5 Simple Ways to Overcome 100% CPU Usage Quickly
Reached CPU Usage 100% in Task Manager spontaneously makes computer performance very slow.
Even so, there are plenty of options to take it down quickly. How to overcome 100% CPU Usage is actually not difficult, the following steps are intended for ordinary computer / laptop users.
Before heading to the tutorial, there are two important things that form the background of this tutorial.
One of the two causes of sharp spikes in CPU usage may also be your problem.
- High CPU Usage when playing heavy video games or running heavy programs.
- High CPU usage even though you are not running any programs or only light programs.
If the CPU Usage spiked fantastically because of the first option, that’s normal.
It’s natural for the CPU to work extra hard when asked to do commands that require resources big.
That way, we will focus on the second problem, namely CPU Usage activity that is too high when not running any applications or only light applications.
This also includes users who experience an abnormally increased CPU Usage when the computer is new.
The following guide works flawlessly on Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 though with slight differences in appearance.
#1 Lower CPU Usage by turning off unnecessary background programs
Most Windows users are not aware that there are many not very useful programs on their computer.
Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10:
- Open the Start Menu and search for msconfig
- Run the program (System Configuration) then go to the tab Services
- Tick Hide all Microsoft services
- In the program list, uncheck the unnecessary applications
- Click OK to complete
Do the same on the tab Startup in msconfig just now. Select the background program you don’t want to run, then click Disable.
For Windows 7, you can set it in the msconfig window, while Windows 8 and Windows 10 users will be redirected to the Task Manager.
#2 Turn off all Windows 10 Background Apps
For Windows 10 users, a number of default apps and universal apps consistently run in the background from the moment the computer starts up.
For users with minimal specifications, turning off Background Apps can reduce CPU load significantly.
Windows 10:
- Open menu Start.
- Then search with this keyword choose which apps can run in the background
- Run the program then slide to Off
This step will turn off all Windows 10 Background Apps.
But you can also sort out which ones are still active if you really need them.
#3 Reduce unnecessary animation effects
The last three variants of the Windows operating system carry different animation and graphic themes. Eliminating unnecessary animation effects can slightly reduce CPU load.
Especially if you use integrated graphics aka Intel HD Graphics which is “weaker” than the graphics card.
Windows 7/Windows 8/Windows 10:
- Open Start Menu
- Search Advanced System Settings then open the program
- In column Performanceclick Settings…
- Choose Adjust for best performance then click OK
You can also keep some animations and visual effects enabled.
For example smooth edges of screen fonts helps to define a clear boundary between the text and the background. So, if you often read via the web, you should just keep this option enabled.
#4 Clean the computer from malware
Often without knowing it, malware is installed when you install certain applications.
Some are dangerous to steal data, some are ‘only’ burdening computer performance, especially CPU and RAM.
To clean malware, Windows itself is equipped with Windows Defender. Unfortunately, in my personal opinion, this default antivirus is not as sensitive as antivirus made by other companies.
The following 5 best software to clean malware and viruses so that CPU usage is no longer burdened.
How many antivirus should be installed?
One is enough.
If you already have, immediately do a scan to make sure there are no parasitic programs that hinder computer performance.
It is recommended to scan Local Disk (C:) first considering the majority of programs are installed there.
#5 Clean up heatsink CPU from dust for smoother air circulation
After following some of the suggestions above but CPU Usage still shows 100%, maybe this has entered the realm of hardware problems.
An overheated CPU will automatically reduce its capacity, making even small activities feel heavy for the CPU.
Maybe you need to check heatsink or sheet metal in charge of reducing CPU heat. Clean from dust so that the wind from the fan can be received evenly by heatsink.
Desktop computers:
Use an electric blower or a hand blower to remove dust from heatsink. Can also use a brush to clean the outer part of the heatsink.
Do not use a blow from the mouth because it contains moisture which is harmful to electronic components.
Laptops:
Laptops are a bit difficult because of the tight arrangement of components so you have to disassemble the laptop to access the inside heatsink.
Keep in mind that this method should only be used by knowledgeable people. On the other hand, opening the laptop case can result in a loss of warranty.
Tablet:
For tablets and computer devices without a fan, it is enough to keep the room temperature within normal limits of 20º to 40º Celsius.
In addition, a fan directed at the back of the tablet can help reduce heat.
Application CoreTemp very useful monitoring the temperature every core CPU so you know when is the right time to rest your computer. See also 10 other software to monitor computer temperature.
Of the 5 ways to overcome the 100% CPU Usage, it is not absolute to provide an accurate solution for every user.
Device specifications, Windows version, hardware age, and environmental conditions also have an effect. So there is no definite guarantee about this guide, but technically, the above method should indeed be able to reduce the CPU load.
How about your self? Has the CPU Usage problem been resolved?
