Opening the task manager in Windows 11, you notice that the CPU is 100 per cent utilised. In most cases, the processor load to the maximum occurs in users with weak computers or laptops. In other situations, it can be system factors such as frozen services and many unnecessary programs running in the background. The processor plays a vital role in performance, and when it overheats, the processor’s frequency decreases, and it goes into throttling, causing brakes when playing or other tasks.
Ways to Fix 100% CPU Usage in Windows 11
In this guide, we will analyse how to fix the high usage of the central processor of a computer or laptop in Windows 11.
1. Identifying the culprit
Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Click on the CPU bar to sort the load higher. Remove the task from the program if it creates a burden. If this is a process, then type its name into a Google search to understand what this process is. Usually, updates in the background or Windows Defender scan the system and creates problems for the processor, but this is a temporary problem; since then, everything will return to normal; you have to wait. You can write the name of the process in the comment, and I will try to help with advice on what to do.
2. Startup
Disable unnecessary programs in Windows startup. Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and go to the Startup tab.
- Identify third-party programs and disable them.
3. Disable services
Press Win + R and type services.msc to open services.
In the services, stop the following, which are primarily CPU-intensive. Remember to occasionally run Windows Update back (every two weeks) to update your system and install security patches.
- SysMain
- Windows Search
- Windows Update
4. Scanning for viruses
If the CPU is loaded for no reason, for example, the system service, then there are probably viruses in the system. Use a Zemana or DrWeb to scan your system and neutralise malware.
- Alternatively, you can run Windows Defender Offline.
5. System integrity
If the system files are damaged, services may not function correctly and freeze, creating a high CPU load. We will restore system damaged files, if any. To do this, run the command line as administrator and enter the commands one by one:
-
sfc /scannow
-
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
6. Disable background apps
Background applications can run when they are not needed and create a load on the CPU, but these are exceptions and rare. It would help if you understood that you could only make a big problem for the processor by disabling the work of background applications.
For example, you open several applications from time to time to work, and if the application does not run in the background, there will be a big jump in the CPU when you open the program. This is the point of running programs in the background. Therefore, disable those that you never use or very rarely.
7. CPU driver
- Press Win + X and select ” Device Manager “. Look for a yellow exclamation mark on any device. If so, you need to remove the driver and download it from the manufacturer’s official website.
- Also, expand the ” Processors ” tab, remove all drivers, and then go to the processor manufacturer’s website and download the driver. Alternatively, you can go to Windows Update and update, after which the driver will be downloaded from Microsoft servers.
