10 Effective Solutions to Fix High CPU Usage on Windows 11

High CPU usage can slow down your system performance and lead to various issues like overheating, lagging, and reduced productivity. Follow the comprehensive steps below to resolve this issue effectively.

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Before you start:

• Restart your PC once to ensure it’s not a temporary issue.
• Backup your important data—it provides safety whenever making system-level changes.

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Method 1: Check CPU Usage via Task Manager

The first step is diagnosing what exactly is causing the excessive CPU usage.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to launch the Task Manager.
2. Click on the Processes tab.
3. Click on the CPU heading to sort processes by CPU consumption.
4. Identify online or background processes consuming huge CPU resources.
5. Once identified, you can right-click a process and select End Task to close unnecessary processes.

Note: Avoid closing critical Windows processes.

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Method 2: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Some programs automatically start with Windows causing excessive CPU use. Disable unnecessary startup applications.

Steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Go to the Startup tab.
3. Check for apps marked as "High" impact.
4. Right-click on unwanted/rarely-used apps and select Disable.
5. Restart your PC to apply changes.

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Method 3: Update Windows and Drivers

Microsoft periodically releases updates aimed to fix performance issues and bugs that could lead to high CPU usage.

Steps to update Windows:

1. Press Windows key + I simultaneously to open Settings.
2. Select Windows Update from the left navigation pane.
3. Click Check for updates.
4. Let Windows download and install available updates.
5. Restart PC afterward.

Update Drivers:

• Go to Device Manager (Windows + X → Device Manager).
• Expand devices, right-click each, select Update driver and follow the on-screen prompts.

Alternatively, visit your Motherboard or Computer manufacturer’s official website for the latest hardware driver updates.

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Method 4: Scan your System for Malware

Malicious programs often cause high CPU usage.

Steps:

1. Open Windows Security (Start → type Windows Security).
2. Click Virus & threat protection.
3. Choose Scan options and select Full scan.
4. Start the scan and allow it to finish.
5. If malware is detected, follow instructions to remove or quarantine it.

Alternatively, download reputable antivirus software (such as Malwarebytes or Avast).

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Method 5: Adjust your Power Settings

Windows 11 provides different power modes—high CPU usage can happen due to excessively high performance configuration.

Steps:

1. Search Control Panel in search bar → Open Control Panel.
2. Set view to Large icons → Select Power Options.
3. Choose Balanced or Power Saver instead of High Performance.
4. Restart the PC and check CPU usage.

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Method 6: Disable Background Apps

Background apps consume CPU and RAM. Disable unnecessary ones.

Steps:

1. Go to Settings (Windows + I).
2. Navigate to Apps → Installed apps or Apps & features.
3. Click the three-dot icon next to apps that you rarely use and select Advanced options.
4. Under Background apps permissions, select Never.
5. Repeat these steps for unwanted apps.

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Method 7: Run the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM Tool

Corrupt or missing system files can lead to unnecessary CPU usage issues.

Steps:

1. Press Windows key → type cmd.
2. Right-click Command Prompt → choose Run as administrator.
3. Type and press Enter after each command below:

bash
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

1. Wait for scans to finish; it could take some time.
2. Restart your PC after completion.

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Method 8: Disable Windows Search Indexing

Search indexing service can consume significant CPU resources periodically.

Steps (optional if you rarely use search):

1. Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Scroll down and locate Windows Search.
3. Right-click Windows Search and select Properties.
4. Set the startup type to Disabled or Manual.
5. Click Stop and Apply → OK.
6. Reboot PC.

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Method 9: Adjust Visual Effects for Better Performance

Disabling advanced visual effects in Windows reduces CPU load.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Go to the Advanced tab.
3. Under Performance, click Settings.
4. Select Adjust for best performance option or choose custom and disable unnecessary options.
5. Click Apply then OK → Reboot the PC.

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Method 10: Reset or Reinstall Windows (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions help, a fresh Windows install can resolve deeper-rooted issues effectively.

Steps (Windows Reset):

1. Go to Settings (Windows + I).
2. Click on System → Recovery.
3. Under Recovery options, select Reset PC.
4. Choose either Keep my files or Remove everything (personal choice, backup recommended).
5. Follow the screen prompts to complete the reset procedure.

Alternatively, reinstall Windows by downloading Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s website, creating bootable USB, then following installation procedures.

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Bonus Tip: Regularly Clean Your Computer Internally (Hardware)

Dust accumulation can cause thermal throttling, making your CPU work harder.

• Periodically clean the fan, heatsink, and other internal parts of your tower/laptop carefully.

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Final Thoughts:

Regular PC maintenance, updating regularly, limiting background tasks, and practicing safe computing regularly keep your CPU usage manageable.

If you continue struggling, consider hardware upgrades (RAM or SSD), or contact a professional technician for further help.

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✅ By carefully following these solutions step by step, high CPU usage issues on Windows 11 can almost always be resolved effectively.