Open Task Manager to identify high-CPU processes by sorting the CPU column and end non-essential tasks. 2. Update or manually reinstall outdated drivers via Device Manager or manufacturer websites. 3. Disable unnecessary startup programs in the Task Manager’s Startup tab to reduce boot-time load. 4. Run a full malware scan using Windows Security and Malwarebytes to detect and remove hidden threats. 5. Set the power plan to High performance and ensure maximum processor state is 100% in advanced settings. 6. Disable visual effects through Performance Options and turn off background apps in Settings to reduce system strain. 7. Repair corrupted system files by running sfc /scannow and DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth in Command Prompt (Admin). 8. Perform a clean boot via msconfig to isolate third-party services causing high usage, then re-enable them one by one to identify the culprit. Most high CPU issues on Windows 11 are resolved by addressing problematic processes, updating drivers, or reducing background load, and the steps should be followed in order for best results.

High CPU usage on Windows 11 can slow down your system, cause lag, and increase fan noise. It’s often caused by background processes, outdated drivers, or system misconfigurations. Here’s how to diagnose and fix it effectively.

1. Identify the Culprit Using Task Manager

The first step is finding out which process is consuming too much CPU.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Click on the CPU column header to sort processes by usage (highest first).
• Look for any app or background process using a consistently high percentage (e.g., over 50–80%) when your system is idle.

Common high-CPU offenders:

• Antivirus software
• Windows Update
• Runtime Broker
• Windows Search (SearchIndexer.exe)
• Chrome or Edge with many tabs
• Third-party apps like Discord, Steam, or OneDrive

If you see something suspicious, right-click it and choose End Task (only if it’s not a critical system process).

?? Caution: Don’t end processes labeled “Windows processes” unless you know what they do. Ending the wrong one can crash your system.

2. Update or Reinstall Problematic Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers—especially graphics and chipset drivers—can cause high CPU usage.

Steps:

• Press Win X and select Device Manager.
• Expand categories like Display adapters, Network adapters, and System devices.
• Right-click each device and choose Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
• If updates don’t help, visit your PC manufacturer’s website (or GPU manufacturer like NVIDIA/AMD) and download the latest drivers manually.

Alternatively, use Windows Update to get driver updates:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates.
• Install any available driver updates.

3. Disable Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at startup can overload your CPU during boot.

• Open Task Manager > Startup tab.
• Sort by Startup impact or CPU usage.
• Right-click unnecessary apps (e.g., Skype, Spotify, Adobe Updater) and select Disable.

This reduces background load and speeds up boot time.

4. Check for Malware

Malware or crypto-mining scripts can run hidden processes that max out your CPU.

How to scan:

• Run Windows Security:
  • Go to Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
  • Click Quick scan (or run a Full scan if you suspect infection).
• Use Malwarebytes (free version) for a second opinion scan.

Remove any detected threats and restart your PC.

5. Adjust Power Plan Settings

Power plans can affect CPU performance and usage behavior.

• Go to Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
• Select High performance or Balanced.
• Click Change plan settings > Change advanced power settings.
• Expand Processor power management.
• Set Maximum processor state to 100% for both battery and plugged in (if on a desktop or laptop plugged in).

This ensures the CPU isn’t throttled or overcompensating due to power limits.

6. Disable Visual Effects and Background Apps

Windows 11’s animations and transparency effects can strain older hardware.

Turn off visual effects:

• Press Win S, type Performance, and open Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
• Choose Adjust for best performance, or manually uncheck effects like:
  • Animate controls and windows
  • Fade or slide menus into view
  • Show shadows under windows
• Click Apply.

Disable background apps:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps or Settings > Privacy > Background apps.
• Turn off background permissions for apps you don’t need running (e.g., Facebook, weather apps).

7. Reset or Repair System Files

Corrupted system files can cause abnormal CPU usage.

Run these commands in Command Prompt (Admin):

sfc /scannow

Wait for the scan to finish and fix any issues.

Then run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC after both complete.

8. Consider a Clean Boot

A clean boot helps determine if third-party services are causing high CPU usage.

• Press Win R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
• Go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.
• Go to the Startup tab and open Task Manager, then disable all startup items.
• Restart your PC.

If CPU usage drops, re-enable services one by one to find the culprit.

High CPU usage isn’t always a problem—some tasks require it. But if it’s constant during idle, one of the above steps should help. Start with Task Manager and work through drivers, startup apps, and malware. Most cases are resolved with a driver update or disabling unnecessary background processes.

Basically, it's about narrowing down what's using the CPU and stopping the unnecessary load.

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