How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 11

By Ajoy Kumar 18 Min Read
How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 11

If you are facing a sudden crash, apps take a long time to open, are unresponsive, and have a heating issue. Then your CPU usage is high. A high CPU usage affects the performance and heats the system. Here in this guide, we will discuss how to fix high CPU usage in Windows 11.

When a Windows 11 PC experiences excessively high CPU usage, you will typically experience poor overall performance. Your system can take a long time to perform simple tasks, or even the system can become unresponsive. Follow these quick and simple steps to resolve the high CPU usage issue.

What Causes High CPU Usage?

Firstly, let us discuss what causes the high CPU usage on the system. Many reasons can cause high CPU usage. Here, we have listed some of the most common ones:

  • Running high-end apps on low spec system
  • System infected with malware or adware
  • Too many apps running in the background
  • Antivirus overloading the CPU
  • Windows Updates

Now you have got an idea that can cause high CPU usage. Follow the following methods to fix it.

How to Check CPU Usage in Windows 11

Before we discuss how to fix high CPU usage, you must know how to check CPU usage. To determine whether it’s high CPU usage slowing down the system or if there is another issue, you can check the CPU usage.

There could be various other reasons for the system to slow down as well. For effective troubleshooting, we must first identify the error and then implement the relevant fix.

To check CPU usage in Windows 11, follow the following steps:

1. Search for Task Manager on the Windows search bar option and open it. Or else, right-click on the Start button and click on Task Manager. You can also use Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut to launch the task manager.

Opening Task Manager

2. It will open the Task Manager windows. Here, click the Process tab to get the CPU usage percentage.

Checking CPU Usages

Note: CPU usage is the total CPU capacity percentage used on your computer. It depends on the tasks that are running on your system. In normal CPU usage, the range is 1% – 30%. If you have above 80%, then you have high CPU usage.

How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 11

If you experience high CPU usage on your system during normal use, then there are some issues with your system. You can follow the steps below to fix high CPU usage in Windows 11.

1. Restart your System

If you are unable to find out what is causing high CPU usage, you can try restarting your system. Restarting is a useful method to fix high CPU usage. It temporarily resolves the issue.

To restart, you can follow the following steps:

1. Click on the Start button.

2. Then click on the Power button and select the Restart option from the menu that appears.

Once your system restarts, the CPU usage should return to normal levels. After that, if you are still experiencing the issue, you can follow other methods to resolve the high CPU usage on your system.

2. Update Windows

Running an outdated version of Windows could also be a possible cause of high CPU usage. Maybe a bug is causing high CPU usage. To fix it; you can update the Windows system to the latest build. With each update, Microsoft releases fixes for bugs in the previous version.

Sometimes, an unfinished update installation can also cause high CPU usage. Wait for the update process to complete.

Now to update your Windows operating system to the latest version, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + I to launch the Settings app.

2. In the Settings window, click on the Windows Update tab in the left pane.

Click on the Windows Update tab

3. Then, click on the Check for Updates button.

Check for Update

4. Now, it will check for the latest available Windows updates. If any are available, click on the Download and Install button.

Downloading and Installing Windows Updates

5. After that, wait for the update process to complete. Then, Restart your system to apply the updates.

3. Close Unnecessary Apps

The next easiest fix; is to close apps you are not currently using, especially if they are using a lot of CPU power. First, try it close the apps using the traditional method by clicking on the (X) icon. If still have high CPU usage, try to close it using the task manager.

For that, follow the below-mentioned steps to close unnecessary apps:

1. Open the Task Manager by using Ctrl + Shift + Esc keyboard shortcut.

2. Click on the Processes tab from the left pane.

3. Here you will find a list of tasks and apps currently running on your system. Select the task or the apps; you want to close, then click on the End Task button. Or, right-click on it and select End Task from the context menu.

