How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 10/11

How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 10/11 – [2025 Guide]

Is your PC fan going crazy? Or maybe your laptop is suddenly slow and lagging? One of the most common reasons is high CPU usage. In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to fix it — even if you’re not a tech expert.

What Causes High CPU Usage?

Background processes hogging resources
Malware or unwanted apps
Windows bugs or corrupted updates
Too many startup programs
Unoptimized settings or outdated drivers

Fixes That Work in 2025

1️⃣ Restart Your PC (Sounds silly, but it helps)

Sometimes a simple reboot clears out stuck processes.

2️⃣ Check Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Click on the CPU column to sort by usage.
Identify which app or process is eating up your CPU.
Right-click > End Task (only if it’s not a system process).

📝 Tip: Look out for processes like “Runtime Broker,” “Windows Shell Experience,” or Chrome tabs.

3️⃣ Disable Unnecessary Startup Apps

Open Task Manager > Startup tab.
Right-click and disable programs you don’t need when Windows starts (e.g., Spotify, Discord, OneDrive).

4️⃣ Scan for Malware

Use Windows Defender or a trusted antivirus like Malwarebytes

5️⃣ Update Drivers

Press Windows + X > Device Manager
Right-click CPU or system-related drivers > Update driver

6️⃣ Adjust Power Settings

Go to Control Panel > Power Options
Set it to Balanced or High performance instead of "Power saver".

7️⃣ Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes Microsoft releases hotfixes for CPU usage spikes.

Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates

8️⃣ Disable Background Apps

Settings > Apps > Installed Apps
Turn off apps running in the background unnecessarily.

⚠️ Still Not Working? Try This:

Run System File Checker:

        bash
        sfc /scannow

Run DISM tool:

        swift
        DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These commands fix corrupted system files.

How to Fix High CPU Usage in Windows 10/11 – Easy Step-by-Step Guide