Fix Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) High CPU

Sat-Mar-2024
21

Taming the CPU Beast: Fixing High CPU Usage by Werfault.exe

Windows Problem Reporting (Werfault.exe) helps identify and report system issues. However, sometimes, it can go rogue and consume excessive CPU resources. Here’s how to tackle this problem:

1. Restart or Disable Werfault.exe:

  • Restart: A simple restart can often resolve temporary glitches.
    • Press Start and click the power button.
    • Choose Restart.
  • Disable: If restarting doesn’t help, consider temporarily disabling Werfault.exe. (Note: Disabling it might prevent problem reporting.)
    • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type services.msc and press Enter.
    • In the Services window, locate Windows Error Reporting Service.
    • Right-click on it and select Stop (to temporarily disable) or Properties.
    • If you chose Properties, under the Startup type dropdown, select Disabled and click OK.

2. Update Your Drivers:

Outdated drivers can lead to various issues, including high CPU usage by Werfault.exe.

  • Update Manually: Visit your device manufacturer’s website (e.g., AMD, Nvidia for graphics cards) and download the latest drivers for your system. Install them following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Update Automatically (Windows 10/11):
    • Press Start and type “device manager”. Click on Device Manager.
    • Expand the category with your device (e.g., Display adapters for graphics cards).
    • Right-click on your device and select “Update driver”.
    • Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software”. Windows will search and install updates if available.

3. Scan for Malware:

Malware can sometimes mimic legitimate processes. Running a scan can help identify and remove any malicious software:

  • Windows Defender Scan:
    • Press Start and type “windows security”. Open Windows Security.
    • Go to Virus & threat protection.
    • Under Current threats, click Scan options.
    • Choose “Full scan” and click Scan now.
  • Third-party Antivirus: If you use a third-party antivirus program, initiate a full system scan using that software.

4. Close Background Applications:

Resource-intensive applications running in the background can put strain on your CPU.

  • Task Manager: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • End Unnecessary Processes: Look for applications using high CPU resources. Click them and select “End task” to close them.

5. Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM:

SFC and DISM can identify and repair corrupt system files that might be causing Werfault.exe to malfunction.

  • Run Command Prompt as Administrator:
    • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
    • Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter. (This runs Command Prompt with administrator privileges.)
  • Run SFC Scan: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
    • sfc /scannow (Note: There’s a space between ‘sfc’ and ‘/scannow’)
  • Run DISM Scan (if SFC scan fails): If the SFC scan fails, try the DISM scan. However, this might take longer.
    • In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
      • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (Note: There are spaces between ‘DISM’, ‘/Online’, ‘/Cleanup-Image’, and ‘/RestoreHealth’)

6. Perform Disk Cleanup:

Unnecessary files can clutter your disk and potentially affect system performance.

  • Disk Cleanup:
    • Press Start and type “disk cleanup”. Click on Disk Cleanup.
    • Select the drive you want to clean and click OK.
    • Select the file types you want to remove and click Clean up system files.
    • Choose the files to delete and click OK.

By following these steps systematically, you should be able to identify and address the cause of high CPU usage by Werfault.exe. If the problem persists, consider consulting a technician for further assistance.