PROCESS_INFORMATION structure (processthreadsapi.h)

Contains information about a newly created process and its primary thread. It is used with the CreateProcess, CreateProcessAsUser, CreateProcessWithLogonW, or CreateProcessWithTokenW function.

Syntax

Members

A handle to the newly created process. The handle is used to specify the process in all functions that perform operations on the process object.

A handle to the primary thread of the newly created process. The handle is used to specify the thread in all functions that perform operations on the thread object.

A value that can be used to identify a process. The value is valid from the time the process is created until all handles to the process are closed and the process object is freed; at this point, the identifier may be reused.

A value that can be used to identify a thread. The value is valid from the time the thread is created until all handles to the thread are closed and the thread object is freed; at this point, the identifier may be reused.

Remarks

If the function succeeds, be sure to call the CloseHandle function to close the hProcess and hThread handles when you are finished with them. Otherwise, when the child process exits, the system cannot clean up the process structures for the child process because the parent process still has open handles to the child process. However, the system will close these handles when the parent process terminates, so the structures related to the child process object would be cleaned up at this point.

What is system? Is system spyware or a virus?

How to fix system related problems?
1. Run Security Task Manager to check your system process
2. Run Windows Repair Tool to repair system related Windows Errors
3. Run MalwareBytes to remove persistent malware

Process name: System process

File: system

The system process is responsible for the system memory and compressed memory in the NT kernel. This system process is a single thread running on each processor. It is the host of all kind of drivers (network, disk, USB). The related file name is C:\Windows\System32\ntoskrnl.exe. The system process in Windows 10 has a additional task, it is compressing old pages of memory so that you have more free memory to use. That’s why this process may use a lot of memory. If you see high cpu usage of the system process (more than 30%), than see this troubleshooting guide. The system process has always the PID 4 (Process Identification) in the Windows Task Manager, otherwise it is malware.

Get more detailed information about system and all other running background processes with Security Task Manager.

Note: Any malware can be named anything — so you should check where the files of the running processes are located on your disk. If a «non-Microsoft» .exe file is located in the C:\Windows or C:\Windows\System32 folder, then there is a high risk for a virus, spyware, trojan or worm infection! Check it out!

Users Opinions

Average user rating of system: based on 204 votes. Read also the 199 reviews.

3 users ask for this file. 96 users rated it as not dangerous. 8 users rated it as not so dangerous. 37 users rated it as neutral. 25 users rated it as little bit dangerous. 38 users rated it as dangerous. 42 users didn’t rate it («don’t know»).

