How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 11

High CPU usage in Windows 11 can be a frustrating issue, especially if you’re working, gaming, or just trying to browse the web. A spiking or constantly high CPU can slow down your entire system, cause applications to freeze, drain your laptop battery, and even cause overheating.

Fortunately, you don’t need to be a tech expert to troubleshoot and fix this problem. With a combination of built-in Windows tools and a few smart habits, you can identify what’s hogging your CPU and get your system back to smooth operation.

In this guide, we’ll explore the most common causes of high CPU usage and walk through practical steps to fix it.

1. Check Task Manager for Resource Hogs

Before diving into fixes, it’s important to understand what’s causing the issue. The Task Manager gives you a live view of CPU usage and helps pinpoint which apps or processes are consuming too much power.

Steps:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

• Click on the Processes tab.

• Click on the CPU column to sort apps by usage.

Look for any processes using an abnormally high percentage of CPU (e.g., 50% or more consistently). If it’s a non-critical app, right-click and choose End task.

However, don’t end processes you’re unfamiliar with—some are essential for system operation.

2. Restart Your PC

It sounds simple, but a full system reboot can clear out stuck processes or background services that are using more CPU than they should. Rebooting resets system memory, terminates unnecessary tasks, and often provides temporary relief from high CPU spikes.

If CPU usage drops after a restart but spikes again after some time, a recurring service or startup app may be the culprit.

3. Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Apps that launch automatically with Windows can eat into your CPU from the moment you boot up. Disabling unnecessary startup apps helps reduce load.

How to do it:

• Open Task Manager.

• Go to the Startup apps tab.

• Disable apps you don’t need running in the background (e.g., Spotify, Discord, Adobe services).

Leave essential programs like antivirus software enabled.

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4. Scan for Malware

Malware and cryptominers are common causes of sustained high CPU usage. Even if you’re careful online, malicious programs can sneak in via outdated software or bundled downloads.

Use these tools:

• Windows Security (built-in): Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection, and run a full scan.

• Malwarebytes (free version): A trusted scanner that often catches threats missed by regular antivirus tools.

Run full scans regularly to ensure your system remains clean.

5. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated system files and drivers can cause CPU-related issues, especially if there are bugs or incompatibilities.

To update Windows:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update.

• Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.

To update drivers:

• Open Device Manager.

• Expand categories like “Processors” or “Display Adapters”.

• Right-click and select Update driver.

You can also use third-party tools like Driver Booster or Snappy Driver Installer for a more automated experience.

6. Check Background Processes and Services

Sometimes the issue isn’t a single app but a Windows background service or scheduled task that’s misbehaving. Common culprits include:

• Windows Search Indexer

• SysMain (Superfetch)

• Windows Update Service

How to manage them:

• Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

• Locate the service (e.g., Windows Search), right-click it, and choose Properties.

• Set Startup type to “Manual” or “Disabled”, and click Stop to turn it off.

Disabling these services can reduce CPU usage, but be cautious. If unsure, research the service before disabling it.

7. Adjust Power Plan Settings

Windows’ power plans can affect how your CPU behaves. The Balanced plan sometimes throttles performance unnecessarily.

Switch to a high-performance plan:

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options.

• Choose High Performance or Ultimate Performance (if available).

On laptops, using a high-performance plan may reduce battery life but will improve CPU responsiveness.

8. Update or Reinstall Problematic Applications

If a specific app (like a game, browser, or editing tool) consistently causes high CPU usage:

• Check for app updates via its built-in updater or official website.

• Uninstall and reinstall the app if updates don’t help.

For browsers like Chrome or Edge, try resetting to default settings or clearing the cache.

9. Disable Windows Tips and Notifications

Surprisingly, Windows’ tips and notification pop-ups can sometimes cause high CPU usage in the background.

To disable them:

• Go to Settings > System > Notifications.

• Scroll down and turn off Get tips and suggestions when using Windows.

This reduces background activity related to system recommendations.

10. Turn Off Background Apps

Windows 11 allows some apps to run in the background even when you’re not actively using them. These apps can use CPU cycles for syncing or updates.

To manage background apps:

• Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

• Click on each app and go to Advanced Options.

• Set Background app permissions to Never.

Repeat this for apps you don’t need running silently.

11. Use Resource Monitor for Deeper Analysis

If you want to go deeper into what’s happening with your CPU:

• Press Win + R, type resmon, and press Enter.

• Go to the CPU tab.

This tool gives a detailed breakdown of CPU usage by individual services and threads, which can help identify obscure problems.

12. Disable Cortana or Voice Services

While useful for some, Cortana and other voice services can be CPU-intensive—especially if left enabled without use.

To disable Cortana:

• Go to Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

• Search for Cortana and click Advanced options.

• Click Terminate, then set Runs at log-in to Off.

Voice typing and recognition settings can also be turned off under Privacy & Security > Speech.

13. Consider a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps you identify if background apps or services are causing the issue.

Steps:

• Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

• Under the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.

• Under the Startup tab, open Task Manager and disable all items.

• Restart your PC.

If CPU usage drops after a clean boot, you can re-enable services one at a time to find the culprit.

Final Thoughts

High CPU usage in Windows 11 is usually caused by background apps, runaway processes, or misconfigured settings. By taking a methodical approach—starting with Task Manager and moving through startup programs, updates, and services—you can usually identify and fix the issue without the need for expert support.

Remember, performance issues often build up over time. Regular maintenance, like updating software, scanning for malware, and managing startup apps, can prevent high CPU usage before it becomes a serious problem.

If all else fails, a fresh reinstall of Windows or professional assistance may be necessary—but most users can resolve this on their own with the right steps and patience.