What Is the “System Interrupts” Process and Why Is It Running ?

The “System Interrupts” process, also known as “Interrupt Service Routines” (ISRs), is a fundamental component of an operating system that plays a vital role in managing hardware interactions. It is responsible for handling and responding to hardware-generated interrupts in a computer system.

When a hardware device, such as a keyboard, mouse, or network card, sends an interrupt signal to the CPU, the “System Interrupts” process is triggered. This process pauses the currently running tasks and transfers control to the appropriate interrupt handler, which is a small piece of code that manages the specific device or event causing the interrupt.

The “System Interrupts” process is always running in the background because it is constantly monitoring and handling hardware interrupts. It consumes CPU resources when an interrupt occurs, but the percentage of CPU usage attributed to “System Interrupts” is typically minimal. In most cases, it should not be a cause for concern unless it is consuming an unusually high amount of system resources.

High CPU usage by the “System Interrupts” process can occur due to various reasons, including:

  1. Faulty hardware: Malfunctioning or incompatible hardware can generate excessive interrupts, causing the “System Interrupts” process to consume more CPU resources than usual. In such cases, troubleshooting or replacing the problematic hardware component may be necessary.
  2. Outdated or incompatible drivers: Incompatible or outdated device drivers can result in frequent interrupts, leading to increased CPU usage by the “System Interrupts” process. Updating drivers to their latest versions or reinstalling them can help resolve this issue.
  3. Hardware conflicts: Conflicts between hardware devices can cause an increased number of interrupts and higher CPU usage. Adjusting hardware configurations or reinstalling drivers can help resolve conflicts.
  4. Power management settings: Certain power-saving features or settings can affect the behavior of the “System Interrupts” process. Adjusting power management settings, such as disabling CPU power-saving modes or adjusting interrupt moderation settings, may help alleviate high CPU usage.

If you notice unusually high CPU usage by the “System Interrupts” process and it is significantly impacting system performance, it may be worth investigating the underlying cause. Checking for hardware issues, updating drivers, and adjusting power management settings can often resolve the problem. However, if the issue persists or is accompanied by other system issues, it is advisable to seek further assistance from technical support or computer professionals.