How to Quickly Lower CPU Usage in Windows 11? Simple Steps for a Happier PC

Why Is My Windows 11 CPU Always High? Powerful Fixes for Smooth Performance

A computer’s brain is its CPU. When it works too hard, your PC gets slow, hot, and noisy. Sometimes, even when you do nothing, the CPU stays busy. This makes games lag, videos stutter, and simple tasks take longer. Keeping CPU usage low helps your computer stay cool, quiet, and fast.

How to Check CPU Usage

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. You’ll see a list of running apps and a number showing how busy your CPU is.
2. Click the “Performance” tab, then “CPU.” This shows a graph and a percentage. If you want to know which app uses the most power, go to “Processes” and sort by CPU.
3. Type “Resource Monitor” in the search bar. Click the CPU tab. This shows every program and how much CPU it uses.
4. Search for “Performance Monitor.” You can add counters to see how your CPU works over time.

Ways to Lower CPU Usage

Solution 1: Fix Hidden Power Plan Problems

Sometimes, a secret setting keeps your CPU at 100%, even when it should rest. This can happen after installing certain motherboard tools.

1. Open Terminal as an administrator (Windows + X, then pick Terminal (Admin)).
2. Type:

   PowerCfg /SETACVALUEINDEX SCHEME_CURRENT SUB_PROCESSOR IDLEDISABLE 000

3. Press Enter.
4. Then type:

   PowerCfg /SETACTIVE SCHEME_CURRENT

5. Press Enter.
6. Open Task Manager. If it worked, CPU usage drops and fans get quieter.

If the problem comes back, some programs might change the setting again. Remove or update these programs, or make a shortcut to run the fix after each restart.

Solution 2: Close Extra Apps

1. In Task Manager, look at the “Processes” tab.
2. Sort by CPU. Right-click apps you don’t need and pick “End task.”
3. Don’t stop system apps you don’t know.

Solution 3: Turn Off Startup Programs

1. In Task Manager, go to “Startup apps.”
2. Right-click apps you don’t need at startup. Click “Disable.”
3. Or go to Settings > Apps > Startup, and turn off unneeded apps.

Solution 4: Update Windows and Drivers

1. Go to Settings > Windows Update. Click “Check for updates.”
2. For drivers, right-click the Start button, pick Device Manager, expand items like “Processors” or “Display adapters,” right-click, and choose “Update driver.”
3. For graphics cards, visit the maker’s website for the newest drivers.

Solution 5: Scan for Malware

1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Click “Virus & threat protection.” Run a Quick scan. For a deeper check, run a Full scan.
3. Remove threats. If CPU stays high, try a trusted malware removal tool.

Solution 6: Change Power Settings

1. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery.
2. Pick “Balanced” or “Best power efficiency.” “Best performance” uses more CPU.
3. For more control, search for “Edit power plan,” click “Change advanced power settings,” and adjust “Maximum processor state.”

Solution 7: Clean Your Computer

1. Turn off and unplug your PC.
2. Open the case. Use compressed air to blow dust from fans and vents.
3. Put it back together and restart. Cooler parts work better and use less CPU.

Solution 8: Reset Windows 11

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Under “Recovery options,” pick “Reset PC.”
3. Choose “Keep my files” or “Remove everything.”
4. Follow the steps. Only reinstall what you need.

What Makes CPU Usage High?

• Too many apps or browser tabs open at once
• Heavy programs like games or video editors
• Malware or sneaky background tasks
• Old drivers or system files
• Dust or blocked fans causing overheating
• Wrong power plan settings
• Failing hardware like SSDs or RAM

Keep Your PC Happy

Check your CPU often. Close what you don’t need. Update your system. Clean your PC. Scan for threats. If something feels slow, use these steps. Your computer will thank you with faster, cooler, and quieter days.