Open Task Manager to identify high-CPU processes by sorting the CPU column; common culprits include System Interrupts, Antimalware Service Executable, and third-party apps. 2. Restart Windows Explorer and ensure all apps and drivers are updated to prevent performance issues. 3. Run a Windows Defender scan and execute sfc /scannow and DISM commands to check for malware and repair system files. 4. Disable unnecessary startup programs via the Startup tab in Task Manager to reduce initial CPU load. 5. Set power mode to Best performance and assign integrated graphics to non-demanding apps to optimize resource use. 6. Update or roll back drivers through Device Manager, focusing on display, chipset, and storage devices. 7. Disable visual effects by adjusting performance settings to "Best performance" to reduce CPU strain, especially on lower-end systems. Regular restarts, using Performance Monitor, or performing a clean boot can further help diagnose and resolve persistent issues, and most cases can be fixed without reinstalling Windows.

High CPU usage in Windows 11 can slow down your system, cause lag, and make your device feel unresponsive. While some CPU activity is normal, sustained high usage (especially when idle) points to underlying issues. Here’s how to diagnose and fix it.

1. Check Which Process Is Using the CPU

The first step is identifying the culprit.

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

Look for processes using unusually high CPU for long periods. Common offenders:

• System or System Interrupts (may indicate hardware/driver issues)
• Antimalware Service Executable (Windows Defender scanning)
• Runtime Broker (often related to live tiles or permissions)
• Third-party apps like browsers, updaters, or background utilities

? Tip: Right-click any process and select Search online to learn more about it before ending the task.

2. Restart Windows Explorer and Update Apps

Sometimes the Windows Shell Experience Host or Windows Explorer goes rogue.

• In Task Manager, find Windows Explorer under Processes.
• Right-click it and choose Restart.

Also:

• Make sure your apps (especially browsers and drivers) are updated.
• Outdated software can cause performance issues or memory leaks.

Update via:

• Microsoft Store (for UWP apps)
• Manufacturer websites (for drivers)
• Built-in update tools in apps like Chrome, Adobe, etc.

3. Scan for Malware and Run System Checks

High CPU might be caused by hidden malware or system file corruption.

Run a Windows Defender scan:

• Open Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security
• Click Virus & threat protection
• Run a Quick Scan (or choose Full Scan for deeper check)

Check system integrity:

Open Command Prompt as admin:

1. Type cmd in Start
2. Right-click Command Prompt > Run as administrator
3. Run these commands:

   sfc /scannow

   Then:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These repair corrupted system files that might be causing high CPU load.

4. Disable Startup Programs

Too many apps launching at startup can overload the CPU early.

• Open Task Manager > Startup tab
• Sort by Startup impact
• Right-click high-impact apps you don’t need (e.g., Spotify, Discord, updaters) and choose Disable

You can always re-enable them later if needed.

5. Adjust Power Plan and Graphics Settings

Windows 11’s default power plan may not be optimized for performance.

• Go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Power mode
• Choose Best performance if you're on a desktop or plugged in

Also:

• For laptops with dedicated GPUs, go to Settings > System > Display > Graphics
• Set apps that don’t need GPU power (like Notepad) to use Integrated Graphics instead of the dedicated GPU

This reduces unnecessary background load.

6. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Faulty or outdated drivers—especially for GPU, chipset, or storage—can spike CPU usage.

• Press Win X > Device Manager
• Expand categories like Display adapters, System devices, Disk drives
• Right-click devices and choose Update driver
• Or, if the issue started recently, try Roll back driver

Avoid third-party driver updaters—they often do more harm than good.

7. Turn Off Visual Effects (If Needed)

Windows 11’s animations and transparency look nice but can stress older hardware.

To reduce visual load:

• Press Win S, type Performance, and select Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows
• Choose Adjust for best performance
• Or manually disable effects like animations and shadows

This frees up CPU cycles, especially on systems with 8GB RAM or less.

Final Tips

• Restart your PC regularly – clears temporary loads and resets processes.
• Use Performance Monitor (perfmon) for deeper analysis if the problem persists.
• Consider a clean boot (via msconfig) to isolate software conflicts.

High CPU usage isn’t always a sign of serious trouble, but when it’s constant and unexplained, these steps usually bring things back to normal. Start with Task Manager, eliminate the obvious, and work your way down. Most cases are fixable without reinstalling Windows.

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