then there was probably an active process causing issues with your original user account.
4. Run the Windows Store troubleshooter
5. Check for Windows updates
For browser-related processes, it would be best if you reset the browser or switch to another one with fewer issues. You can also borrow some tips on how to deal withmemory leaks in Firefoxand apply them to other browsers.
Limiting your RAM usageto slow down such issues can also help improve the general performance of your PC.
Do let us know which process has given you trouble in the past and how you were able to fix it in the comment section below.
More about the topics:memory issues,Windows 11
Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
Claire has a knack for solving problems and improving the quality of life for those around her. She’s driven by rationality, curiosity, and simplicity, and always eager to learn more about Microsoft’s products. With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11, errors, and software.
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Claire Moraa
Windows Software Expert
With a background in teaching and reviewing, she breaks down complex topics into easily understandable articles, focusing mostly on Windows 11 errors.
