Welcome to our guide on how to fix high CPU usage by antimalware services. In this article, we will provide you with some easy steps to prevent Antimalware Service Executable from hogging your system resources and ensure your computer runs smoothly. Let’s dive in!
What is Antimalware Service Executable?
The Antimalware Service Executable process plays a vital role in the Windows Defender service that comes with Windows 10. However, it is known for using excessive CPU processing power, leading to a slow computer. If you are using Windows Defender on your computer, you might have encountered this issue.
When you open the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Start Menu > Task Manager), you will find a process called Antimalware Service Executable and the corresponding file msmpeng.exe. One feature of Windows Defender that could be responsible for slowing down your system is the Full Scan, which performs a comprehensive scan of all the files on your computer. This scan is highly CPU dependent and can use up your available system resources, causing lag, crashes, and other system issues while running.
How to Fix High CPU Usage
There are a few methods you can try to fix high CPU usage by antimalware services:
1. Disable Microsoft Defender from Registry Editor
- Click on the Windows search option in the Start menu, type “regedit,” right-click on the option, and choose “Open as administrator.”
- Navigate to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender.
- Right-click on “Windows Defender,” select “New,” and choose “DWORD.”
- Double-click on the newly created DWORD, name it “DisableAntiSpyware,” and set the value to “1.”
2. Disable Microsoft Defender using Command Prompt
- Search for “cmd” in the Windows search bar, right-click on “Command Prompt,” and select “Run as administrator.”
- In the command prompt, run the following command and press Enter:
REG ADD "hklmsoftwarepoliciesmicrosoftwindows defender" /v DisableAntiSpyware /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
3. Use Group Policy Editor
- Press Windows Key + R, enter “gpedit.msc,” and press Enter or click OK. This will launch the Group Policy Editor.
- In the left panel, navigate to the following key: Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Microsoft Defender Antivirus > Real-time Protection.
- In the right pane, double-click on “Turn off real-time protection.”
- Select “Enabled” and click Apply and OK to save changes.
4. Disable Microsoft Defender from Windows Security
- Press Windows Key + I to open the Settings app.
- From the left menu, select “Windows Security.”
- In the right pane, click “Open Windows Security.”
- A new window will appear. Select “Virus & Threat Protection.”
- Choose your virus and threat protection settings.
- Disable real-time protection. If desired, you can also disable other options on this page.
Additional Information
Antimalware services are crucial for keeping your computer protected from malware and viruses. If you decide to disable antimalware services, it is essential to have an alternative antivirus program installed to maintain your computer’s security.
Nowadays, there are several reputable antivirus software options available in the market. Do your research and choose the one that suits your needs.
Remember, disabling antimalware services should be done with caution and only if you have an alternative security solution in place.
Conclusion
By following the methods mentioned above, you can effectively fix high CPU usage by antimalware services. Remember, it’s essential to balance system performance with the need for adequate virus protection. If you face any issues or have further questions, feel free to reach out to us. Stay safe and keep your computer running smoothly!