All comments about system:
Internal Windows system process Alex
This seems to be a fake process by windows, to adress the memory and cpu used by the kernel to. Chronial
RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl,CMICtrlWnd
Does scan my remote ports. My firewall rejects the connection to opened ports. Pole
Main part of Windows. Covers larger parts of the internals of Windows Networking. D. Kalnжs
A system file that keeps the CPU busy when it’s not doing anything else. Why they decided to put it in the Task Manager, I don’t know. Also see System Idle Process. See also: Link Inuyasha
It is the Windows system process
Process «system» sometimes eats up all system resources (CPU time). Does anybody know how that happens? Koco
The process try to connect to diferent webs
system process is safe, as opposed to system.exe process Pedro
I have 100 % CPU @ this prozess TeazY
i’ve experienced the same problem! With 50% used power due to two virtual processors Remoui
Keeps your computer ‘alive’, this is used as a placeholder, since the CPU can never stop ‘thinking’. Senrich
eating up a lot of my CPU time samuel long
this process is very odd. it doesnt seem to affect anything memory wise but it opens a port to microsoft.ds and other websites. when it is closed it doesnt have any ill effects but i have found i can never remove it completely because it doesnt seem to exist! more mystery from Microsoft. :
System idle process.. It doesn’t do anything else than really just counts how much processing power is available, and perhaps uses about 0.0001% of processing power itself from 2Ghz processor.. See also: Link Peter
Seems to show up on even new installs, probably part of Windows Chris R.
This is just something for the CPU to «do» when it has nothing to do. DO NOT BE ALARMED IF IT SAYS IT’S USING 98-100% SYSTEM RESOURCES. This is normal, it’s not slowing your computer down, as soon as more processes open, it releases those resources.
Not a real process, or even a real file for that matter. It runs a lot of stuff that keeps your PC ticking along — things like zeroing parts of the page file, scheduling new tasks, etc. See also: Link stan
System process errors typically mean there is an incorrect driver installed. check device manager and see what doesnt seem right. B Dawg
this thing keeps eating a constant 13% cpu and is slowing down/lagging windows every 3 seconds. can someone help me? nico
its a system file, but recently it has caused my cpu usage to spike up 35%+ and i duno how to stop it.
event viewer shows system error/ silent running:stress test transition: L1- L2
Eats only 100% when something is defekt. Like USB Port. Husen
eating up a lot of my CPU time peter
RunDll32 cmicnfg.cpl
Keeps my cpu usage pegged at 100%. Jason
People seem to be mixing up «System Idle Process» and a process called «System». «System Idle» is good, and doesn’t show up as CPU usage in Task Manager Performance panel. But «System» process shows up as actual CPU usage and slows down the machine. Allan
I have noticed it can be a good indicator of a CPU problem, I had a pc a good few years ago where the process was constantly on 100% and everything would have a big lag. When i changed the CPU the lag ceased and the process read 99% Tribal
The System process is generally not a problem itself, but if using a lot of CPU time, can be indicative of something else; fault driver, USB port or device. I recently had problems with a Win2003 svr, with higher than normal CPU usage. System process was using a lot of resources, ejected the USB flash card reader attached, dropped like a stone back to normal BOB
I notice the process call system does holds up the OS once in a while going to 70-99% cpu usage even when an application is running. very odd. restart fixes it. on win2k. chunsum
This process is a single thread running on each processor, which has the sole task of accounting for processor time when the system isn’t processing other threads. In Task Manager, expect this process to account for the majority of processor time. HOWEVER see link for trojan with same name. See also: Link VampireBorg
«System» didn’t exsist till I enabled windows update. al Koholic
Infected from a web site Marian
uses 50% and more of my CPU regularly making shutdown impossible! GEEK
Occasionally doesn’t let go of system resources. Just had it eat 100% of CPU yesterday.
I love how everyone panics thinking it’s eating their CPU when it isn’t. Infurnus
I am having same problems as others mentioned. sometimes stuck at 50% and lags everything! Nerd
When im not doing anything it uses 99 of the CPU area in taskamager im trying to find if it is meant to do this. Mark
Its a misinformation, System Idle Process just counts how much ISN’T being used, so if its at 90% then that means only 10% is being used. Straw
Uses between 10% and 20% of my CPU constantly. Dan
