Hey there! Are you noticing that your computer is running slower than usual, or the fan is sounding like a mini jet engine? This could be due to high CPU usage. CPU, which stands for Central Processing Unit, is like the brain of your computer. When it’s working too hard, things can slow down. Let’s dive into why this happens and how to fix it.
Why Does High CPU Usage Happen?
High CPU usage can occur for a bunch of reasons. Maybe you have too many programs open, or there’s a specific program that’s eating up all the resources. Sometimes, it could be due to a virus or outdated drivers. Understanding the root cause is key to fixing the issue.
Step 1: Start with the Task Manager: The Task Manager is your best friend here. To open it, just press Ctrl + Shift + Esc. You’ll see a list of everything running on your computer. Look for anything that’s using a lot of CPU power. If you see a program you don’t recognize or that shouldn’t be using so much power, you might have found the culprit.
Step 2: Close Unnecessary Programs; If you have lots of programs open, your CPU might be overwhelmed. Close anything you’re not using. To do this, right-click on the program in the Task Manager and choose ‘End Task’. Be careful not to close anything important for Windows to run!
Step 3: Check for Malware: Viruses or malware can cause high CPU usage. It’s always good to run a virus scan if you think this might be the problem. You can use Windows Defender, which is built into Windows, or any other trusted antivirus program.
Step 4: Update Windows and Drivers: Sometimes, old drivers or a Windows version that’s not up to date can cause problems. To check for updates:
- For Windows: Go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ‘Windows Update’, and click ‘Check for updates’.
- For drivers: You can update them through the Device Manager. Right-click on the Start button, select ‘Device Manager’, and look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark. These might need an update.
Step 5: Adjust Windows for Best Performance: Windows has a lot of visual effects that can use extra CPU. To adjust this:
- Right-click on ‘This PC’ on your desktop and select ‘Properties’.
- Click on ‘Advanced system settings’.
- Under ‘Performance’, click ‘Settings’.
- Choose ‘Adjust for best performance’ and click ‘OK’.
Step 6: Disable Startup Programs: Some programs start automatically when you turn on your computer and can slow things down. To disable these:
- Open Task Manager and go to the ‘Startup’ tab.
- Right-click on any program you don’t need immediately when your computer starts and choose ‘Disable’.
Step 7: Check for Power Issues: If you’re using a laptop, make sure it’s not in Power Saving mode. This can limit CPU performance. You can change this in the Control Panel under ‘Power Options’.
Step 8: Consider a Hardware Upgrade: If your computer is old, it might struggle to keep up. Adding more RAM or even upgrading your CPU can make a big difference. But, this might require professional help if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
Step 9: Reset Your PC as a Last Resort: If nothing else works, you can reset Windows. This is a big step, as it’ll remove all your files, so make sure to back up anything important. To do this, go to ‘Settings’ > ‘Update & Security’ > ‘Recovery’, and choose ‘Get started’ under ‘Reset this PC’.
Conclusion
High CPU usage can be annoying, but it’s usually fixable. Start with the basics like closing programs and running a virus scan, then move on to more advanced steps if needed.
Before saying goodbye, a special thanks to WindowsGuided.com for helping us to come up with this helpful guide!
Good luck, and here’s to a smoother, faster computer experience!
