It’s uncommon for new computers to present problems related to high processor use. When that happens, it’s because something is wrong with your device. How can you stop this problem from happening, and how do you know the symptoms?
Sometimes, the reason behind high CPU levels is not as noticeable as one may think. You’ll know something is going on whenever the laptop fan starts spinning at high speed (although that may also be an indicator of other problems). Additionally, your computer will work slower than normal, even if you’re not doing anything.
The CPU is like a computer’s brain. Therefore, it can become saturated if it is handling too many tasks or if a single task is taking all of its resources. Although it is simple to avoid the use of these programs, sometimes the issue may not be more complicated than you think.
Today, we’re going to explore the different aspects and motives of your laptop reporting high CPU levels and how you can solve them to keep using your device without problems.
How do you know what program is using too much CPU?
For starters, you should know that closing all the programs you have currently may not help at all. You must inspect what processes are using resources in your PC by opening the Task Manager. This step is crucial and is one of the many ways you have of investigating all the possible solutions.
You can open the task manager by making right-click on your taskbar and then clicking on the “Task Manager” option. There, you’ll see a list with all the processes and how many resources they are taking from your computer.
Sometimes the problem may be caused by the tool “Intel Driver and Software Assistant Tool.” It’s something that many Windows 10 users have been experiencing for a long time, although in the most recent versions, it was solved.
Still, this problem makes the process “DSAService” (which is related to drivers and the tool mentioned previously) take too much CPU than it should while being executed in the background. It can be from fifty to one-hundred percent, depending on your processor’s capacity.
When an application is taking too many resources from your CPU, it will make your computer slow. For instance, if you tend to play video games, you’ll notice how the FPS drop almost instantly, making it almost impossible to play.
Temporary solution
Windows has not addressed the problem yet, so we have to wait for a while until they solve the problem. You can still go ahead and try to solve it yourself by uninstalling the Intel Driver and Software Assistant Tool. There are two solutions, so the first one should not be complicated.
The second option is to uninstall the KB4592438 update, which was brought to our computers last December. This update has caused too many problems to most users, and they’re affecting more people every day. Although you’ll lose many significant functions, the update brought, most of these problems will be solved.
Once you stop this from happening, it would be best to pause automatic updates by going to the Windows Update settings. After all, your system is likely programmed to download updates automatically, so you may suffer these problems again.
What can you do to reduce CPU consumption?
If your processor is still working harder than it should and cannot find out what’s causing it, we have a list of tips you can use to reduce the CPU consumption and make your computer have a smoother performance.
You can reduce or disable animations.
We know those aesthetics are essential, and windows like granting the user with many animations make the system as good-looking as possible. Still, sometimes these animations tend to use too much CPU, especially if your computer doesn’t have as many resources as other devices.
You can solve this problem by going to the system settings on the Control Panel. Click on the “Advanced settings” option, and then go to the “performance” tab. There, open the settings, and deactivate all the animations.
Disable the “Superfetch” service.
Once you’ve disabled all the animations, the next step should be disabling the Superfetch service.
If you go to the list of services, you will see that Windows describes the process as a tool that “improves performance over time.” However, this description is not accurate as the service consumes too much CPU, which is not helpful at all, especially in low-end devices.
You can deactivate this service by searching “Services” on the Windows search bar. You’ll see how a list with all the services – whether they’re active or not – pops up. There, search for the “Superfetch” one, and make double right-click. Another window will pop up; there, you must disable the service. If you don’t want to restart your computer, you can also stop the service.
Disable all the notifications you don’t need.
Since Windows 10 came, the system insists on showing us personalized notifications it considers may be useful. However, although these actions may not be as harmful as one may think, you can translate this problem into a higher use of CPU resources.
“Runtime Broker” is the process in charge of this task. As it happens with Superfetch, it would be best to deactivate it to stop these annoying notifications from appearing and for your computer to work smoothly. Follow this route: Settings > System > Notifications and actions. There, you must deactivate the tab that says “Obtain tricks, tips, and recommendations while you use windows.”
Are there too many active processes in the background?
Sometimes, you can’t see an application running, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t active. You can open the task manager to see a list with all the processes. Although some of them are necessary for Windows to function, as you keep using your PC and install programs, there will be more active processes at the same time. That may be the reason why your PC is working so slowly.
You can deactivate some of the programs you don’t use, so they don’t start automatically each time you turn on your device. You can do that by opening the Task Manager and going to the “Start” tab. You’ll see all the programs that initiate whenever Windows starts functioning. Deactivate the programs that take too much CPU, and restart your PC. You’ll notice the difference quickly!
Your antivirus may be the cause.
Antivirus programs often take a ton of your computer’s resources. Antivirus programs are proved to not be as effective as people believe.
For starters, we recommend using an antimalware program and not an Antivirus. You complement that program with Windows Defender, and your computer should be protected from most threats.
Although antivirus may save you from getting a headache from time to time, sometimes they may be the reason why your computer is working so slowly. This fact becomes especially true when the program is running a programmed analysis.
If you want to continue using your antivirus, you can program it to only perform these scans during the hours you’re not using your PC. That way, the antivirus will continue to work whenever it isn’t working.
What if it’s an actual virus?
Your antivirus should detect if a virus has infected your computer, but if you’re not using an antivirus, you can try running an antivirus program like Kaspersky or ESET. Once you’ve found the virus and if the software uses too high CPU, remove it with the tool you used to identify it.
