[Full Guide] How to Lower CPU Usage in Windows

A CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the most important component of any computer. It acts as the machine’s “brain,” responsible for carrying out instructions and performing calculations to make everything else in the system run smoothly.

The CPU contains millions of tiny transistors that track what programs are running and execute commands from memory. Sometimes, users are unaware of how much they use their PC’s CPU. The article below will provide solutions and steps to help lower the CPU usage on your PC.

Common Reasons for High CPU Usage Issues

Below is a list of some common reasons that may cause high CPU usage issues on your computer. Understanding these reasons can help you effectively resolve or prevent high CPU usage problems, ensuring smooth and efficient operation of your system.

1. Running Multiple Applications Simultaneously: Running multiple resource-intensive applications at the same time, such as video editing software, games, or web browsers with multiple tabs, can strain your computer’s CPU and cause high CPU usage. Close unnecessary applications to reduce the load on your CPU.
2. Background Processes and Services: Sometimes, unknown background processes or services running on your computer can consume a significant amount of CPU resources. Checking the Task Manager and ending unnecessary processes can help lower the CPU usage.
3. Malware or Viruses: Malware or viruses can also be a culprit for high CPU usage. They can infiltrate your computer and consume CPU resources, causing your system to slow down or become unresponsive. Regularly update your antivirus software and perform scans to ensure your computer remains protected.
4. Outdated or Corrupted Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers can affect the performance of your computer and lead to high CPU usage. Ensure your drivers are up to date by regularly updating them through the Device Manager or using dedicated driver update tools.
5. Insufficient Memory (RAM): Not having enough memory (RAM) on your computer can cause high CPU usage since the CPU has to compensate for the lack of memory resources. Upgrading your system’s memory can help to alleviate this issue and improve overall performance.
6. Windows and Software Updates: Issues with Windows updates or application updates can cause conflicts within your system, leading to high CPU usage. Regularly check for and apply system and software updates to keep your computer running smoothly.
7. Overheating: When a computer is running at a high temperature, it can cause the CPU to work harder, resulting in high CPU usage. Proper ventilation and cooling systems should be in place to prevent overheating and maintain optimal CPU performance.
8. Faulty Hardware: Faulty hardware components, such as a damaged motherboard or CPU, can also lead to high CPU usage problems. If you suspect hardware failure, have your computer diagnosed by a professional technician.

Understanding and being aware of the common reasons for high CPU usage can help you take proper preventative measures and resolve these issues in a timely manner, ensuring the smooth operation of your system.

How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows

Restart the WMI Provider Host Process

If your Central Processing Unit or CPU has a usage of 100%, you may have encountered a problem with the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) provider host. Restarting the WMI provider host can help to resolve this issue. WMI is a set of specifications from Microsoft for consolidating the management of devices and applications in a network.

It is used to provide information and instrumentation for managing the system. Restarting the WMI provider host can help reset the system and free up any resources used. This, in turn, can help to reduce the 100 CPU usage and improve system performance.

Step 1: Check if the WMI Provider host is causing the problem. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task manager.

Step 2: Locate Service Host: Windows Management Instrumentation.

If its CPU usage is more than a few percent and there is no program being run that could be causing it, then it is not working correctly.

Step 3: Restart the WMI. Press Shift + Sand type Services.

Step 4: Locate Windows Management Instrumentation, right-click and select Restart.

End the Processes That Cause High CPU Usage Problems

When the CPU runs at 100%, your computer is overloaded and can’t keep up with the demand. It could be caused by a single application or multiple applications running at the same time.

By ending unnecessary processes, you can reduce the CPU usage load and help it run more efficiently. This can help improve the overall performance of your computer and reduce the heat generated by the CPU.

Step 1: Run Task Manager by pressing CTRL + SHIFT + ESC.

Step 2: In the Processes tab, click on the CPU column to order by CPU usage.

Step 3: Select processes consuming high CPU usage and click the End task button.

Use the Event Viewer to Identify Issues

Event Viewer is a powerful Windows tool that can identify and troubleshoot computer issues. It is especially useful for diagnosing high CPU usage and providing detailed information about the processes using the most CPU resources. With Event Viewer, you can quickly identify which processes are consuming the most CPU time and then take steps to address the issue.

Step 1: Right-click on the Windows icon and select Event Viewer.

Step 2: Click on Applications and Services logs> Microsoft > Windows > WMI-activity > Operational.

Step 3: You can see the errors under the Operational Events; click on the error to check the ClientProcessID.

Step 4: If you think that the error is causing high CPU usage, open the task manager, find the ID, and close it.

Change Your Power Settings to Lower CPU Usage

Changing your power settings can be a great way to fix high CPU usage issues. By adjusting the power settings on your computer, you can lower the amount of power being used and reduce the strain on your CPU. This can help to reduce the amount of time your CPU spends running at full capacity and can help to improve the performance of your computer.

Step 1: Open the Control panel and select Power Options.

