Are you experiencing high CPU usage with no programs running? Here’s how to fix it.
Scan and Remove Malware
Step 1: Start by running a full scan of your system using your antivirus software. This will help identify any malware that may be causing the high CPU usage.
Step 2: If your antivirus software doesn’t find anything, consider using a dedicated malware removal tool. There are many reputable options available for free download online.
Step 3: After running the malware removal tool, restart your computer and check the Task Manager to see if the CPU usage has decreased. If not, you may need to consider other potential causes for the high CPU usage.
If you’ve followed these steps and are still experiencing high CPU usage with nothing running, it may be worth considering seeking professional help. Malware can sometimes be stubborn and difficult to remove, and it’s important to ensure that your system is clean and secure.
By taking these steps, you can effectively scan and remove malware to fix high CPU usage with nothing running on your Windows operating system.
Disable Unnecessary Background Programs
- Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc
- Click on the Processes tab
- Look for any programs that are using a high amount of CPU and are not essential for your system
- Select the program and click on End Task
- Repeat this process for any other unnecessary background programs
Update Drivers and Windows
To fix high CPU usage with nothing running, the first step is to ensure that your drivers and Windows are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause high CPU usage, so it’s important to regularly update them. To update your drivers, go to the Device Manager in Windows and right-click on each device to check for driver updates. You can also visit the manufacturer’s website to download and install the latest drivers for your specific hardware.
Updating Windows is also crucial as Microsoft regularly releases updates to improve system performance and fix bugs. To update Windows, go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update and click on “Check for updates.” Install any available updates and restart your computer if prompted.
If you’re still experiencing high CPU usage after updating your drivers and Windows, you can use the Task Manager to identify the process causing the issue. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager, then click on the “CPU” column to sort processes by CPU usage. Look for any processes using a high percentage of CPU and research online to see if they are essential or if they could be causing the problem.
In some cases, a third-party software or malware may be causing the high CPU usage. Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to check for any threats. You can also use the Windows Security app to perform a scan and remove any malicious software.
By keeping your drivers and Windows up to date, monitoring CPU usage in the Task Manager, and scanning for malware, you can effectively address high CPU usage even when nothing is running.
Adjust Power Settings
Another method is to adjust the power settings directly through the Windows Registry. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog, type “regedit”, and hit Enter. Navigate to “HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Power” and modify the “CsEnabled” value to 0, which disables CPU power management.
You can also use the Task Manager to identify any specific processes or applications that are causing high CPU usage. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, go to the “Processes” tab, and look for any processes using a high percentage of CPU. You can then end these processes to reduce CPU usage.
By adjusting power settings and managing processes, you can effectively fix high CPU usage even when nothing is running on your computer. These steps can help optimize your CPU’s performance and prevent unnecessary strain on the system.
Review and Modify Registry Settings
| Registry Key | Current Value | Recommended Value |
|---|---|---|
| HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters\EnablePrefetcher | 3 | 1 |
| HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem\NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation | 0 | 1 |
| HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters\Size | 3 | 1 |
| HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\LanmanServer\Parameters\IrpStackSize | 15 | 18 |
Reset or Restart Your PC
If you’re experiencing high CPU usage with nothing running, a simple reset or restart can sometimes resolve the issue. This action can help to clear out any temporary files or processes that may be causing the high CPU usage.
Keep in mind that resetting or restarting your PC will close any open programs and unsaved work, so be sure to save any important documents before proceeding.
After the restart, monitor your CPU usage to see if the problem has been resolved. If high CPU usage persists, you may need to explore other troubleshooting steps such as checking for malware, updating device drivers, or adjusting system settings.