Ending Task on Task Manager

4. You can also disable auto startup apps. These are the apps or programs; that get auto startup when you start your system. That can consume CPU power in the background. To do so, go to Task Manager and click on the Startup Apps tab.

5. Select the apps you want to disable auto startup and click on the Disable button.

Disable Startup Apps

Note: You can also uninstall the apps; that you don’t use on your system. You can check our detailed guide on; how to uninstall apps on Windows 11.

4. Disable Background Apps

Many apps run in the background on Windows 11, which can consume lots of CPU power, resulting in high CPU usage. You can disable background apps.

In the previous versions of Windows, you could disable all the background apps at once. But, in Windows 11, you have to disable the apps from running in the background individually. 

Here are the steps, you can follow to disable background app permissions:

1. Click on the Start Menu and click on the Settings icon to open Windows settings.

Accessing Settings

2. Next, click on the Apps tab from the left pane of the Settings window. Then, select the Apps & features options present to the right of your screen.

3. Click the three vertical dots icon next to any app, then click Advanced options from the menu that appears.

4. Next, click on the drop-down menu for Let this app run in background, under the Background apps permissions section.

5. Here, select Never from the list of options. The app will not run in the background anymore. Similarly, you have to do it for other apps.

5. Change Power Options

Windows 11 allows you to choose from different power plans to prioritize performance. If you have limited power usage, you may still experience high CPU usage because your system is not receiving enough power. To fix this issue, you can change the power options to high performance.

To do so, follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Click on the Start button, search for Control Panel, and open it.

Opening Control Panel

2. It will open up the control panel. Here, click on the Hardware and Sound option.

Hardware and Sound Setting on Control Panel

3. In the next window select the Power Options link.

Power Options on Control Panel

4. Then, click on the Hide additional plans drop-down menu and select the high-performance option.

High Performance Option

5. After that, restart your system to apply the changes.

This will ensure that all your system hardware gets enough power for smoother performance. Also, it will help you to fix the high CPU usage issues on Windows devices.

6. Scan for Malware and Virus

Sometimes, your computer may be affected by malware and viruses that can cause high CPU usage. You can use the Windows Security app to scan your system for malware and virus.

It will identify any threats present; in the system and take the required measures.

Here’s how you can scan for malware and viruses using the Windows Security app:

1. Open the Windows Security app.

2. Click on the Virus & Threat Protection option.

Virus & Threat Protection

3. Then click on the Quick Scan button to scan your system files for viruses.

Runing Quick Scan on Windows 11

4. However, if you prefer a full scan, click on the Scan options link and select the Full Scan option. After that, click on the Scan button to initiate the scanning process.

Full Scan Option

Now, Windows Security will run a scan to identify any threats on the system and take the required measures. 

Note: If you are using third-party antivirus software on Windows 11. It is better to remove them from your system. Because these apps can consume lots of CPU power and install adware on your system. If you want to use third-party antivirus software, then you can try Malwarebytes.

7. Update Graphic Drivers

Outdated graphic drivers can sometimes cause high CPU usage. To fix this issue, you can update the graphic drivers to the latest version.

In addition to improving CPU usage, updating your graphic drivers can also enhance overall system performance and compatibility with the latest software and games. Keeping your drivers up to date ensures that your computer can take full advantage of its graphics capabilities and provides a smoother and more stable computing experience. Here’s how you can do it.

1. Click on the Start button and type Device Manager. Then open it from the search result.

2. Here, you will get a list of all the devices installed on your Windows 11.

3. Expand the Display adapter category and right-click on the graphic card name. After that, select the Update Driver option from the context menu that appares to check for updates.

Update Driver

4. On the next window, click on Search automatically for drivers. It will check for the latest driver from the internet. If you have downloaded the driver update on your PC, you can use the Browse My Computer for driver option on the same window.

