Windows 7 Bridged Networking high CPU usage

[parps]

Virtualbox 4.2.4 r81684 on Windows 7 Professional 64-bit host.

After installing with default options, CPU usage hovers around 80-100% for a single core. This is immediately after installation, before configuring any VM. Rebooting has no effect.

Uninstalling drops CPU back to 0%. Reinstalling with Bridged Networking unselected in the installer leads to 0% CPU.

On further investigation, it seems to be related to the "Atheros AR8161/8165 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller". Disabling this device in Device Manager causes the CPU usage to immediately drop back to 0%

Driver details:

  Driver Provider: Atheros
  Driver Date: 16/01/2012
  Driver Version: 2.0.12.13

[parps]

Forgot to mention that the service using the CPU is "System"

Also relevant is that I have two network devices - "Atheros AR8161/8165 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller" and "Atheros AR9485WB-EG Wireless". Internet connection is via Wireless adapter, Gigabit Ethernet controller isn't actively being used. While my issue is effectively solved by disabling this unused device, I am reporting this in case others are affected.

[anotherguy]

Experiencing the same issue.

System details: Windows 2008 R2 Datacentre (64 bit) - VirtualBox 4.2.6 r82870

Problem effects Wired network adapters only, does not effect Wireless network adapters.

Unchecking the "VirtualBox Bridged Networking Driver" tickbox in the network adapter Properties returns the CPU back down to normal usage (0%). Disabling the entire network adapter does the same thing.

(Ctrl + R -> ncpa.cpl -> right click network adapter -> Properties -> uncheck VirtualBox Bridged Networking Driver -> Close.)

[tobias3]

Same issue here:

• Atheros AR8151 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller (latest driver)
• Virtual Box 4.2.6. Downgrading to 4.2.4 removes the problem.

[Frank Mehnert]

tobias3, some more information about your system please. I assume you are using Windows 7. Which guest? And did you downgrade the Guest Additions as well?

[MikeZ]

Problem still exists on 4.3.6 r91406 with Host Windows 7 Doesn't matter which guest, since the issue exists without VirtualBox running.

Issue can be resolved by upgrading to Qualcomm Atheros AR8161/8165 PCI-E Gigabit Ethernet Controller's 2.1.0.7 drivers.

2.1.0.7 is labeled as compatible with Windows 8 by most OEM, but it comes with drivers for XP2003-8.

[aeichner]

Please reopen if still relevant with a recent VirtualBox release.