Fix CPU 100 Error, Resolve CPU Overload Issues

This article helps us:

- Completely fix the CPU 100% error - Enhance overall computer speed

CPU running at 100% can result from various causes, possibly due to having too many applications open simultaneously or, in part, due to viruses or prolonged lack of maintenance. In this article, Mytour will guide you through one of the basic ways to fix CPU usage errors, addressing the CPU running at 100%, helping protect your CPU, and extending its lifespan.

Fix CPU 100%, Resolve CPU Overload Issues

Fix CPU 100 Error, Resolve CPU Overload Issues, Fix CPU Usage

1. Neglecting Computer Hygiene

One simple reason causing the CPU 100 error that many people may overlook is the elevated temperature of the machine. When the machine gets too hot, the CPU runs hotter and has to reduce its clock speed. This situation often leads to the CPU 100 error. Specifically, it is due to neglecting computer hygiene for a long time. The thermal paste on the chip has deteriorated, and this is the time when you need to clean your machine and reapply thermal paste. Always pay attention to the placement of the computer and the room temperature to ensure that the machine stays cool and does not encounter the CPU 100 error again.

Learn more: Proper Guide to Clean Your Computer

2. Uninstall Default Apps and Disable Background Apps.

When it comes to Windows 10, despite being the most preferred operating system for many users, there are still some unnecessary applications that may be the culprit behind the CPU 100% error. Therefore, it is advisable to uninstall unused default apps and disable background-running applications.

Step 1: From the user interface, click on the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen and select the gear icon as shown below.

Step 2: Once the Windows Settings interface opens, click on the Privacy section.

Step 3: Click on the Background apps on the left and toggle the Let apps run in the background switch to Off as shown below.

3. Check Your Antivirus Software

Antivirus software provides effective protection against viruses and malicious codes attacking your computer. However, it can also be a major cause of CPU consumption. If your antivirus software is using too much CPU, uninstall it and find a lighter alternative.

4. Examine the System Idle Process

It's noteworthy that the System Idle Process is not a virus or anything harmful to your computer. It simply indicates that the processor is idle. This is a complex process on computers. Checking this process shows that your computer is functioning normally, and the idle percentage of the System Idle can go up to 95% in idle mode. If it's not the System Idle Process, then there might be some background-running software causing the CPU 100% issue.

5. Limit Startup Programs with Windows

To check programs starting with Windows, open Task Manager and select the Startup tab. If you find any unnecessary or high-impact programs, simply right-click and choose Disable.

6. Disable Superfetch, BITS, Windows Search Service

Step 1: Press the Windows + R key combination and enter the command services.msc

Step 2: In the Services dialog box that appears, find and double-click on the Superfetch entry.

Step 3: Next, in the Startup type, change the value to Disabled, click Stop in Service status to halt the service, and press OK to complete disabling Superfetch.

Step 4: Similarly, find and double-click on the Background Intelligent Transfer Service. Change the value to Disabled, click Stop in Service status to halt the service, and press OK.

Step 5: Finally, locate Windows Search, change the value to Disabled, click Stop in Service status to halt the service, and press OK.

Additionally, you can disable some background-running services including:

Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
IP Helper
Plug and Play
Print Spooler
Program Compatibility Assistant Service
TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper
Windows Push Notifications System Service

7. Check the WmiPrvSE.Exe Process

The first step in addressing CPU overload is to examine WmiPrvSE.exe, an integrated Windows process designed to troubleshoot computer issues on a network. Although Microsoft has cautioned users about this process, it may not always cause CPU consumption. However, it's advisable to check and disable it if it's causing excessive CPU usage.

Step 1: Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc key combination to open Task Manager.

Step 2: In the Processes section, look for any process named WMI Provider Host, which is WmiPrvSE.exe. If it's consuming resources, stop it following the instructions below.

Step 3: Switch to the Services tab, select open Services to locate the origin of WmiPrvSE.exe.

Step 4: In Services, find the file named Windows Management Instrumentation, then right-click to STOP the service.

8. Block Svchost.Exe

svchost.exe is known as a common support process for services running from dynamic-link libraries. For better understanding, you can go to Task Manager and check the Services section where numerous services demand individual processes. Sometimes, you may observe dozens of svchost.exe running simultaneously, causing CPU consumption and overloading.

Step 1: To prevent svchost.exe from appearing randomly, block it by entering advanced sharing in the Windows search bar and selecting the found result to access Advanced sharing setting.

Step 2: In Advanced sharing settings, turn off Network discovery, and then press Save changes.

Step 3: Next, we proceed to disable Windows Updates, one of the contributors to svchost.exe. Typically, this consumes 25% CPU every time an update is downloaded, although everything returns to normal after the download completes. Open the Start menu, type update, and select Check for updates.

Step 4: In the Windows Update section, choose Advanced options.

Step 5: Select Off to disable the automatic Windows update process.

With this method, you temporarily disable updates from Windows updates. However, stopping updates is not a preferred solution; nonetheless, Windows patch versions always work well for users.

On Windows 7

Step 1: Immediately press the Ctrl+Alt+Delete key combination on the keyboard and choose Start Task Manager.

Step 2: When the Windows Task Manager window appears, switch to the Tab Processes and locate Explorer.exe. Then click End Process to terminate that process.

Step 3: After clicking End Process, the desktop screen will disappear. To bring the desktop back, reopen Windows Task Manager.

- Select File -> New Task (Run...)

- Enter Explorer.exe and click OK

Step 4: Next, go to Start and choose Control Panel (Image below)

Step 5: Then, click System (Image below)

Step 6: Click Advanced system settings (Image below)

Step 7: Choose the Advanced tab and click Settings… (Image below)

Step 8: Select the Visual Effects tab, then uncheck Show thumbnails instead of icons, and click OK (Image below)

Step 9: Open Windows Explorer, go to Organize, and choose Folder and search options (Image below)

Step 10: In the View tab, check Always show icons, never thumbnails, uncheck Display file icon on thumbnails, and finally click OK to finish.

After completion, your computer will return to normal operation without freezing. With this guide, you can completely resolve the CPU 100% error.

In addition, ChromeOS is currently facing some issues causing CPU usage to exceed 100%. So, how can you easily fix this problem?

See more: Google releases ChromeOS bug fix causing 100% CPU usage