How to Fix High CPU Usage on Windows

High CPU usage on a Windows PC can significantly affect performance, leading to slow operations, unresponsive programs, and frustration. Identifying and addressing the root causes of high CPU usage is essential to maintaining a smooth and efficient system.

Tweaking guide will provide you with step-by-step solutions to help you resolve high CPU usage on your Windows PC.

Key Takeaways:

• Understand the impact of high CPU usage on Windows, causing slow performance and frustration.
• Learn to identify common causes such as excessive programs, background processes, malware, outdated drivers, improper power settings, and system notifications.
• Complete solutions to lower CPU Usage

Reasons for High CPU Usage

High CPU usage can be caused by various factors, including:

• Running too many programs simultaneously
• Background processes consuming excessive resources
• Malware or viruses
• Outdated drivers or software
• Improper power settings
• System notifications and updates

9 Ways to Solve High CPU Usage on Windows

Check via Task Manager 

Before you fix high CPU usage, you need to know what’s causing it. We’ll show you how to use built-in Windows tools to pinpoint the culprit.

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Click on the “Processes” tab.
3. Sort the list by CPU usage by clicking the “CPU” column header.
4. Identify the Process consuming the most CPU resources.

End or Restart Processes

1. Specific processes might be hogging your CPU. Here’s how to safely end or restart these processes to free up your system resources.
2. Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
3. Go to the “Processes” tab.
4. Select the Process using high CPU resources.
5. Right-click, then click End Task to stop the Process.
6. Alternatively, right-click the Process and select Restart.

Reboot Your PC

The simplest solution is the most effective. Learn why rebooting can often resolve high CPU usage and how to do it properly.

1. Save your work and close all applications.
2. Click on the Start menu.
3. Select Restart to reboot your PC.

UpdateWindows Built-in  MS Security Essentials and Windows Defender

If both security features run simultaneously, it can significantly increase CPU usage if your security programs need to be updated.

If this is the issue, you might be running a 32-bit version of Windows and need to update to a 64-bit version.

To do this, follow these steps:

Check Your System Type:

• Open the Start menu, select System, and click the About option.
• Find the information under Device Specifications > System type.

Download the Appropriate Update:

• Based on the information found in the first step, download the MS Security Essentials update file for a 64-bit version of Windows.

Install the Update:

• Click Run to install the update instantly, or click Save to store the file on your computer.
• Wait for the installation process to complete.

Scan Your PC for Malware

Malware can be a hidden cause of high CPU usage. Discover how to perform a thorough malware scan to ensure your system is clean.

1. Open Windows Security by clicking on the Start menu and typing “Windows Security.”
2. Select Virus & Threat Protection.
3. Click on Quick Scan to scan your PC for malware.
4. For a thorough check, select Full Scan.

Update Outdated Drivers and Software

Outdated drivers and software can lead to inefficient CPU usage. Learn how keeping your system up-to-date can improve performance.

1. Open Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting Device Manager.
2. Expand each hardware category and right-click on the device.
3. Select Update driver and follow the prompts.
4. Regularly check for updates to your installed software.

Consider using a third-party PC solution tool like Tweaking for hardware identification. Tweaking can identify all the known and unknown hardware on your system, provide information on what might need upgrading, find updated drivers, or identify each piece of hardware.

Download and install Tweaking now.

Reset Power Setting

Your power settings can impact CPU usage. We’ll guide you through optimizing these settings for better performance.

1. Open the Control Panel and select Power Options.
2. Click on Change plan settings following your current power plan.
3. Select Restore default settings for this plan.

Turn Windows Notifications Off

Constant notifications can strain your CPU. Find out how disabling unnecessary notifications can help reduce CPU load.

1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
2. Go to System> Notifications & actions.
3. Toggle off Get notifications from apps and other senders.

Reinstall Windows

As a last resort, reinstalling Windows can resolve persistent CPU issues. We’ll discuss when this option is necessary and how to proceed safely.

1. Backup your data to an external drive or cloud storage.
2. Open Settings with Win + I.
3. Go to Update & Security > Recovery.
4. Under Reset this PC, click Get Started and follow the instructions to reinstall Windows.

By following these steps, you can effectively address high CPU usage on your Windows PC, ensuring better performance and a smoother user experience. Regular maintenance and updates will help keep your System running efficiently.