Step 2: Choose the Balanced (recommended) option and click on Change plan settings.

Step 3: Click on Restore default settings for this plan and click the Save changes button.

Faulty Modifying Settings in Registry Editor

Step 1: Press Win + R, type regedit, and press enter to open the Registry editor.

Step 2: Navigate this key path and locate the correct system files: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TimeBroker

Step 3: Right-click on the Start key and select Modify.

Step 4: Change the Value Data to 4 and click the OK button to save changes.

Modify Windows Notification Settings

By disabling these notifications, you are allowing your computer’s processor to focus more on running other programs instead of being bogged down with unnecessary pop-ups and alerts. This will also help conserve battery life and reduce system lag as well.

Some Windows updates may cause excessive CPU usage, which could be resolved by turning off the relevant notification settings for those updates to prevent them from downloading or installing automatically.

Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings and click on System.

Step 2: Select Notifications & Actions and toggle off Notifications.

Disable Startup Programs to Lower CPU Usage

Disabling startup programs is a great way to fix the CPU 100% Usage issue. By disabling unnecessary applications from running at startup, you can reduce the number of resources used by your computer and ensure that only essential programs are running in the background.

Disabling startup programs that consume high CPU power, will free up system resources, allowing your processor to run more efficiently and prevent it from overheating or becoming overloaded with tasks. Disabling startup programs can help improve overall system performance and reduce boot time when starting your computer.

Step 1: Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC to open the Task manager.

Step 2: In the Task manager window, go to the Startup tab.

Step 3: Select unnecessary applications with high startup impact

Step 4: Right-click and select Disable.

Close Unnecessary Programs to Lower CPU Usage

Having high CPU usage can be a major issue when using a computer, and it can slow down your computer and make it difficult to complete tasks. Many causes of high CPU usage can be solved by closing unnecessary applications and programs requiring high processing power.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type msconfig and click the OK button.

Step 2: Go to the Services tab and check the Hide all Microsoft services box.

Step 3: Click the Disable all button, Apply, and then the OK button.

Do an Antivirus Scan Using Windows Defender

It can help to identify and remove malicious software that may be causing your computer to run slowly or freeze up unexpectedly. By running a virus scan, you can ensure that any malicious programs are removed from your system and prevent them from causing further damage or slowing down performance. Scanning for viruses regularly helps keep your computer secure by detecting new threats before they have a chance to cause harm.

Step 1: Open your Windows security.

Step 2: Select Virus & threat protection.

Step 3: Click on Scan options and select Windows Defender Offline Scan.

Step 4: Click the Scan now button.

Update Your Drivers to Fix High CPU Usage

Drivers are essential components of any computer system; they enable the hardware and software to interact, allowing for smoother operation. Without updated drivers, computers may experience slower performance or even crash altogether.

This is especially true when it comes to high-performance tasks like gaming or video editing, which require a lot of processing power from the CPU. Regularly updating your device’s drivers ensures that all components are running at their peak efficiency and avoids unnecessary issues such as excessive CPU usage.

Step 1: Press Win + R, type devmgmt.msc, and press enter.

Step 2: Right-click on the Drivers and select Update Drivers.

Check Windows Update

By updating your Windows operating system, you may be able to resolve this issue and restore normal CPU performance. When dealing with an unusually high CPU utilization on your computer, one potential solution is to update the version of Microsoft Windows that you are running on it.

Keeping all installed applications updated should always remain part f routine maintenance activities when troubleshooting sluggishness-related issues. This is because many programs rely heavily upon third-party components whose stability depends on their current release status.

If these programs fail, they might not function properly anymore, leading to further complications if left unattended for prolonged durations without regular checkups being conducted periodically instead.

Step 1: Open the Start menu and click the Settings icon.

Step 2: Click Update & Security and select Windows Update.

Step 3: Check if there are any updates available; if there is click on the Install now button.

Run System Restore

System Restore is an excellent tool for fixing CPU high usage problems. It allows users to revert their computer to a previous state before the problem occurred. This can be especially helpful if you are unsure of what caused the issue in the first place. System Restore

Points also allow users to save time by not manually restoring settings and files that may have been lost due to a system crash or other unexpected event. With System Restore Point, you can quickly return your computer to working order with minimal effort and time invested!

Step 1: Open the Control panel and select Recovery.

Step 2: Click on Open System Restore.

Step 3: Select Choose a different restore point and click the Next button.

Step 4: Confirm your choice by clicking Finish, then Yes, to begin the recovery.

Reinstalling Windows to Fix High CPU Usage

This process involves cleaning your computer and reinstalling the operating system from scratch, which can help resolve any conflicts or issues causing your CPU to run at higher-than-normal levels. It’s an easy solution that often works, but it requires time and effort on the user’s part to get everything back up and running properly.

Step 1: Press Win + I and select Update & Security.

Step 2: Select Recovery and then click the Get started button under Reset this PC.

Step 3: Choose the Keep my files option.

Frequently Asked Questions About CPU 100% Usage