High CPU usage or CPU usage can signal some problems. If a program consumes the entire processor capacity, it may not run properly. CPU usage that is almost reaching the maximum limit also indicates a virus or adware infection that must be treated immediately. It can also mean that the computer is no longer capable of doing what you want it to do, hardware component upgrades may be necessary.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Windows
Step 1. Press
Ctrl+⇧ Shift+Esc to open the Task Manager.
This utility is used to monitor and report all processes and programs that are running on your computer.
Step 2. Click the Processes tab.
All processes currently running on the computer will be displayed.
Step 3. Click the "CPU" column
All processes will be sorted based on their respective CPU usage.
Step 4. Find the process that is using the most CPU capacity
Usually there is only one process that consumes 99-100% capacity, although it is also possible that there are a couple of different programs that each consume as much as 50% capacity.
Game applications and media editing programs (video or audio) will generally use 100% of the CPU capacity while in operation. This is normal because these programs are designed to be the only programs you use while they are running
Step 5. Pay attention to the "Image Name" of a process
The point is to check back later so you can determine how to prevent high CPU usage from occurring.
In Windows 8, you can see the full name of the program in addition to the name of the system process. This makes it much easier for you to determine the prevention methods above
Step 6. Select the program that is consuming CPU capacity and click
End Process.
You will be asked to confirm that you want to close or force stop the program.
- In Windows 8, the name of the button is End task.
- Force termination of the program will cause all unsaved work (by the program) to be lost. Forced termination of system processes may render the computer unusable until it is restarted.
- You don't need to force stop the "System Idle Process". If this process "seizes" CPU capacity, it doesn't actually use it. When the System Idle Process uses a lot of CPU capacity, it means that your computer has a lot of processing power available at that time.
- If you're having trouble force-closing a program, click here for more advanced information.
Step 7. Find out how to troubleshoot a program that isn't running properly
Look for information on the internet about the Image Name of the program you want to force stop. This will help you determine what process to use and what steps to take to prevent this program from sucking up 100% of the CPU capacity. There are some common methods that you can use to deal with the high CPU usage caused by certain programs:
- Uninstall. If the program is not a particularly important program, the easiest way to prevent it from crippling your computer system may be to uninstall it.
- Reinstall or update the program. Sometimes, a bug in a program causes it to take up the entire CPU capacity. Reinstalling or installing updates from the program developer may solve the problem you are experiencing.
- Remove the program from the startup sequence. If this program causes your computer to slow down at boot, but you need to install it, you can prevent it from running in the computer's startup process.
- Perform a virus and malware scan. If the information you get on the internet indicates that the program is malicious, you will need to remove it by using an antivirus or antimalware program. This process can be very complicated and you may not be able to remove the virus without reinstalling Windows. Click here for information on how to remove the virus.
Step 8. Check the power settings (for laptops)
If you're using a laptop and it's not plugged into a power source, your laptop may automatically run slower to save battery. You can help increase the processor's capabilities by adjusting the laptop's power settings, but this will also lead to higher battery consumption.
- Open "Control Panel" and select "Power Options". If you can't find this option, click "Hardware and Sound" and then select "Power Options".
- Click the "Show additional plans" option to open all the lists.
- Select "High Performance". All processor capabilities will be maximized if not.
Step 9. Update hardware components if the computer has problems running most programs
If CPU usage is constantly at 100% consumption and has nothing to do with any programs, you may need to consider updating your computer's hardware.
- Click here for information on how to update RAM. The addition of RAM can burden the work of the processor.
- Click here for information on how to update the processor.
Method 2 of 2: Mac
Step 1. Open "Activity Monitor"
You can find it in the "Utilities" directory in the "Applications" directory. You can also directly access this directory by clicking the "Go" menu and selecting "Utilities".
Activity Monitor shows all the processes currently running on the Mac
Step 2. Click the "CPU" column
All processes will be sorted based on their respective CPU usage.
Step 3. Find the process that is using the largest CPU capacity
Usually there is only one process consuming 99-100% capacity, although there may also be a pair of different programs each consuming as much as 50% capacity.
Media editing programs will generally use 100% of the CPU while running, especially if you're encoding, recording, or rendering. This is normal because these programs are designed to make maximum use of the processor
Step 4. Pay attention to the "Process Name" of the process that is not running properly
The point is to check back later so you can determine how to prevent high CPU usage from occurring.
Step 5. Select the program that is consuming CPU capacity and click "Quit Process"
You will be asked to confirm that you want to force stop the process.
- Force termination of a program will cause all unsaved work to be lost. Forced termination of system processes may render the computer unusable until it is restarted.
- If you're having trouble force-quitting a program, click here for more advanced how-to information.
Step 6. Find out how to troubleshoot programs that aren't working properly
Look for information on the internet about the Process Name of the program you want to force stop. This will help you determine what process to use and what steps to take to prevent it from sucking up 100% of the CPU capacity. There are some common methods that you can use to deal with the high CPU usage caused by certain programs:
- Uninstall. If the program is not a particularly important program, the easiest way to prevent it from crippling your computer system may be to uninstall it.
- Reinstall or update the program. Sometimes, a bug in a program causes it to take up all the CPU capacity. Reinstalling or installing updates from the program developer may solve the problem you are experiencing.
- Remove the program from the startup sequence. If this program causes your computer to slow down at boot, but you need to install it, you can prevent it from running in the computer's startup process.
- Perform a virus and malware scan. If the information you get on the internet indicates that the program is malicious, you will need to remove it by using an antivirus or antimalware program. Viruses are rare on Macs, but they do exist. Adware is a more frequent problem and these programs can put a huge strain on the processor. One of the best anti-adware tools is AdWare Medic which you can get for free from adwaremedic.com.
Step 7. Delete the files on your desktop
The Mac will preview all the files on the desktop, if there are a lot of video files, this is very heavy on the processor and causes the "Finder" to use 100% of the CPU capacity. Move these files from the desktop into a directory, you will only experience slow access when you open the directory only.
Step 8. Update hardware components if the computer has problems running most programs
If CPU usage is constantly at 100% consumption and has nothing to do with any programs, you may want to consider updating your Mac's hardware. Availability of options on a Mac may be more limited than on a PC, but adding more RAM can help improve CPU performance.
