How to Fix High CPU Usage
Posted by john
About High CPU Usage
CPU Usage in Task Manager is 100%
A High CPU Usage reading indicates that the computer's central
processing unit is running at max level or is above normal level for the
number of applications running. Slow performance, hang-ups (freezing),
and random shutdowns are symptoms of high CPU usage. The CPU (processor)
processes all of the instructions for programs. The rate at which CPU's
process instructions in cycles which are measured in hertz (Hz),
commonly extrapolated to megahertz (Mhz) and gigahrtz (Ghz). A given CPU
has a maximum number of cycles which can be produced per second. Simply
put, the CPU can only handle so much before it becomes encumbered by
the number of processes and becomes slow.
Is your computer running extremely slow? Open the Task Manager
(Ctrl+Alt+Del) and check the CPU usage. If your CPU usage stays at 100%
all the time, there is a serious problem. Typically, your processor
usage shouldn't go over 50% unless using large applications such as
video games or media editing programs.
Common
Causes of High CPU Usage
The factors that contribute to high CPU usage and slow performance
are varying. The problem may stem from hardware failure or software
error or both. In order to diagnose the problem accurately, it's a good
idea to know the common causes of high CPU usage so you might better
identify the root cause. Constant, high CPU usage is not normal. If your
computer performs slowly and displays a high CPU usage percentage in
the task manager, there is an underlying problem that is causing the
processor to run at such an extreme speed. Diagnostic troubleshooting is
required to accurately identify the problem, but these are some of the
common causes of high CPU usage:
High CPU Usage May Be Caused By...
- Out-of-date drivers (Run DriverUpdate by SlimWare Utilities or manually update them)
- Running too many applications at once
- Insufficient virtual memory (How to Fix Virtual Memory Issues)
- Overheating/Poor ventilation
- Virus/Malware infections
There are other events which can result in high CPU usage, but
these are some of the most common. We've covered many of them with other
articles or programs linked above. The rest, we have covered in a
detailed guide: Manually Fixing High CPU Usage.
Keep in mind, these guides are meant for users with some administrative
skill and not following them properly can lead to serious issues.
How
to Easily FIX High CPU Usage
Most CPU Usage issues can be traced back to an overload of processes
running, and too little resources to handle all of them. This does not
mean that your computer has to be like this! Rather, you need to find
which processes are clogging up your computer's performance and remedy
them. While this can prove tough to do manually, automated programs such
as FixCleaner can turn this chore into a walk in the park.
FixCleaner is a system optimizer that can seek out issues with your computer's configuration. It's one-click interface allows even the most novice computer users to take advantage of it's high-powered optimization engine. FixCleaner is mainted and supported by SlimWare Utilities Inc, an award-winning software company that has been covered in numerous high-level media publications.
