Just a few days ago, my cousin got a new laptop, and after using it for a week, he called me and complained about the computer hanging. At first, I thought it might be due to new updates, but when the issue persisted, I checked the Task Manager, and to my surprise, the laptop had a high CPU usage issue. Usually, it is high RAM usage, but in this case, it was high CPU usage.
So, today, I will share whatever we did to fix the Windows 11 high CPU usage issue on my cousin’s laptop.
What Causes High CPU Usage in Windows 11?
These are the common reasons for high or 100% CPU usage on your PC running Windows 11.
- Tons of background apps and services.
- Windows updates and telemetry.
- Malware and unwanted startup apps.
- Driver problems or outdated firmware.
Smart Fixes to Reduce CPU Usage in Windows 11
Follow these methods one by one to reduce the high CPU usage.
Quick Restart
In the general tech world, a quick restart doesn’t hurt much; in some cases, it has positive effects. If you are facing a high CPU usage issue on your PC, it is better to restart your PC. Oftentimes, it is the startup apps that don’t start right and end up taking a lot of resources from the CPU. So, make sure that this is the first thing that you try.
Disable/Optimise Windows Updates
In some cases, there are constant Windows updates that keep taking the CPU resources and do not let your PC run optimally. In that case, here is something you can try:
Step 1: Go to the Windows search bar, type “Settings” and hit Enter.
Step 2: Then, click on Windows Update from the menu on the left and click on Advanced options.
Step 3: Now, click on Delivery Optimisation.
Step 4: Turn on the toggle for Allow downloads from other PCs.
That is it! This should fix the issue for you, and in case you still have the issue, try the next fix.
Adjust Visual Performance
The visual performance, although catchy, can take an unnecessary toll on the system. So the best option is to optimize it as per your needs. Here is how:
The next fix is to adjust the visual performance. Here is how to do it:
Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type “sysdm.cpl” and press Enter.
Step 3: In the System Properties window, go to the Advanced tab.
Step 4: Under Performance, click on Settings.
Step 5: In the Visual Effects tab, select Custom, and enable only the necessary options like:
Show thumbnails instead of icons.
Smooth edges of screen fonts.
Show window contents while dragging.
Disable the rest.
Step 6: Click Apply and then OK.
Disable Unwanted Services to Reduce High CPU Usage
When you boot up your PC, there are many services that start to give you an optimal user experience. However, some of them are unnecessary, and you can simply disable them. Here is how:
Step 1: Press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
Step 2: In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
Step 3: Check the box for Hide all Microsoft services.
Step 4: Disable unnecessary services. Uncheck services like Adobe Acrobat Update, auto-updaters, etc. Avoid disabling services related to the GPU, printer, RGB, or audio.
Step 5: Finally, click Apply.
Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps
Just like unwanted services, there are many unwanted apps that open automatically when your PC is turned on. These are startup apps, and you can disable a lot of them to fix the Windows 11 high CPU usage issue. Here is how:
Step 1: Right-click on the Taskbar and then click on Task Manager.
Step 2: Now, click on Startup apps from the menu on the left.
Step 3: Click on Status to sort them by their status.
Step 4: From here, you can disable the startup apps that you don’t use. You can disable apps like Spotify, Discord, and OneDrive that you can easily open manually whenever needed.
That is it!
Disable Unnecessary System Notifications
Here is what you have to do:
Step 1: Go to the Windows search bar, type “Settings” and hit Enter.
Step 2: Then, click on System from the menu on the left and click on Notifications.
Step 3: Scroll down and click on Additional settings.
Step 4: Uncheck the boxes for Suggested ways to get the most out of Windows and finish setting up this device, and Get tips and suggestions when using Windows options.
Simply restart your PC, and this should fix the issue.
Disable Windows Services
Step 1: Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
Step 2: Scroll and find a service named SysMain.
Step 3: Right-click on it and then click on Properties.
Step 4: Set Startup type to Disabled only if RAM/CPU usage is consistently high.
Hit OK and restart your PC.
Note: Disabling this service may reduce app preloading performance.
Uninstall Bloatware and Unwanted Apps
Windows 11 includes a large number of apps that you will most likely never use. So, all of these apps are essentially bloatware on your PC. Eliminating them from your machine will undoubtedly improve the performance of Windows 11. We have a special guide for debloating Windows 11. You can read it from the link below:
Read: How to Debloat Your Windows 11 to Unlock Maximum Performance
Over time, we install a lot of apps and other things on our PC that we don’t use, and it’s best to get rid of them. Here’s how you do it.
Step 1: Hit the search icon, type Settings, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Go to Apps from the menu on the left. Then click on Installed apps.
Step 3: From the list, see the app that you no longer use, click on the three-dots icon next to it, and then click on Uninstall.
This will definitely free up some memory on your PC and help you fix the Windows 11 high CPU usage issue.
Change Power Settings
There are some apps that can alter the power settings and optimization on a laptop. In that case, you might struggle with the high CPU usage issue on Windows 11. To fix it, we will be using a different approach, as you can’t do this using the GUI of the power settings of your laptop. Here is what you have to do:
Step 1: Press Windows Key + X.
Step 2: Click Terminal (Admin). If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
Step 3: Copy and paste the following command into the terminal:
PowerCfg /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_PROCESSOR IDLEDISABLE 000
Step 4: Press Enter
This command re-enables CPU idle states that may have been disabled by a software or power tweak.
Step 5: Now copy and paste this second command:
PowerCfg /SETACTIVE SCHEME_CURRENT
Step 6: Press Enter again.
This command applies the updated power plan settings immediately.
Wrapping Up
So, these are all the fixes you can try to fix the Windows 11 high CPU usage issue. All of these methods help to reduce the workload of the CPU. Here is how you can confirm whether your CPU is at full capacity or not:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Performance tab and check your CPU usage.
After applying these fixes, it should now be significantly lower at idle.
If you still face the issue, it is best to get your PC checked by a professional. We hope this guide helps you fix the issue. In case of any queries or issues, do reach out to us.
FAQs About High CPU Usage
A: This can be caused by background services, bloatware, startup apps, or hidden power settings preventing CPU idle states. Adjusting power plans and disabling unnecessary apps/services often helps reduce usage.
A: Disabling SysMain can reduce CPU usage but may slightly impact app launch speeds. Always hide Microsoft services before disabling third-party ones and avoid turning off GPU, audio, or printer services.
A: Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc), go to the Processes tab, and sort by CPU. This shows which applications or processes are consuming the most CPU resources in real-time.
A: If CPU usage remains high after trying all the suggested steps, scan for malware, update all drivers, and consider resetting your PC. If issues persist, seek help from a certified technician.