Uses the c:\windows\system files and runs critical processes, from what I know this cannot be hacked. If you are suffering a constant drag on processor usage (0%-35%, 0%-35% etc), disable any ZIP drives and/or external drives. Your computer constantly reposts information on external drives, especially if you have them in a quick launch bar on your desktop. JoHnNY ChRoNIC xX
system is a process which shows up on the tasks on mainly Windows XP, Windows 2003 server and later version of Windows. This is a default system counter and cannot be removed. Lee
it opens a ports to phone home ! block with u’r firewall !
not is problem, only windows process. Leonardo
on my comp; cpu (2.53 Ghz) 0% RAM (512 Mb)0.2% Seems harmless enough Anacho
«System» process is one of the backbones of Windows, when it spikes, your system will lag. Reason for spikes I don’t know, if you do, please post! Bob
In just few words: if you see 100% CPU usage by this process, that’s mean u have 100% FREE . Don’t even try to disable it. Or you know what? TRY-then you won’t touch it again ^^ Sv.
I had it forever without the internet, so this one is safe Jack_Mackle
A counter which displays how much CPU Resources, as a percentage are ‘idle’ and available for use. Phil
I noticed that «System» was just taking up a lot of resources. I found out that it was because of a faulty USB product. After I removed the USB product «System» no longer did anything. The USB product was the WifiMax. g)-(ost
If you morons don’t know what you’re talking about then don’t post. Greg
I am having a problem with CPU process time being eaten up by a series of spikes that repeat every 90 seconds, showing up under Image Name as «System». It seriously affects the operation of my PC. Any ideas? Bill
This System process runs separately from System Idle Process, and it’s definately causing me problems. Any solutions? Jesse
«system» Image Name «00» CPU «280K» Mem Usage — Not a critical process but I can’t End it. Mike
The system process is not the same as the system idle process. If system process is using cpu time, then there is something wrong. System idle process with lots of cpu time is good. System process with lots of cpu time is bad! Peter Pan
well, as it uses network ports that were being reported as vulnerabilities of windows. of course i panicked. «System» is different than «system idle» process! It literally slow down your PC!! Can anyone remove this? system
its not the system IDLE process were complaining about, its the «system process» and it uses a lot of resources, a windows update is the problem i think, like windows alwaysis the problem tippie
it is using too much CPU (most of time between 0 and 50% by a 2.8 Ghz processor) Also it almost uses no memory (94K) JB
this thing keeps eating a constant 70% cpu and is slowing down/lagging windows every 3 seconds. can someone help me? daniel
For the System (not system.exe) process if it is taking up too much cpu (100 or about) just restart. If it takes about 10-35 it would be normal or a usb device is plugged in. Although it might? be infected I once had a c:\windows
This is causing me a lot of problems recently. I never recall it being there before. it takes up about 50 % of my CPU and freezes my system for about 15 seconds until it releases. It craps whatever it is upset
System Idle Process isn’t using 99% of the processor. it indicates that 99% is FREE (DOING NOTHING). To prove this: 1) Open Windows Task Manager 2) Verify that System Idle Process is registering high (80-99%). Now open a program that you know takes some time to open like a compiler, MS office (anything from Microsoft) and watch the System Idle Process shoot down to ZERO or NEAR ZERO. See, now that it’s doing something, it is no longer «Idle». Travis
this file was eating me a lot of memory bytes tetos
This is NOT the idle process! If the process «system» has much CPU use you may have installed some Norton products like «internet security» or «anti virus». It’s the norton product that slows you down. Get rid of all norton products! You have to use a special uninstaller because the norton uninstaller is crap and does not really remove the products. See also: Link Digital-fol
Wow, just as g)-(ost said, it was my WiFi Max. After removing it, «system» went down to 0%. Perhaps everyone’s problem is with some sort of device that is having issues. Though after I first installed my WiFi Max, I did not have this problem. Perhaps a recent update from Microsoft has caused it? AltoidBox
Reply x Bill: Check If DMA is activated for all you Hard Drives.
Spikes on CPU useage at 50% often causing a lock-up for 10-20 seconds on XP (50% on a 4400 Intel core 2 duo CPU. ). Maybe not dangerous, but a pain in the ass.