Search Automatically for Graphics Drivers

5. After that, it will download and install the latest version of graphic drivers on your Windows 11.

6. Once done, click on the Close button and Restart your system to apply the changes.

Best Drivers Installed

8. Disable Superfetch Service

Superfetch (SysMain) is a service that preloads the apps you frequently use into RAM, thereby boosting system performance, but it can also lead to high CPU usage.

High CPU usage due to SysMain can be especially noticeable on older or less powerful computers. Disabling this service can free up system resources and result in a smoother and more responsive computing experience.

To disable SysMain, follow these steps:

1. Open the Run using the Win + R shortcut key.

2. Here type services.msc in the text field, and click on the OK button.

Runing Services Run Command

3. It will open the Service window. Here, look for the SysMain service and double-click on it.

SysMain Services Option

4. This will open the SysMain properties window and select Disabled from the drop-down menu next to the Startup type.

5. Then click on the Apply button.

SysMain Services Disabled

6. After that, click on the Stop button to terminate the correct status of SysMain.

7. Once done, click on the OK button to save the change and restart your system.

Clicking on OK to Save

9. Disable Auto Windows Updates

Disabling automatic Windows updates gives you more control over when and how updates are installed on your system. However, it’s important to note that keeping your operating system up to date is crucial for security and performance reasons.

If you choose to disable automatic updates, make sure to regularly check for and install updates manually to ensure that your system remains protected from security vulnerabilities and runs smoothly.

This way, you can strike a balance between managing CPU usage and maintaining a secure and efficient computing environment.

Here is how you can disable Automatic Windows Updates:

1. Open the Run and type services.msc in the text field.

2. Then click on the OK button.

3. It will open the Service window. Here, look for the Windows Update service and double-click on it. This will open the Windows Update properties window.

Windows Update Services

4. Here, click on the General tab. Now, select Disabled from the drop-down menu next to the Startup type.

5. Then click on Apply to save the update settings.

Disable Windows Updates

6. After that, click on Stop and click on the OK button to save the changes.

10. Leave Windows Insider Program

If you are using the Windows Insider build of Windows 11, then it is better to leave the Windows Insider Program. It allows you to install and try new features of the Windows operating system. But it consumes lots of CPU power. As you are using an unstable version of Windows, it comes with some bugs and issues.

You should always use the stable build of the Windows operating system. You can check our detailed guide on; how to leave the Windows Insider Program.

11. Reset Windows

After following all the mentioned methods and still experiencing high CPU usage on your Windows system, the only viable solution is to reset Windows 11 to its default settings.

Resetting Windows 11 should be considered a last resort, as it will restore your operating system to its original state, removing all installed applications and personal files. Before proceeding with Windows reset, ensure that you have backed up all important data to prevent any loss.

Now, to reset Windows 11 to the default state, follow these steps:

1. Press Win + I to open Settings on your PC.

2. Then click on the System tab from the left pane and select the Recovery option from the right pane.

Windows Recovery Option

3. Here, you will get the recovery options. Click on the Reset PC button.

Reset This PC Option

4. You will get various reset options; select the one that aligns with your requirements. If you wish to retain your data on the Windows system and avoid data loss, you can opt to keep your files.

Keep my files

4. After that, wait for the process to be completed.

This will give your system a fresh start, hopefully resolving the high CPU usage issue once and for all.

Conclusion

That’s it; these are the few methods to fix high CPU usage in Windows 11. Other Windows services, like Windows Search and Windows Update, have also been known to cause CPU usage issues. Try to disable Windows Update. In some cases, hardware issues are the root cause of excessive CPU usage. Upgrading your system hardware like upgrading CPU, GPU and RAM can help to reduce the high CPU usage on Windows 11.

We hope this article was helpful to you. Moreover, If you have some suggestions, do not hesitate to leave them in the comments section below. We will add that to the guide.

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He is a prominent tech writer with over six years of experience and the founder of TheCoderWord. He delivers high-quality content revolving around troubleshooting and how-to guides for Windows, Linux, macOS, Chrome, and more.
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