Buzz
Apart from Microsoft Edge, Windows Defender stands as one of the key pillars of Windows 10 security. Instead of relying on third-party antivirus software, leveraging built-in tools like Windows Defender seems prudent. While it may have been perceived as inferior to other antivirus software in previous Windows versions, dealing with its CPU consumption is an unavoidable aspect of safeguarding your computer.
Excessive CPU usage by Windows Defender can be frustrating, particularly during gaming or multitasking. However, there are strategies to reduce its impact and lower CPU consumption, as outlined below.
Understanding Windows Defender
Formerly known as Microsoft AntiSpyware, it has now been integrated and transformed into Windows Defender Security Center, a Microsoft-built tool designed to help protect, remove, or isolate viruses, spyware, malware, and other malicious code attempting to infiltrate your computer.
Why Does Windows Defender Consume CPU?
Within Windows Defender lies a security program named Antimalware Service Executable (known as MsMpEng.exe in Task Manager), deeply embedded within the operating system kernel. Its deep integration with the latest cutting-edge security technologies such as real-time scanning and continuous protection results in the CPU being consistently occupied.
Note: In the Windows 10 Creator Update version, it has been upgraded to Windows Defender Security Center. It is recommended that readers upgrade their Windows 10 for optimal performance.
Step 2: In the Windows Defender Security Center, select the second icon (square shape) and then choose Virus & Threat protection settings.
Step 3: Before accessing the Exclusions section to proceed with Add or Remove exclusions (adding and removing exceptions), remember to turn off Automatic sample submission mode. This mode is unnecessary and somewhat affects your bandwidth.
Step 4: In the Exclusion section, you can add exceptions for file, folder, file type, and Process.
Step 5: For file and folder , simply add any file or folder to this exclusion list. This action will prompt Windows Defender to ignore these directories and files.
Step 6: If you find dealing with individual scattered files tiring, utilize the third type, file type. Just enter the file format, and Windows Defender will exclude all files with that format. For example, to add more file types for JPG format, simply enter 'jpg' and add it.
Step 7: Lastly, add Process. But what is Process and where do we find it? To find out, open Task Manager from the Taskbar.
Step 8: Then you'll see a section called Processes here along with the software and processes currently running.
Step 9: Returning to Windows Defender, simply add the exact name seen in Task Manager earlier. This way, we've excluded Processes.
Step 10: If you wish to remove these exclusions, simply click on them and select Remove.
Adding excluded directories and files for Windows Defender to ignore by default will somewhat reduce CPU usage. Of course, readers should not abuse this feature as it may compromise system security. However, for directories and file types you trust, you can certainly use this method instead of turning off Windows Defender on Windows 10, which is very risky. If you're certain you're using some licensed antivirus software, then turn off Windows Defender on Windows 10; otherwise, just let it run.