«System» is just a generic processor term, «System Idle process» is just what processor resources aren’t being put to use. As a gamer, I noticed a significant slowdown one day and believed the «System» to be the culprit from the taskmanager without knowing too much about it beforehand. Reading from this site I fumbled around with my usb mouse. I put it into a different usb slot and noticed no problem immediately afterward. bec
it keeps using 50% of my CPU. Will ppl stop posting about system idle process, that is seperate, we’re talking about system. its usin 280k of memory, under the user name system an it jus starts up randomy takin all my processin power. What do i do to stop it, its so irritatin Ali
i don’t know what it is but i’ve never seen it before today and it’s eating somewhere between 90-99 percent cpu, and my computer is lagging and when i open some small program (firefox or word or aim or taskmanager) it takes most of 2 or 3 minutes and it’s never done that before, also system idle process is still on my task list seth
there is little cause to run your computers merely b/c you arent familiar enough with a process. someone might destroy their machine based on some of the posts here while missing the helpful ones altogether. that type of mass hysteria over the unknown is humanity’s greatest weakness. educate yourself, analyze the facts and react then, but for goodness’ sakes, learn enough before jumping to conclusions. 🙂 and btw thank you all for the wonderful help that’s been made available here. truly an aid! yvette
I know that is a windows process, it is not the system.exe (trojan) in my PC charges 200Kb, but the strange thing is that it tries to connect to a remote I.P address but I can’t kill it. I don’t know but at the moment I blocked with my firewall its attempt to make a connectio. Cause would download something bad. Despite my firewall says that is a Microsoft trusted app. DogSon
The System process and System Idle Process are not the same. The System Idle Process shows how much CPU time isn’t being used; on the other hand, System process uses to appear when you have a software problem (malfunction USB devices, incorrect device drivers, etc). To drop the CPU usage, try on disconnecting your USB devices one by one and/or uninstalling the programs/services recently installed. Quiqus
There’s a LARGe difference between «system» and «system idle process». However, if «system» is running it means some other secondary program is running that is using up resources through system, such as a memorex traveldrive U3 program for a USB drive or a pdf running on firefox/internet explorer. The System file in those cases may be spiking spontaneously (every 1 or 2 seconds) but once these processes are stopped it should go back to normal. System idle process is a measure of how much memory is not being used, however, if system idle is at 90%, then the little green screen should not be lit Nemo
It is at 50% and slowing down the system. yes i also have the system idle process. john
mine is at 99 percent. USED. System Idle is how much you have to use you morons. like someone said above with a link, if you have too high of a number thats lagging you, you may have a trojan
Not sure what it is, but it seems to spoof the System Idle Process so well that many so-caalled TECHS think it’s legit. IT’S NOT.
its safe in most cases but there is one condition that this file may be harm or extrem danger that there is a network info stealer . if you dont know check your network activity in the network
If you have a very low CPU speed on this process (around 30 or so) and you are not runing any cpu leeching programs then you may have some seriously bad viruses/spyware etc D’Nesto
People, «system» is not the same as «system idle»!! «System idle» is no problem, but if «System» is clicking along at 100% CPU, your machine gets really sluggish! Don’t tell me it’s not a problem! Laure
Editable with WinHex (RamEditor)
System is NOT System Idle Process because it is lagging everything else when its CPU moves. Right now I’m watching it go from 0 up to 50ish. When it goes above 15 or so, what I am typing lags for several seconds. My fan is also running high even though I only have Firefox open. What is going on?? K
its listening on my pc and connecting to it and sending data Cody
With all these BS going on about «System» and «System Idle», can anybody please explain whats the difference between «System» and «System Idle Process» ?! Gordon
Is System and System Idle Process the same? I have both 0.o Emrys
much of you mix up a strange «system» process and the «system idle process». i do have that strange thingy («system») too and i don’t know, what it’s supposed to do. however, it takes 224kb of ram and 28kb of vm, it’s not a critical one, but it doesn’t «want» to end. and avira antivirus and ad-aware don’t detect anything. but sometimes it takes nearly 100% , i had it one time, when i still had the mofo openoffice.org, it*s «speed launcher» (it took nearly 2 minutes for ooo to start with that thingy!) divided the whole free cpu rate berween itself and that «system» thing. ku
