How to Fix High CPU Usage – A Comprehensive Guide

High CPU usage is a common issue that many computer users face. When your CPU usage is constantly running at a high percentage, it can cause your computer to slow down, overheat, and even freeze. The good news is that there are several ways to lower CPU usage and get your computer back to its optimal performance. This article will guide you through effective methods on how to fix high CPU usage, providing solutions that are easy to follow and highly effective.

What are the Sources of High CPU Usage?

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s important to understand what causes high CPU usage. The CPU, or Central Processing Unit, is the brain of your computer. It handles all of the tasks your computer performs. When CPU usage spikes, it can mean one of several things:

• Running too many applications: If you have multiple programs open at once, they all use the CPU, leading to high usage.
• Background processes: Some programs continue to run in the background even when you aren’t actively using them.
• Malware or viruses: Malicious software can hijack your CPU, using it to run hidden processes that you don’t see.
• Outdated drivers or software: Sometimes, outdated drivers or software can cause your CPU to work harder than it needs to.
• Hardware issues: Overheating, faulty components, or an aging CPU can cause your computer to overwork itself.

Understanding the root cause of your CPU usage problem will help you choose the right solution. Now, let’s explore various ways to fix high CPU usage.

1. Restart Your Computer

The first and simplest solution to try is restarting your computer. This helps to clear temporary files and stop any unnecessary processes that might be running in the background. A restart can also resolve minor software glitches that could be causing high CPU usage.

Method to Restart Your Computer:

1. Save your work and close any open programs.
2. Click on the Start menu and select Restart.

2. Close Unimportant Background Programs

Many applications run in the background and use up valuable CPU resources without you realizing it. Closing unnecessary programs can significantly lower CPU usage.

Way to Close Background Programs:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. In the Processes tab, look for programs that are using a lot of CPU.
3. Right-click on unnecessary programs and select End Task.

3. Review for Malware or Viruses

Malware and viruses can cause high CPU usage by running hidden processes in the background. Running a malware scan can help identify and remove any harmful software affecting your computer.

Guide to Scan for Malware:

1. Open Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software.
2. Select Full Scan to search your entire system for malware.
3. If any threats are found, follow the instructions to remove them.

4. Upgrade Your Drivers and BIOS

Outdated drivers or BIOS can cause compatibility issues that lead to high CPU usage. Keeping your system up to date is crucial for optimal performance.

The process to Update Your Drivers:

1. Go to Device Manager by right-clicking the Start button and selecting Device Manager.
2. Expand each category (e.g., Display Adapters, Network Adapters) and right-click on each device.
3. Select Update Driver and follow the on-screen instructions.

The process to Update Your BIOS:

1. Go to your computer manufacturer’s website and find the latest BIOS update for your specific model.
2. Download and install the update, following the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

5. Deactivate Startup Programs

Many programs automatically start when you boot up your computer, and some of these may use significant CPU resources. Disabling unnecessary startup programs can help reduce CPU usage at startup.

How exactly to Deactivate Startup Programs?

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Right-click on programs you don’t need at startup and select Disable.

6. Adjust Power Settings

Your computer’s power settings can affect CPU usage. Setting your computer to “Power Saver” mode may reduce the load on the CPU, especially when you’re not doing demanding tasks.

way to Adjust Power Settings:

1. Open Control Panel and select Power Options.
2. Choose the Power Saver plan to reduce CPU usage.

7. Use System Performance Tools

Windows has built-in tools that can help identify performance issues, including high CPU usage. The Resource Monitor and Performance Monitor can give you a detailed view of which processes are using up CPU resources.

Manner to Use Resource Monitor:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Performance tab and click on Open Resource Monitor.
3. Check the CPU section to identify any processes that are consuming too much CPU power.

8. Clean Your Computer Internally

Overheating can cause your CPU to throttle performance, leading to high CPU usage. Cleaning your computer’s internal components can help it run cooler and more efficiently.

Strategy to Clean Your Computer:

1. Turn off your computer and unplug it.
2. Open the case (if you have a desktop) and use compressed air to clean the fans and vents.
3. For laptops, use a soft brush to clean the vents, and consider using a cooling pad to improve airflow.

9. Increase Virtual Memory

Virtual memory is an extension of your physical RAM that uses part of your hard drive to simulate extra memory. If your physical RAM is running low, increasing virtual memory can help balance the load on your CPU.

In What Way You Can Increase Virtual Memory:

1. Right-click This PC and select Properties.
2. Click on Advanced System Settings, then go to the Advanced tab.
3. Under Performance, click Settings and go to the Advanced tab.
4. In the Virtual Memory section, click Change and increase the paging file size.

10. Reinstall Your Operating System

If all else fails, reinstalling your operating system may be the most effective solution. A fresh installation can eliminate software glitches, malware, and other issues that may be causing high CPU usage.

Process to Reinstall Your Operating System:

1. Backup your important data.
2. Download the latest version of your operating system (e.g., Windows 10 or Windows 11) from the official website.
3. Create a bootable USB drive and follow the installation instructions.

FAQs

1. What is considered high CPU usage?

High CPU usage is typically when your CPU is consistently running above 80% capacity. If it’s hitting 100%, your computer will likely slow down.

2. How can I tell what is causing high CPU usage?

You can use Task Manager to check which programs or processes are using the most CPU power. This helps you identify the culprit.

3. Does a virus cause high CPU usage?

Yes, viruses or malware can use significant CPU resources, causing your computer to slow down.

4. How do I stop programs from running in the background?

Open Task Manager, find the processes running in the background, and end the ones you don’t need.

5. Will restarting my computer fix high CPU usage?

Restarting can temporarily resolve high CPU usage by stopping unnecessary processes and refreshing system resources.

6. How do I update my drivers?

You can update drivers manually through Device Manager or use automatic software like Driver Booster to keep them up to date.

7. Can increasing virtual memory fix high CPU usage?

Increasing virtual memory can help if your physical RAM is running low, reducing the strain on your CPU.

8. How do I clean my computer to prevent overheating?

Regularly clean your computer’s internal components with compressed air, ensuring that vents and fans are free of dust.

9. What are the risks of having high CPU usage?

Prolonged high CPU usage can cause your system to overheat, leading to crashes, slowdowns, or even permanent damage to your CPU.

10. When should I reinstall my operating system?

Reinstalling should be a last resort if none of the other solutions work and your system continues to suffer from high CPU usage.

Conclusion

High CPU usage can significantly affect your computer’s performance, causing slowdowns, overheating, and crashes. However, with the right steps, such as restarting your system, closing unnecessary background programs, updating drivers, and checking for malware, you can effectively reduce CPU load. Regular maintenance, like cleaning your computer and optimizing startup settings, also plays a key role in preventing high CPU usage. If these methods don’t work, consider increasing virtual memory or even reinstalling your operating system. By taking proactive measures, you can keep your CPU running efficiently and ensure smoother, faster performance.