If your Windows 10 computer is slowing down or getting stuck, open Task Manager and see if the problem is due to High CPU Usage by MsMpEng.exe.
MsMpEng.exe High CPU Usage in Windows 10
MsMpEng.exe is a legitimate Windows operating system file and not a malware program or virus trying to steal information or trying to damage your computer.
In fact, MsMPEng.exe is a vital part of Microsoft’s built-in security software on Windows computers, popularly known as Windows Security or Windows Defender.
MsMpEng.exe is responsible for scanning files for malware, as they are being downloaded to the computer and it also runs regular scans to detect harmful software, spyware, viruses and other types of harmful programs.
In general, High CPU Usage by MsMpEng.exe should automatically come down to normal levels, as soon as Windows Security has finished its scanning activity.
If you are frequently noticing High CPU Usage by MsMpEng.exe and it impacting the overall performance of your computer, the issue can be fixed by using Troubleshooting steps as provided below.
1. Disable Automatic Sample Submission
Disabling the “Automatic Sample Submission” option in Windows Security should help in reducing CPU Usage by the program on your computer.
Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
On the next screen, scroll down and click on Manage Settings Link located under “Virus & threat protection settings”.
On the next screen, scroll down and disable Automatic sample submission.
If required, you can always submit files manually to Microsoft by clicking on Submit a sample manually link.
2. Disable Real Time Protection
You should be able to see an immediate improvement in the functioning of your computer after disabling “Real Time Protection” feature in Windows Security.
Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > scroll down and click on Manage Settings Link located under “Virus & threat protection settings”.
On the next screen, turn OFF Real-Time Protection.
Restart your computer and you should now find it running better than before.
3. Prevent Windows Defender from Scanning its Own Directory
Another way to reduce High CPU and RAM usage by MsMpEng.exe program is to prevent the program from scanning its own directory.
Go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection > scroll down and click on Manage Settings Link located under “Virus & threat protection settings”.
On the next screen, scroll down to “Exclusions” section > click on Add or remove exclusions link.
On the next screen, click on Add an Exclusion and select the Folder option.
On next screen, navigate to C: Program Files > Windows Defender and click on Select Folder button.
Restart your computer and you should be able to see an improvement in its overall functioning.
4. Permanently Disable Windows Defender in Windows 10
If your computer is still suffering from High CPU Usage, you need to think in terms of disabling Windows Security Program from your device.
The easiest way to disable Windows Security program is to install Norton Antivirus or any other Third Party Antivirus software program on your computer.
You can also Disable Windows Security by opening Registry Editor (Open Run Command > type Regedit and click on OK).
Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender and Double-click on DisableAntiSpyware entry in the right-pane.
On the Edit DWORD pop-up, change Value Data from 0 to 1.
This will Permanently Disable Windows Defender on your computer. At any time, you can Enable Windows Defender back on your computer by changing Value Data from 1 to 0.
Note: If you cannot find DWORD named “DisableAntiSpyware”, you will have to create a New DWORD and name the DWORD as “DisableAntiSpyware” and set its Value Data to 1.