Its a USB device problem, card reader/usb port of some type Graeme
the process SYSTEM , was taking up 100% of CPU. No, I’m not talking about System Idle, This is a process that is comsuming 100% of available CPU time. Cannot stop it, or change priority. I check my XP system, running XP Pro, process isn’t there. I suspect that it’s somethingthat Compaq installs. And yes, it does «Phone Home». Very little info on google about it. Kurth Bemis
Process «system» eats up all system resources George
tards, Its diferent than the System Idle process , this si only «system», yet its like it dosent exist, but taking 8-12% of my 2.8ghz cpu.. :/
This file is needed — it’s found in all XP computers (and possibly 2000/NT/ME as well). Joshua Vicente
«System Idle Process» under «Task Manager»// This application registers the % of time a CPU spends waiting for a job.// It is the amount of time spent doing NOTHING.// At 100, the CPU is 100% available for a job to be done.// At 90, the CPU is 90% free and 10% in use.// All users can check out my results at any online TECH RECORDS location. D. Stone
If you use Daemon tools, it helps to unmont your image when not in use. I notice a difference in lesser System spikes when I do this. SG
Do not mix up «System» with «System Idle Process» both needed. «System.exe» is the bad one just some admin
‘System’ and ‘System Idle Process’ are two seperate things in my task manager and at the bottom cpu usage is constantly 100% Luke
This constantly eats up my CPU, vairably 45-55% Any help would be appreciated. I can stop the process but it’ll show an error message and will restart by itself. Ash
trying to find out why «System» jumps in CPU usages David Clark
Fixed It! It’s not really the process itself that’s dangerous, but how other dlls seem to attach themselves onto it. After installing misleading programs on my computer, I was infected with multiple trojans and spyware—thats where system (NOT system idle) started to hog cpu resources. I managed to delete all except two of Vundo’s dlls, which I then ran the program VundoFix. After it force-deleted the files, my system is back to low usage. Vundo causes popups to WinAntiVirus and other random sites. By the way, NOD32, adaware, and spybot couldn’t detect Vundo. See also: Link Halcykon
This System process runs separately from System Idle Process, and it’s definately causing me problems. Please tell me a solution. User
System and System Idle are two different things. System was taking a lot of cpu time for me, it was my pda-phone that had gotten stuck in activesync, stopped as soon as I disconnected it. J
«system» is a windows-idling-service; if you change energy-options to e.g. laptop, it uses some cpu-power (20%); if you change it to e.g. «desktop» it frees cpu-time, try it bulla
«System Idle» counts up the spare CPU time (Not used by the CPU). But, «System» is a wrapper for the Windows Kernel. When it’s running at a high percentage, it means that the kernel is trying to do a simple task. Typically, this is something like checking a removed network drive, or faulty USB port/device or maybe a faulty motherboard component. It will make your PC crawl to a halt until you remove the drive/device. Remove all USB/Network devices and all mapped network drives. Mark
It is NOT «System Idle Process», simply SYSTEM, and it is eating up lots of CPU time. many people are complaining about this process, and everybody simply thinks it is System Idle Process when it isn’t. Does anybody have actual information on the process «System», NOT «System Idle Process»? Tim
I had this problem with the ‘System’ (not ‘System Idle Processes’) taking all un-used CPU resources. Solved by un-plugging serial device that apparently has an issue. Aaron
Reading through posts, some are confusing this with «System Idle Process» I had problems with the «System» process spiking to 30%-70% usage. After reading BOB’s comment I removed my USB 12 in 1 memory card reader and the «System» process dropped like a rock to 0%-3% usage. Thank you! Gordon
After experiencing huge slowdown, I unplugged my iPod and external USB HDD. A warning popped up after I had turned the HDD off saying there was an error writing the Master file table ($mft), PC returned to normal speed, so I gather it took a lot of processing time to write the file table. Tom
I am adressing this because I am having a problem (probally a worm) that is eating up 100% of my CPU, the problem usually shows the usage taken up by the spoolsv.exe, but when I kill this process, the usage shortly jumps to a different process like the explorer.exe, or the avgcc.exe, and so forth. I’ve tried several anti intrusion programs: Hitman Pro, Panda, Activescan, AVG, Spybot, Bitdefender, Spy Sweepre, PCcillin, ect.! I appreciate you clearing up the confusion about the system idle process, but can anyone shed some light on what might being killing my processor usage? Need HELP Nick
