Users have reported the problem of High CPU Usage with practically no apps running on the computer. You can find below the steps to fix the issue of High CPU Usage with nothing running in Windows 11/10.
High CPU Usage With Nothing Running
In general, the most common reason for High CPU Usage in Windows 10/11 is due to the default tendency of certain Apps to start up with the computer and keep running in background.
High CPU usage with No Apps running can also be caused due to stuck programs, corrupted registry files, overactive antivirus programs, file system errors and also due to the presence of malware or viruses on the computer.
Depending on the reason, you should be able to fix the problem on your computer using the following methods.
1. Scan the Computer for Malware
A good start would be to rule out the possibility of your computer being infected with malware. This can be easily achieved by using “QuickScan” function as available on most third-prty Antivirus programs.
If you are not using a third-party antivirus program, you can use Microsoft Defender Offline Scan, which is more effective than online scans.
2. Disable Startup Programs
As mentioned above, certain Apps have a default tendency to automatically startup with the computer and remain active and ready to be used.
Right-click on the Start button and click on Task Manger. On Task Manager screen, switch to Startup tab and you will be able to see the list of startup programs on your computer.
Right-click on the Program that you want to prevent from starting up and select the Disable option in the contextual menu.
Repeat the above steps to stop other unnecessary Apps from starting up with the computer.
3. Switch OFF Background Running Apps
Another default tendency in certain Apps is to keep running in background, even after they have been closed
Windows 10: Go to Settings > Privacy > select Background Apps in the left-pane. In the right-pane, toggle OFF the option to Let Apps Run in the background.
This will prevent Apps from running in background and unnecessarily using up resources on your computer.
Windows 11: Go to Settings > Apps (left-pane) > Apps & Features (right-pane) > click on 3-dots icon next to the App that you want to stop and select Advanced options.
On the next screen, use the drop-down to select the Never setting for Let this App Run in the Background option.
Similarly, you can prevent Skype, OneDrive, Spotify and other Apps from starting up with the computer and running in background.
4. Restart Windows Management Instrumentation
Right-click on the Start button and click on Run. In the Run command window, type services.msc and click on OK.
On the Services screen, right-click on Windows Management Instrumentation entry and select the Restart option.
Restart the computer and see if it is still using up a high amount of resources.
5. Change Power Settings
Right-click on the Start button and click on Run. In the Run Command window, type powercfg.cpl and click on OK.
On the next screen, make sure Balanced (recommended) option is selected and click on Change Plan Settings.
On the next screen, click on Change Advanced Power Settings.
On Power Options screen, select Balanced, expand Power Processor Management entry and make sure Miniumum Power State is set to a low value (Say 5%).
Click on Apply & OK to save this setting on your computer.
