How to Lower CPU Usage on Windows 10
Just in case you are overworking it
The Central Processing Unit (CPU) is at the core of any computing device and is responsible for fulfilling any instructions you give it. When those resources are strained, apps may lag or shut down, the cursor may move slowly, or the computer may begin to heat up.
Fortunately, there are quick ways to identify if your CPU is overworked and lower CPU usage on Windows 10.
How to Check CPU Usage on Windows 10
Before we get into tips on how to lower your CPU usage, it’s a good idea to see what programs or processes are causing the high CPU usage. This way you don’t have to waste time trying solutions that aren’t relevant to your problem.
Follow the steps below to check CPU usage:
You should only end the task if you see the CPU usage over 50% for more than 10 minutes. Sometimes Windows performs scans or updates in the background that will cause high CPU usage for a short period of time.
Also, ending the task is just a short term solution and doesn’t actually solve the problem. Read the fixes below for tips on permanently solving this issue.
How to Lower CPU Usage on Windows 10
Use the solutions below to diagnose, troubleshoot and lower CPU usage on Windows 10.
Try the following quick fixes to lower CPU usage on your Windows 10 PC.
Some power settings may throttle your computer’s CPU speed and affect your machine’s performance. It’s worth trying out bothBalancedandHigh Performancepower plans to see which one reduces high CPU usage. Below, we show you how to enable High Performance mode, but if you’re already using that, switch to Balanced.
Superfetch(Sysmain) is a resource-intensive feature in Windows 10 that increases the system’s performance by preloading your frequently used apps into RAM before you launch them. You can disable it by following the steps below to see if that reduces the CPU usage.
If you don’t see any drop in CPU usage after disabling the service, go ahead and re-enable it as we don’t recommend keeping it disabled.
Leave us a comment and let us know if this guide helped you lower CPU usage on your Windows 10 PC.
Elsie is a technology writer and editor with a special focus on Windows, Android and iOS. She writes about software, electronics and other tech subjects, her ultimate goal being to help people out with useful solutions to their daily tech issues in a simple, straightforward and unbiased style. She has a BCom degree in Marketing and currently pursuing her Masters in Communications and New Media.Read Elsie’s Full Bio
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