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Windows 11 CPU Spiking? 11 Proven Ways to Tame It!¶

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Hey everyone! Been noticing your Windows 11 PC struggling, fans whirring like crazy, and everything running slower than molasses? You’re not alone! Tons of users have reported high CPU usage after upgrading to Windows 11. This means your computer’s brain is working overtime, which can lead to all sorts of annoying issues, from laggy performance and slow startups to the dreaded Blue Screen of Death. But don’t worry, most of the time, this is a software issue and totally fixable! Here are 11 proven ways to tame that unruly CPU and get your Windows 11 machine back in fighting shape.

Checking Your CPU Usage¶

First things first, let’s see what your CPU is actually doing. Hit that Windows key, type “Task Manager,” and open it up. Click on the “Performance” tab. There you’ll see your CPU usage. If it’s constantly pegged at 100%, definitely keep reading!

1. The Classic Restart¶

Sometimes, the simplest solution is the best. If you haven’t restarted your PC in a while, do it now. Make sure to save your work first! Restarting closes all running apps and processes, giving your system a chance to breathe. This often fixes high CPU usage.

2. Kill Those Unnecessary Apps¶

Having a gazillion apps running in the background is like trying to run a marathon while carrying a bunch of bricks. Close anything you’re not actively using. This frees up CPU resources and can make a big difference. Open Task Manager, right-click on the programs you want to close, and select “End Task.” This should take care of that pesky high CPU usage you’re seeing in Task Manager.

3. Stop Apps from Running in the Background¶

Some apps are resource hogs even when you’re not using them. You can prevent them from running in the background. Click the Windows Start button, then “Settings”. Go to “Apps”, then “Apps & Features”. Select the app you want to tame, click the three dots next to it, and choose “Advanced options”. Under “Background Apps Permissions,” select “Never”. Now that app will only use CPU resources when you’re actually using it.

4. Disable SysMain (aka Superfetch)¶

SysMain (previously known as Superfetch) pre-loads data for commonly used apps so they launch faster. Sounds good, right? But it can sometimes cause high CPU usage. To disable it, search for “Services” and open the app. Find “SysMain,” right-click, and select “Properties”. Set “Startup type” to “Disabled” and click “Stop”. Then click “OK.”

5. Reset Your Power Plan¶

Sometimes, incorrect power settings can lead to high CPU usage. Search for “Power Plan” and click “Edit Power plan”. Click “Restore default settings for this plan” and confirm with “Yes.” Don’t forget to restart your computer after this.

6. Scan for Malware¶

Sneaky malware can gobble up your CPU resources. If you recently installed something new and then started having high CPU usage, that program might be the culprit. Run a full system scan with a good antivirus program like Malwarebytes or Windows Security.

7. Ditch the Windows Insider Program (If Applicable)¶

If you’re in the Windows Insider Program, you’re using pre-release versions of Windows 11 that can be buggy and resource-intensive. Leaving the program and reverting to a stable build might solve your CPU woes. Go to “Settings”, then “Windows Update”, then “Windows Insider Program.” Expand “Stop getting preview builds” and turn on the toggle for “Unenroll this device when the next version of Windows releases.” Restart your PC.

8. System Restore to the Rescue¶

If you have system restore points enabled, you can revert your system to a time before the high CPU usage started. Search for “Create a restore point” and open the app. Go to the “System Protection” tab, select the recommended restore point, and click “Next.” Follow the on-screen instructions.

9. Update Windows 11¶

Sometimes bugs in Windows itself can cause high CPU usage. Make sure you’re running the latest version. Go to “Settings”, then “Windows Update,” and click “Check for updates.”

10. The Nuclear Option: Reset Windows 11¶

If all else fails, you can reset Windows 11 to its default settings. Go to “Settings”, then “Windows Update,” then “Advanced options,” then “Recovery.” Click “Reset PC,” choose “Keep my files,” then “Local reinstall.” Finally, click “Reset.”

11. Check Your Hardware¶

If you’ve tried everything else and your CPU is still spiking, you might have a hardware issue. Dust buildup on your CPU’s heatsink can cause overheating and high CPU usage. Or there could be a problem with your power supply or the CPU itself. Take your PC to a technician if you suspect a hardware problem.

So there you have it, 11 ways to wrestle that high CPU usage to the ground. Hopefully, one of these solutions worked for you! Let me know in the comments which one did the trick, or if you have any other tips to share. And if you’re still having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask! Happy computing!