Follow the Tutorial to Fix High CPU Usage on Windows 10
What is CPU Usage?
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer. It handles all the instructions and calculations needed to run programs, manage files, and keep your system functioning. CPU usage refers to the percentage of processing power your CPU is currently utilizing.
Normal vs. High CPU Usage
CPU usage fluctuates depending on your activities. When you’re running demanding applications like video editing software or games, your CPU usage will naturally be high. However, if your CPU usage remains constantly high even when you’re not running any intensive programs, it can significantly slow down your computer.
Here’s a general guideline to understand CPU usage:
- Low (Under 20%): Your computer is idle and running smoothly.
- Moderate (20-50%): This is normal usage for everyday tasks like browsing the web or using productivity software.
- High (50-80%): Your CPU is working hard, but your system should still be functional.
- Very High (80% or above): This indicates a potential problem that might cause sluggish performance.
It’s important to consider the context when evaluating CPU usage. If you’re noticing lags and slowdowns even with moderate CPU usage, it suggests an underlying issue needs to be addressed.
Identifying the Culprit
The first step to fixing high CPU usage is pinpointing the program or process hogging your CPU resources. Thankfully, Windows 10 provides built-in tools to help you identify the culprit.
Using Task Manager
Task Manager offers a comprehensive view of your system’s running processes and their resource consumption. Here’s how to access it:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard simultaneously.
- Alternatively, right-click on the taskbar and select Task Manager.
Interpreting Processes and CPU Usage:
The Task Manager displays various information about running processes. The most relevant columns for identifying CPU hogs are:
- Name: This identifies the specific program or process.
- CPU: This shows the percentage of CPU usage each process is currently consuming.
Here’s how to identify the culprit:
- Click the CPU column header to sort the processes by CPU usage (highest to lowest).
- Processes at the top of the list are consuming the most CPU resources.
Understanding Process Names:
Some process names might be self-explanatory (e.g., chrome.exe for Google Chrome). However, others might require further investigation. You can search online for unfamiliar process names to determine their function and legitimacy.
Be cautious: Don’t end system processes you’re unsure about, as this can cause instability or unintended consequences.
Additional Tips:
- Click the Details tab for a more detailed view of running processes, including their associated executables.
- Right-click on a process and select End task to forcefully terminate it if you’re certain it’s causing issues. However, this should be a last resort after identifying the culprit.
By analyzing CPU usage in Task Manager, you can pinpoint the program or process responsible for high CPU consumption and take appropriate action to address the issue.
Quick Fixes
Before diving into more complex solutions, let’s explore some quick fixes that might resolve the high CPU usage issue:
1. Rebooting your PC:
A simple restart can often clear temporary files and resolve software glitches that might be causing high CPU usage. Rebooting your computer allows Windows to reload fresh and potentially frees up resources hogged by temporary processes.
2. Closing Unnecessary Background Programs:
Many programs continue to run in the background even when you’re not actively using them. These background processes can consume CPU resources unnecessarily. Here’s how to close them:
- Open Task Manager (refer to Part 2 for instructions).
- Look at the Apps tab (Windows 10). This tab displays applications currently running in the background.
- Click the CPU column header to sort by CPU usage.
- Right-click on unnecessary background applications and select End task.
Prioritize closing programs you’re not actively using, such as music players, streaming services, or communication apps.
These quick fixes might be all you need to resolve moderate CPU usage spikes. If the problem persists, proceed to Part 4 to address underlying issues.
Addressing Underlying Issues
If the quick fixes from Part 3 didn’t solve your high CPU usage problem, let’s explore some potential underlying causes and solutions:
1. Checking for Malware:
Malicious software (malware) can significantly impact your system’s performance by running hidden processes that consume CPU resources. Here’s how to check for malware:
- Run a scan with your antivirus software. Most antivirus programs offer built-in scanners to detect and remove malware. Ensure you have a reputable antivirus program with up-to-date definitions.
