High CPU usage is typically caused by rogue processes, malware, or outdated software, and can be fixed by identifying the source and applying targeted solutions. 1. Open Task Manager (Windows) or Activity Monitor (macOS) to identify high-CPU processes and research unfamiliar ones to rule out malware. 2. Restart your computer, close unnecessary programs and browser tabs, update your browser, and disable non-essential startup apps. 3. Run a full malware scan using Windows Security or a trusted antivirus to detect and remove threats like crypto-mining malware. 4. Update outdated or corrupted drivers via Device Manager or the manufacturer’s website, and install the latest system updates through Windows Update or macOS Software Update. 5. Adjust power settings to Balanced or High Performance, set minimum processor state to 5% and maximum to 100%, and disable Battery Saver mode when plugged in. 6. Disable CPU-heavy services like SysMain or Windows Search via services.msc, and turn off browser extensions or hardware acceleration in apps like Chrome or Discord. 7. Check for overheating using tools like HWMonitor or Macs Fan Control, clean dust from fans, ensure proper airflow, and monitor temperatures—idle should be 30–50°C, under load up to 80–90°C. If high usage persists after a fresh boot with no apps running, perform a clean boot to isolate software conflicts or consider resetting the OS as a last resort. Addressing high CPU usage promptly helps prevent long-term damage and restores system performance.

High CPU usage can slow down your computer, cause apps to freeze, or make your system feel sluggish. While some CPU use is normal, consistently high usage (above 80–100%) when you're not running heavy tasks is a sign something's wrong. Here’s how to identify and fix it.

1. Check Which Process Is Using the Most CPU

The first step is finding the culprit.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager (on Windows).
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Click the CPU column to sort by usage (highest first).

On macOS:

• Open Activity Monitor (via Spotlight or Applications > Utilities).
• Click the CPU tab and sort by % CPU.

Look for processes using a lot of CPU over time. Common offenders:

• System interrupts or System
• Antivirus software
• Browser tabs (especially with video or ads)
• Windows Update
• Third-party apps (e.g., Discord, Steam, Zoom)

? Tip: If you see an unfamiliar process, search its name online to verify it’s not malware.

2. Restart Your Computer and Close Unnecessary Programs

Sometimes, a simple restart fixes temporary glitches.

• Save your work and restart your PC.
• After reboot, don’t open all your apps at once.
• Open only what you need — especially avoid multiple browser tabs or background apps.

Also:

• Update your browser — outdated versions can cause high CPU.
• Limit startup programs:
  • In Task Manager (Startup tab), disable apps that don’t need to launch at boot (e.g., Spotify, Skype).

3. Scan for Malware and Viruses

Malware often runs hidden processes that max out CPU.

• Run a full scan using Windows Security (built-in) or a trusted antivirus (like Malwarebytes).
• Make sure your virus definitions are up to date.
• Remove any threats found.

Note: Some crypto-mining malware uses your CPU in the background without your knowledge.

4. Update Drivers and System Software

Outdated or corrupt drivers (especially graphics or chipset) can cause high CPU use.

• Press Win X → Device Manager.
• Look for any devices with a yellow warning icon.
• Right-click and Update driver.
• Alternatively, go to your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.

Also:

• Run Windows Update — Microsoft often releases performance fixes.
• On macOS, check System Settings > Software Update.

5. Adjust Power and Performance Settings

A misconfigured power plan can cause CPU throttling or overuse.

On Windows:

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options.
• Select Balanced or High Performance.
• Click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
• Expand Processor power management and set:
  • Minimum processor state: 5%
  • Maximum processor state: 100%

On laptops, make sure you’re not in “Battery Saver” mode when plugged in.

6. Disable Problematic Services or Features

Some built-in services can spike CPU:

• Superfetch / SysMain: Known to cause high disk and CPU usage.
  • Press Win R, type services.msc, press Enter.
  • Find SysMain, right-click → Properties → set Startup type to Disabled.
• Windows Search: If you don’t use file search often, disable it temporarily.

Also try:

• Disabling browser extensions one by one (especially ad blockers, video enhancers).
• Turning off hardware acceleration in apps like Chrome, Discord, or Slack.

7. Check for Overheating and Hardware Issues

If your CPU is overheating, it may throttle or behave erratically.

• Use tools like HWMonitor (Windows) or Macs Fan Control (macOS) to check CPU temperature.
• Normal idle temp: 30–50°C. Under load: up to 80–90°C is okay, but above that is risky.
• Clean dust from fans and vents.
• Ensure your laptop has proper airflow (don’t use on a bed or pillow).

When to Worry

Occasional spikes are normal. But if CPU stays high even on a fresh boot with no apps open, it’s likely:

• A background process gone rogue
• Malware
• Failing hardware

In such cases, consider:

• Doing a clean boot (Windows) to isolate software conflicts.
• Resetting your OS as a last resort.

Basically, high CPU usage is fixable in most cases — start with Task Manager, eliminate unnecessary load, update software, and rule out malware. It’s not always a hardware problem, but ignoring it can shorten your system’s lifespan.

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