Is your PC freezing, moving with the speed of a wounded tortoise, or experiencing glitches where none should exist? Even if you possess one of the mightiest processors known to mankind, the perpetrator behind the mayhem might just be high CPU usage.
Alas, for the non-technologically inclined, the intricacies of CPU usage, the origins of the issue within your device, and the symptoms of CPU failure often dwell within the realm of the unknown. Fear not, for we are about to embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of high CPU usage and its impact on your cherished device.
What is CPU usage?
Behold, the processor, revered as the central processing unit (CPU), standing as the paramount component within the heart of your electronic companion. Whether your machine boasts the pinnacle of processors or humbly houses an entry-level chip, the processor reigns supreme as the maestro of operations. It issues commands to all other hardware components, executing each and every task with precision and grace.
Should you desire a deeper understanding of the CPU itself, our guide to the inner workings of a CPU stands at the ready.
Every processor possesses a finite capacity for executing commands and running diverse programs. The superior the CPU, the greater the number of tasks you can seamlessly perform concurrently. Nevertheless, every chip, no matter how powerful, will, in due time, reach its threshold and commence a descent towards sluggish performance. This phenomenon rests upon the current status of your CPU usage: the workload imposed upon your processor at any given moment.
In times of fewer applications in operation, your CPU usage should remain low, fostering an environment of smooth performance. However, upon launching a CPU-intensive program such as certain games or video editing software, you may observe delays as your CPU usage escalates.
Variations in CPU usage are a natural occurrence, unworthy of fret — as long as your PC maintains its graceful operation. Should dissatisfaction cloud your computing experience, the initial step demands an inspection of your CPU usage.
How to check CPU usage
Verifying CPU usage on Windows is a mere task of unveiling the Task Manager. By gaining a mastery over this operation, you may progress to the subsequent steps.
The expeditious routes to summon the Task Manager include:
- Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+Escape to summon the Task Manager directly.
- Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Delete to unveil the lock screen, leading to the selection of Task Manager.
- Right-click upon the taskbar or the Windows icon nestled in the bottom-left sanctum of your screen. Opt for Task Manager from the illuminated list.
With the Task Manager unfurled, navigate unto the Performance tab and elect CPU from the menu on the left-hand side. Here, a graphical representation shall materialize, offering real-time updates regarding your CPU’s performance. Alternatively, select the Open Resource Monitor option situated at the base to access comprehensive information concerning your processor.
What is a normal CPU usage?
Before embarking on a quest to remedy the issue, one must discern whether the current CPU usage represents an aberration.
Bear in mind, contingent upon your processor, your machine may be zealously utilizing its resources in a judicious manner during arduous endeavors. High-end CPUs boast the capability to manage a vast array of tasks in parallel, yet modest processors may buckle beneath the weight of multiple resource-heavy programs.
In instances devoid of additional programs, your CPU usage should vacillate between 1% and 10% solely through Windows processes. Eclipsing this threshold on an idle PC hints at a malady lurking within. However, engaging in a riveting game or upholding an assembly of browser windows shall propel your CPU usage to ascend accordingly.
Should doubts cloud your judgment regarding an exorbitant CPU usage, heed these subtle indicators:
- Elevated idle CPU usage: In the absence of active programs, a CPU usage exceeding 20%.
- Escalation in CPU usage sans the introduction of new programs.
- Exorbitant CPU usage during pedestrian tasks like word processing or browsing a sprinkling of social media tabs.
- Elevated CPU usage interlaced with freezes, crashes, and lackluster performance.
Certain programs are wont to voraciously devour processing power. Peruse our recommendations below if uncertainty shrouds the nature of your software.
How to fix high CPU usage
Vigilance over CPU usage is paramount, warranting immediate action in the event of anomalies. Should the array of software in operation fail to warrant a tardy pace or exorbitant CPU usage, the ensuing steps shall pave the path to resolution.
Among the listed remedies are:
Restart your computer
At times, a swift reboot may satiate your PC’s yearning for respite. This endeavor shall purge temporary files, shutter programs surreptitiously running amok, and endow your machine with a clean slate.
In the event an appreciable interval has transpired since your last reboot, safeguard your work ere embarking upon this action. Post-reboot, resurrect the programs previously at play and assess the status of your CPU usage.
Check open processes
Should the conundrum persist post-software resurrection, delve into the malefactors clandestinely instigating CPU tumult.
Venture forth unto the Task Manager (unfamiliar with this task? Venture forth here) and gravitate towards the Processes tab aloft. An index of ongoing processes shall greet your gaze. Exercise discretion whilst identifying and closing programs. Bid adieu to undue CPU hogs nestled under Apps, scrutinizing their CPU usage. Bid farewell to the grandiose CPU consumer, ushering your PC towards smoother performance sans its presence. Heed this creed — record the name of the CPU heavyweight ere venturing onto Google. A hostile entity may lurk beneath its veil.
Exercise caution whilst scrutinizing the following entities:
- Apps showcasing an extraordinary CPU usage unwarranted by their nature.
- Background processes evincing inflated CPU consumption.
- Windows processes overshadowed by weighty CPU utilization.
Should ambiguity prevail vis-a-vis the CPU-voracious entities, document their titles ere confirming their innocence.
The journey traverses still deeper — continue reading on the following post.
