After upgrading to Windows 11, many users have experienced unusually high CPU usage. This issue, where CPU usage stays consistently high or even maxes out at 100%, is not uncommon, particularly with a new operating system like Windows 11.
High CPU usage can lead to several problems, such as poor performance, slow app launches, system crashes, and even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). Fortunately, these issues are often caused by software problems that can be fixed using the following methods.
How to Check CPU Usage in Windows 11
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to check your current CPU usage. If it’s stuck at 100% or seems abnormally high, follow these steps:
1. Open the Windows 11 search bar and type “Task Manager.”
2. Launch Task Manager and go to the “Performance” tab.
3. Under this tab, you can monitor your CPU usage.
1. Restart Your PC
If your PC has been running for an extended period, restarting it may help. Ensure you save all your work before restarting, as any unsaved tasks will be lost.
A restart closes all processes and applications, giving your system a chance to cool down. Often, this simple step can resolve high CPU usage.
2. Close Unnecessary Applications
Running multiple background applications can significantly increase CPU usage. Close any apps you aren’t actively using to free up CPU resources and improve performance:
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1. Open Task Manager.
2. Right-click on the unnecessary programs.
3. Select “End Task.”
This should help resolve high CPU usage issues in Windows 11.
3. Disable Background App Usage
If a frequently used app is causing high CPU usage, you can disable its background usage:
1. Click the Windows 11 Start button and open “Settings.”
2. Navigate to the “Apps” section.
3. Select “Apps & Features.”
4. Locate the app, click on the three dots beside its name, and choose “Advanced options.”
5. Under “Background Apps permission,” select “Never.”
4. Disable SysMain (Superfetch)
SysMain, formerly known as Superfetch, is designed to preload data for frequently used apps, making them load faster. However, it can also lead to high CPU usage:
1. Search for “Services” in Windows 11 and open the Services app.
2. Find “SysMain” in the list.
3. Right-click on SysMain, select “Properties,” set the “Startup type” to “Disabled,” and click “Stop” under “Service status.”
4. Click “OK.”
5. Reset the Power Plan
Incorrect settings in your Power Plan can lead to excessive CPU usage. Resetting to the default settings might help:
1. Search for “Power Plan” in Windows 11 and select “Edit Power Plan.”
2. Click “Restore default settings for this plan.”
3. Confirm by clicking “Yes.”
Remember to restart your computer after making these changes.
6. Scan for Malware
Malware can often be the culprit behind high CPU usage. If you’ve recently installed a new program and noticed an increase in CPU usage, uninstall the program. If you can’t identify the program, perform a full system scan using a reliable anti-malware tool like Malwarebytes or Windows Security.
7. Leave the Windows Insider Program
If you’re part of the Windows Insider Program, you might be using unstable dev or beta builds, which can cause high CPU usage. Consider leaving the program:
1. Open “Settings” and go to “Windows Update.”
2. Click on “Windows Insider Program.”
3. Expand the “Stop getting preview builds” section.
4. Toggle on “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases.”
Restart your computer afterward.
8. Perform a System Restore
If you have automatic system restore points enabled, you can revert to a time before the CPU usage issue started:
1. Search for “Create a restore point” in Windows 11.
2. Open the System Protection tab in System Properties.
3. Select a restore point and follow the on-screen instructions.
9. Update Windows 11
Sometimes, high CPU usage is caused by system bugs. Keeping your system updated can help:
1. Go to “Settings” and select “Windows Update.”
2. Click “Check for updates.”
Install any available updates.
10. Reset Windows 11
If all else fails, resetting Windows 11 might be necessary:
1. Open “Settings” and go to “Windows Update.”
2. Click on “Advanced Options.”
3. Select “Recovery” and then “Reset PC.”
4. Choose “Keep my files” and select “Local Reinstall.”
5. Confirm by clicking “Reset.”
11. Check for Hardware Issues
If none of the above solutions work, the issue might be hardware-related. Problems with the power supply, the processor, or dust buildup on the heatsink can cause high CPU usage. Consider having your PC checked by a professional service center.
Following these steps should help resolve high CPU usage on your Windows 11 system. learn more
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