Don’t Confuse «System Idle Process» with the «System» process — half the people here are talking about the System Idle Process — *not* the System process.
For all those who seem to know all, it does use CPU cycles, am not sure why, but is a pain in the butt. (Running dual core folding and that 50% is tied up tight) Wolf
It says System Idle Process, you can even get something from its name. Come on people don’t be such idiots!
This is the process «System» NOT «System Idle Process» I keep getting CPU spikes too that lock up the comp for about a half second every few seconds. Res
Check your USB! If you have stuff plugged into your USB port, this is what causes system to go up in CPU usage. Brian
«System» v. «System Idle Process» Dave
It is take 40% of CPU time. why? Gergo
I had the same Problem. The system process (not system idle) used constantly 50% CPU time (on a server). A restart helped. Like ghost i also think that it has something to do with an usb device. dreadnik
I think there is some confusion between «System Idle Process» and «System» — it is «System» that has recently started taking over, and only a reboot will shut it down. It basically brings everything else to a standstill while it maxes out the CPU. Tam
The description seems to confuse «System» with «System Idle Process» and describes the behavior of «System Ilde Process» and *not* «System» fred
i have a game file, and im trying to rename it, but it says its unable to remove or delete, and stuff like that, and its because of system, why would «system» be using my file and how can i make it stop, or if i can find a way to end it for a bit, will it skrew everything up? enger
I quarantined this file, and guess what, it showed right back up, and I couldn’t unquarantine the file (because it already existed, again). Also this is the process, «system», not «system idle process,» I think the information here is incorrect. My «system idle process» fluctuates wildly from 65% to 95%, while «system» takes up from 4%-25% I’ll look into is some more later, but it really seems like a trojan. Jimmy
On my PC there is «System» process and «System Idle Process» (which is safe). Interesting, but I can’t end the «System» process. No error, no message. Nothing.
It’s a system process. Note that it’s not «System Idle Time», it’s «System». Although since I changed my RAM DIMMs I’ve been getting spikes much like other people here that go up to 100% processor use, while it usually stays around 8%, probably another random M$ucks bug lkt
The «System» process (under the Image Name column on the Processes tab in Task Manger) — not «System Idle Process» — starts to eat CPU usage up to 100% steady for hours upon end and lags the system big time. I’m on a VPS and rebooting does nothing so I think I will try asking if they have may have a faulty USB device as mentioned above . If they don’t brush me off and find something I’ll post an update Craig
1st: People don’t comment what you don’t know! You’re just making other people more confused! 2nd: Most of the system’s kernel mode threads are run as sistem process (attention! it’s not system.exe) 3rd: The System Idle Process (it’s a different thing from the System Process) it’s a one only thread per processor, used to measure the cpu when not processing other threads, that is to say it measures the amount of free cpu (here, the more the better). See also: Link E. Marques
System is not the same as System Idle Process. If you open Windows Task Manager, and see that System is at 99 under the CPU column, then it is using 99% of the CPU. Dont’t believe me? then click on the Performance tab, you wil see CPU Usage and CPU Usage History spiked at 100%. Tech Support
System idle process is 1 thing. System. can be a number (in windows xp) system, usualy should take up around 2% of your resources at idle.. which would leave «System IDLE process» at 98% System located in the correct directory, is safe and needed for xp to run. Othere applicatons can name them selfs «system» and be located in diferent folder.. if you find that a file is named «System» and located on yor pc els where, amake sure it is not attached to any legitemate programs before you delete it. ShambleS
Please See Microsoft Articals on Processes, this is not a dangerous Process but a good one. shows amount of free CPU — System Idle Process — You cannot end this process from Task Manager. • This process is a single thread running on each processor, which has the sole task of accounting for processor time when the system isn’t processing other threads. In Task Manager, expect this process to account for the majority of processor time. See also: Link Steffen
Soomeone has to find a way to get rid of this thing. It lights up my firewall like a christmas tree. this is not the ‘System Idle Process’, this is simply titled ‘system’, and it doesn’t peg at a high CPU% for me, but it keeps trying to send and recieve information to an IP reserved by the IANA (Internet Assigned Nubers Authority) bob
