When a computer seems slow, users often open the Task Manager and are puzzled to see higher CPU usage. Unfortunately, the situation hasn't improved, even with Windows 11. If you're experiencing Unexpected closures , or if it was Windows keeps crashing This could be due to high CPU usage. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact issue causing high CPU usage—usually, it's a program or a setting. We've compiled a list of helpful ways to fix high CPU usage on a Windows 11 computer.
1. Identify applications with the highest CPU usage
Open Task Manager on Windows Identify the apps that show high CPU usage. Once you've identified the location, you can quickly terminate the apps you don't need to reduce CPU usage. Here's how.
Step 1: Click on Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys to turn on Task management.
Step 2: in Process tab , you will find Current CPU Usage tab. Click CPU column Sort apps and services based on CPU usage.
Step 3: Close all unnecessary applications with high CPU usage to check if it reduces CPU usage.
Note that Web browsers like Google Chrome It is known for consuming high CPU resources, especially when streaming something on video sites or listening to music while opening multiple tabs.
2. Restrict background apps
If you have too many Applications and programs running in the background They can often end up draining your CPU. You can completely disable some less useful apps from running in the background to avoid this. Here's how.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + I To open Settings application. Click on an option Applications In the left column, click on Installed applications in the right pane.
Step 2: Locate Application site which you wish to disable. Click Three point list Adjacent to it to determine Advanced Options.
Step 3: Under Background app permissions, use the drop-down menu to choose Never.
Repeat the same for all apps you don't want to run in the background.
3. Restore the power plan to default settings
Windows 11 lets you choose between Different energy plans To prioritize or balance performance and battery life. If you make adjustments to any of your power plan settings to maximize battery life, you may experience performance issues. You can easily undo these changes by restoring your power plan to its default settings. Here's how.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + S To open Windows Search , And type Edit power plan , and click First result that appear.
Step 2: In the next window, click “Restore default settings for this plan” At the bottom. Click on yes In the following claim.
Restart your computer Try using it again to see if this results in high CPU usage.
4. Disable the SUPERFETCH service
Superfetch (Sysmain) is a service that allows applications on Windows to load content even before they open. However, depending on the number of applications you use and your computer's configuration, CPU usage can also spike. To fix this, you can disable the Superfetch service for a while. Here's how.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + R To start the command, type services.msc in the box and press Enter.
Step 2: Locate SysMain Service Website In the list, double-click on it to open its properties.
Step 3: change Startup type To broken And press Application followed by Agreed.
Restart your computer Apply the changes and see if it still shows high CPU usage in Task Manager.
5. Disable Cortana
Many users also reported reduced CPU usage after disabling Cortana on Windows. Although Microsoft's digital assistant is less intrusive on Windows 11, it can sometimes consume system resources.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + I To open Settings application. in Apps tab , Click Installed applications.
Step 2: Scroll down to select Cortana website , and click Three-dot menu Adjacent to it, and identified Advanced Options.
Step 3: Finally, turn off Cortana option within “Run at login” section.
6. Wait for Windows to finish updating.
If Windows 11 is checking for, downloading, or installing any updates in the background, you may notice increased CPU usage. You can check whether Windows is downloading or installing any updates from the Settings app.
Step 1: Right click start menu and select Settings from the list.
Step 2: Visit Windows Update tab And watch Windows Update Status.
If your Windows PC is downloading any updates, wait for them to install properly. If the updates have already downloaded, restart your computer to install them.
7. Check the power supply.
Power supply issues can also cause high CPU usage issues on your Windows 11 desktop. If your computer isn't receiving enough power, Windows will adjust accordingly and may not operate at full capacity. You can check the power cable connected to your desktop for any fraying or damage.
8. Scan for malware and disable third-party antivirus software.
The presence of malware is another reason why CPU usage increases from time to time. You can use Windows Security application To perform a full scan of your computer to check for any threats.
Additionally, using third-party antivirus software on Windows may cause such abnormalities. Typically, third-party antivirus software can stress your computer by constantly running scans in the background. If this is the case, disabling automatic scans in your antivirus software may help.
9. Leave Windows Insider
If you're enrolled in the Insider Program, you're likely running one of the Preview or Dev builds of Windows 11. Because these builds are unstable, they may consume unnecessary resources on your computer.
To avoid this, you may consider leaving the Windows Insider Program.
Step 1: Click on Windows key + I To open Settings app.
Step 2: Go to Windows Update And click Windows Insider Program.
Step 3: Within the stop getting Versions Preview , switch to The “Unregister this device when the next version of Windows is released” option.
Restart your computer to ensure that all changes take effect.
10. Restore system performance
A recent change in system settings or application installation may have led to the high CPU usage issue on Windows 11. If you can't pinpoint the culprit, you can use System Restore on Windows To return to a point before the high CPU usage issue first appeared, remember that you may lose any recent data or changes if you perform a system restore.
Step 1: Open start menu , And type Create a restore point Click on the first result that appears.
Step 2: within System Protection tab , Click System Restore button.
Step 3: Select a recommended restore point or choose one yourself by selecting the second choice And press on next one.
From there, follow the on-screen instructions to perform a system restore.
Always under control
Sometimes, it's normal for your computer to show high CPU usage while watching a 4K movie or playing graphics-intensive games on your PC, especially if you don't have a dedicated GPU. However, if your computer consistently shows high CPU usage in Task Manager, follow the methods above to investigate the issue, troubleshoot, and fix high CPU usage on Windows 11 for good.
