Download memory leak [solved]

[B✪✪tsy]

When I download games from Steam my CPU RAM usage goes up. When I download 2 large games (100GB) then I have to restart my PC, because it is using up the full 16GB RAM.

When I download a smaller game the RAM usage goes up and after download the RAM usage stays high and won't get freed up again... so I still need to restart my PC.

I don't remember this happening in the past, it's something from the last month(s) I think.

[ScorpyonMike]

I was also having this issue and I confirm it was "Killer Network Manager".

The used up RAM wasn't showing anywhere, even when using "Process Explorer" from Nirsoft (a much more advanced task manager), so it was in fact a memory leak. However Killer Network Manager was the one that was causing it.

Ever since I disabled it from starting up, as well as it's service, I haven't had problems since.

[yoimp]

Hi I was also having this issue (Windows 10 pro upgraded from Windows 7 home premium) and just wanted to add that it was Killer network drivers for me too. Not only did that fix my memory leak but it dropped my idle memory by 1.5 GB!!!!! Never had this issue til I switched to windows 10, but it definitely was the Killer drivers. thank goodness!!

[B✪✪tsy]

As this old topic got revived again:

Yes I is indeed the Killer network service that is responsible for the memory leak. I am still not sure what that program/service does exactly other than that it seems to be completly useless (benefit unknown).

[Seven7]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von B✪✪tsy:

As this old topic got revived again:

Yes I is indeed the Killer network service that is responsible for the memory leak. I am still not sure what that program/service does exactly other than that it seems to be completly useless (benefit unknown).

Killer software (former Qualcomm Atheros Network Manager) "well"-known as bugged sh*t
https://www.reddit.com/r/Windows10/comments/369uwk/does_windows_10_have_a_system_wide_memory_leak/ctmr3lk
Killer Analytics Service - adware\spyware module, collect userdata, sites, and send it to HQ for sale to advertising companies - this is main benefit of all Rivet LLC software

Killer Dynamic Bandwidth Management - balancer, it try balance bandwith for app by loadable rules\presets or by user created

Killer Network Service - watched both Ethernet and WiFi module for swithch on the fly + Killer Analytics Service collect userdata and password trought it

Killer WiFi xTend Service - extender(WiFi), for support other services and GUI \ apps
Killer xTend Utility Service - extender(Ethernet), for support other services and GUI \ apps

Killer Smart AP Selection Service - for smartphones, search nearest smartphones and mobile base spots, leaked geolocations, passwords, routers MAC's, manage what spots to use, syn
KillerSmartphoneSleepService

In the spring, Rivet LLC updated its software, replacing the native application with a web application, launched through its version of the CEF-based browser - it's lagged like Hell, and provoke headache to photo-sensetive peoples (epilepsy and epileptiform syndrome) - and also creates problems in Windows, in the Steam client and other applications (especially - chrome-based browsers, IM-clients, downloaders, etc).
So, blocking ALL services from Rivet LLC and FULL software removal (after first install driver+software - becouse drivers from motherboard site is outdated) + blocking the installation and updating of drivers and software through Windows Update and Windows Store solves the problem completely

and now, old Killer adapters discontinued, becouse year ago Intel buy Rivet LLC so it abandoneware with exploits

[DCG909]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von Seven7:

In the spring, Rivet LLC updated its software, replacing the native application with a web application, launched through its version of the CEF-based browser - it's lagged like Hell, and provoke headache to photo-sensetive peoples (epilepsy and epileptiform syndrome) - and also creates problems in Windows, in the Steam client and other applications (especially - chrome-based browsers, IM-clients, downloaders, etc).
So, blocking ALL services from Rivet LLC and FULL software removal (after first install driver+software - becouse drivers from motherboard site is outdated) + blocking the installation and updating of drivers and software through Windows Update and Windows Store solves the problem completely

and now, old Killer adapters discontinued, becouse year ago Intel buy Rivet LLC so it abandoneware with exploits

So to also return to this topic.
Just checked task manager again, as I recalled seeing "a" killer service pop up a while back again in there, there were 4 in there again...
windows hardware installation had been disabled for years and it still installed it in sys32... didn't show up in installed programs or services...

broke it by ending the tasks and deleting everything in sys32 that was related to killer software, let's see if that keeps it away....

Ah, well, with the introduction of windows 11 the problem might fix itself when steam OS 3.0 gets released, as none of my hardware is eligable for the upgrade.
Already build myself a linux based NAS, so I've already dipped my toes in an alternative...
If games do work nicely on steam OS 3.0 that might become my daily driver for regular computing as well :/

Edit.
formating fail...

[Elucidator]

I looked at this, but I cannot replicate this issue on Windows 8.1
I have killer ethernet drivers and the software. I also recall having bugs with it that prevented me from installing it the regular method (using InstallShield), because for some reason it failed to apply the driver that way, so I manually installed it (by extracting, etc.)
The thing is, everything is enabled and such and the software works normally.
When steam is downloading nothing unexpected happens to the processor. (there is only a small increase, no leak)

You need to set the Mbits rate in the killer ethernet settings to your actual amount manually. I wonder if that has anything to do with it on Windows 10. (and yes the software and brand is broken, blablabla, and my motherboard is aged I get it, etc. but it is surprising I never saw this issue, considering how close 8.1 is to 10.)

I don't think windows 11 will fix it since its basically 10 with a new skin and some new (bloat) software + more insert tracking options and scanning stuff. Just saying.

[:::... FulVal85 [LMHT] ...:::]

If there is really this problem, a workaround in steam client is needed, most players don't know nothing about this problem...

And also, is only a steam problem?

[DCG909]

Ursprünglich geschrieben von :::... FulV@l ...::: LMHT:

If there is really this problem, a workaround in steam client is needed, most players don't know nothing about this problem...

And also, is only a steam problem?

It also turned out to happen on other programs (firefox), with large enough files, but how often do you download something in the excess of 30 GB?


Also, the darned killer services have returned -.-"
deleted the sys32 files, deleted the filestore where a backup is kept and the stuff keeps reappearing...
Do I really have to re-install my PC again to get rid of this turd?

[Seven7]

it's NOT Steam problem at all (same as most "steam" problem it's M$'s, Google CEF's and pre-installed bloatware problem) If user delete M$ and other bloatware (or use Linux\Wine\Proton) - it cut off 70-80% problems - it's main reason why Valve try support Linux Gaming since 2013 - back in 1996 Gman talk to Gabe and show future, where M$ become an evil corporation - so Gabe and Mike out from M$ and founded Valve, made it Top PC Gaming company, get money and start support Linux Gaming (but later Valve become evil corporation too)

problem appear ONLY on some combinations of builds Windows + Drivers + bloatware apps like Killer Network Manager( i even think it made by same coders as nVidia Network Manager, that was "well"-known a pain in the ass, back in 2004-2011, before AMD discontinued it, finally), Nahimic Audio \ VR, GFE and some other ugly coded companion apps

and you really doing something wrong - i disabled Killer bloatware and dont't have problem anymore
if you can't deal with M$ bloatware - try your luck with linux

[busta[one]]

I've been having memory leak issues for YEARS. Have had to restart repeatedly, particularly after large downloads. It got so bad today I ended up finally searching for issues and sure enough - it was killer network application. Deleted it and everything went to normal. I was literally going from 20% to 99% memory use in about an hour and a half.

So if anyone else comes back, make sure you don't have killer networking installed. Devil software.