- Consider a dedicated anti-malware scan. If your concerns persist, consider running a scan with a dedicated anti-malware program for a more thorough check.
2. Updating Drivers and Software:
Outdated drivers and software can sometimes lead to performance issues, including high CPU usage. Here’s how to update them:
- Update Windows: Outdated Windows versions might have compatibility issues with your hardware or contain bugs that cause performance problems. Ensure you have the latest Windows updates installed. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and check for updates.
- Update Device Drivers: Outdated device drivers can also cause performance issues. Update your graphics card drivers, network adapter drivers, and any other relevant drivers by visiting your device manufacturer’s website or using the device manager in Windows.
- Update Applications: Keep your applications up-to-date as well. Software updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements. Update your applications through their respective settings menus or by visiting the developer’s website.
3. Adjusting Power Settings:
Windows offers different power plans that prioritize performance or battery life. Here’s how to adjust your power settings:
- Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
- Choose the appropriate power plan. For better performance, select High performance. However, this plan might consume more battery power on laptops.
- Note: Changing power plans might affect battery life on laptops.
4. Disabling Startup Programs:
Programs set to launch at startup can burden your CPU from the beginning. Here’s how to manage startup programs:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Click the Startup tab.
- This tab displays programs configured to run at startup.
- Right-click on unnecessary startup programs and select Disable.
Be cautious: Don’t disable programs you’re unsure about, as some system processes might be essential for startup.
By addressing these underlying issues, you can potentially resolve the root cause of high CPU usage and improve your system’s performance.
Advanced Solutions (if needed)
If the solutions in Part 4 haven’t resolved your high CPU usage problem, these advanced solutions might be necessary. However, proceed with caution as they involve modifying system settings or processes.
1. Ending Malicious Processes:
If you suspect a specific program is malicious but Task Manager won’t allow you to end it, you can try ending the process using a third-party process manager. These tools often provide more granular control over running processes. However, use caution when employing third-party tools and ensure they are downloaded from reputable sources.
2. Performing a System Restore:
If the high CPU usage issue started recently after installing a new program or updating software, consider performing a system restore. This will revert your system to a previous point in time when everything was functioning correctly.
- System Restore is a delicate operation. It’s recommended to create a system restore point before making significant changes to your system.
- To perform a system restore, search for “Create a restore point” in the Windows search bar and follow the on-screen instructions.
3. Disabling Non-Essential Services:
Windows runs various background services. While some are crucial for system operation, others might be non-essential and contribute to high CPU usage. Disabling unnecessary services can free up resources. However, this requires a good understanding of what each service does.
- Proceed with extreme caution when disabling services. Disabling essential services can lead to system instability. Refer to online resources or consult a technician if you’re unsure about a specific service.
These advanced solutions should only be attempted if the basic troubleshooting steps haven’t been successful. It’s crucial to understand the potential risks involved before modifying system settings or processes.
Prevention Tips
Here are some preventative measures you can take to minimize the chances of encountering high CPU usage issues in the future:
- Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your Windows operating system, device drivers, and applications. Updates often include bug fixes and performance improvements that can help prevent CPU usage spikes.
- Manage Background Applications: Be mindful of programs running in the background. Close applications you’re not actively using to free up CPU resources. Consider using a system monitor to keep an eye on background processes.
- Monitor CPU Usage: Develop a habit of occasionally checking your CPU usage through Task Manager. This allows you to identify potential issues early on before they significantly impact your system’s performance.
- Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: A robust antivirus and anti-malware solution can help prevent malware infections that can hog CPU resources.
- Consider Resource-Friendly Alternatives: If you’re running resource-intensive applications, explore lightweight alternatives that consume fewer CPU resources.
- Regular System Maintenance: Perform regular system maintenance tasks like disk cleanup and defragmentation to optimize your system’s overall performance.
By following these preventative tips, you can maintain a healthy system and minimize the likelihood of encountering high CPU usage problems in the future. Remember, a proactive approach is key to keeping your computer running smoothly and efficiently.