What is High CPU Usage and Why Does It Matter?

The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer, handling all tasks related to processing instructions from programs and the operating system. High CPU usage means that your CPU is working hard to handle more tasks than it should, often resulting in slow performance, system freezes, or even overheating.

Why should you care? Prolonged periods of high CPU usage can cause your system to overheat, lead to hardware damage, or shorten the lifespan of your computer. It also affects multitasking, gaming, and even simple tasks like browsing the web.

Common Causes of High CPU Usage

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s helpful to know some of the common causes of high CPU usage in Windows 11/10:

• Running multiple heavy programs simultaneously.
• Background apps that are constantly running.
• Outdated drivers or system updates.
• Malware or viruses.
• Misconfigured system settings.
• Lack of virtual memory or insufficient RAM.
• Corrupted system files.

Fix 1: Close Resource-Hungry Programs

One of the most common causes of high CPU usage is heavy programs or processes that take up a lot of resources.

How to Check and Close High CPU Usage Programs

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Under the Processes tab, sort the list by CPU to see which programs are using the most resources.
3. Right-click the program causing high CPU usage and click End Task.

Be cautious not to close essential system processes like “System” or “Windows Explorer,” as doing so could destabilize your PC.

Fix 2: Disable Startup Programs

Many PC apps automatically start with your computer and continue to run in the background, consuming CPU resources. By disabling unnecessary startup programs, you can prevent them from contributing to high CPU usage.

How to Disable Startup Programs

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to Apps → Startup.
3. Turn off any apps that you don’t need running as soon as your computer boots up.

Disabling these programs not only reduces CPU usage but also improves your boot times.

Fix 3: Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated drivers or missing system updates can lead to higher CPU consumption. Regular updates help fix bugs, optimize performance, and improve overall system efficiency.

How to Update Windows and Drivers

1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update and click Check for updates.
3. Follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.
4. To update drivers manually, open Device Manager from the Start menu. Right-click each device and select Update driver.

Regular updates ensure your system is optimized for the latest software and hardware requirements, which can significantly reduce CPU strain.

Fix 4: Scan for Malware or Viruses

Malware is one of the top culprits for unexplained high CPU usage. Malicious software can hijack your CPU to carry out tasks in the background without your knowledge.

How to Scan for Malware

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
3. Click Quick scan or Full scan for a thorough check.

You can also use a third-party antivirus solution for additional protection. Make sure to regularly scan your system to avoid malware taking over your CPU resources.

Fix 5: Adjust Power Settings

Windows offers various power plans, and high CPU usage could be linked to running your machine in High Performance mode, which pushes the CPU harder.

How to Adjust Power Settings

1. Open Control Panel and navigate to Hardware and Sound → Power Options.
2. Select Balanced or Power Saver instead of High Performance.

This tweak helps your CPU run efficiently without sacrificing performance, especially for everyday tasks like browsing or word processing.

Fix 6: Restart Windows Explorer

Sometimes, Windows Explorer can get stuck or consume excessive CPU resources due to bugs. Restarting it can often resolve the issue.

How to Restart Windows Explorer

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Scroll down to Windows Explorer.
3. Right-click and select Restart.

Restarting Windows Explorer can free up CPU resources and restore normal system performance.

Fix 7: Disable Background Apps

Background apps often run unnecessarily and use CPU resources even when you’re not using them.

How to Disable Background Apps

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Privacy → Background apps.
3. Toggle off apps that you don’t need running in the background.

Disabling these apps can help reduce constant CPU load, especially when multitasking.

Fix 8: Disable Superfetch (SysMain)

SysMain (previously known as Superfetch) is a service that optimizes the loading of frequently used apps. However, it can sometimes cause high CPU usage by using too many resources.

How to Disable SysMain

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
3. Scroll down to SysMain, right-click, and select Stop.

Disabling this service can help reduce CPU usage, particularly on systems with lower-end hardware.

Fix 9: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

Your system uses virtual memory to store data when the physical RAM is full. Incorrect virtual memory settings can overload your CPU.

How to Adjust Virtual Memory Settings

1. Right-click on This PC and select Properties.
2. Go to Advanced system settings → Performance → Settings.
3. Under the Advanced tab, click Change under Virtual memory.
4. Set a custom size that’s appropriate for your system.

By managing virtual memory properly, you can help alleviate the load on your CPU.

Fix 10: Upgrade Your Hardware

If you’ve tried all the above fixes and your CPU usage is still high, it may be time to consider upgrading your hardware. Adding more RAM or investing in a new CPU can make a significant difference in performance, especially for more demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, or running virtual machines.

When Should You Upgrade?

• If your CPU usage remains consistently above 90% during regular tasks.
• When you experience frequent system freezes, crashes, or slowdowns.
• If your hardware is older than 5 years and struggles with modern applications.