It is a host process that keeps core networking and driver services running, if the «system» process is running at 100% it may indicate a driver or hardware problem — safe mode with all un-needed hardware removed will give you a clue as to the issue webwolf
The SYSTEM process and SYSTEM IDEL PROCESS are too completely different things! On XP, SYSTEM should never be at 100%; if it is running at 100% a faulty driver must be the problem. If it is system.EXE, then it is malware/spyware. rescuenow
It’s the windows memory handler, its a default process which should NOT be disabled or removed.
This is the «system» process not the «System Idle» process. I currently have it at 100% and I suspect I have a dud driver or some faulty hardware. Definitely is not Virus, it is on PC with fresh install. NOTSYSTEM
This process is a single thread running on each processor, which has the sole task of accounting for processor time when the system isn’t processing other threads. In Task Manager, expect this process to account for the majority of processor time. See also: Link Ewald
Heres what I know: Its a valid MS process, I didn’t have it whem I used to have windows update disabled, it opens a tcp port microsoft-ds, it is not to be confused with the «Sytem Idle» process. Jamie
Hilarious process. It’s literally just your system. No need to worry. This is part of the foundational supports in Windows XP. Leave it alone.
There are two issues here. Yhe original post is about a process called «System»it runs in task manager alomh with «System Idle Process». Two different processes people. The «System»pprocess is causing me huge headaches, lagging my PC for about 1 — 3 minutes as it eats up all my CPU % I don’t know what it is or why, and it seems to be cyclic. Like every 5- 10 minutes Head Ache
If only appear as «System» in the taskmanager then its no virus. It launches smss.exe on your computer. Devoney
I turned off the automatic windows update check in the windows security center and this process went from 50% cpu to 0. I am NOT talking about system idle process. cDub
I know that the system waiting process should take care of this task and not just system, this is either a virus or a bug in windows. Shut the process down and the «system waiting process» will take over the task of this file and the cpu will be at a normal level. Nexustwins
This is a fake of the real SystemIdleProcess the word «System» shows the diffrence.
Make sure that you stop the USB attachements before removing. If not, this process can go into high gear and eat up processor time. I was getting 50% od CPU time used and could nto shut down the PC. Live-N-Learn
this system.exe acts up negatively and eats cpu power — this happens when your cpu is «heating up»; check the BIOS and adjust the CPU auto shut off temperature to a higher setting; list
Kernel. If you have a rootkit, this gets dangerous. Can’t kill it. Anon
system proces. periodically use 100% of cpu, especially after stanby.
This file takes around 60 MB of my RAM, and whenever i open up an command prompt, my cpu usage reaches to 100% and when i try to switch to any other app: it respond pretty slowly. shenthiil
System is a necessary file for Windows XP it is a system process and is an underlying file for the OS. This process may become infected with a virus and cause problems. If it is using little cpu and around 60k kb of ram, you’re good. Computer Builder and Repair for EC WI
Enlightening (not): system vs. system idle debate. I still don’t know why SYSTEM is suddenly spiking over 60,000k mem usage today. I’m just a girl
mem usage is 60616k instead of normal 212k. help Ryu
My System process is suddenly using up 62 MEGABYTES of memory in Task Manager for the last week. Why?? BigWayne
From what I know, this process should take less than 1000k of memory. Since I installed AVG 8.0, my System process has been taking 65000k. I know its AVG because when I uninstalled it, it when back down to 200k. Scott Hunt
I had the same problem, at idle cpu usage would go to 50% AND at that same moment the mouse cursor would stop for about 1-2 seconds then move on. I turned off auto updates and it went away. Tony
Is a single processor thread very important for the O.S.(Windows in this case) Jorge Alejandro(I am Spanish)
This system process took 64mb last week and now it takes 66mb ..the amount of memoery it uses is increasing week by week..please tell me the solution Prasanth
Try to end it in system processes- it doesn’t end- my computer has allways worked fine untill this started showing up in my registry! very peculiar. Evan
System is just a summary of all CPU usage that’s not caused by programs. It could be a port problem, USB device problem. If the CPU increases just check your device connections,ports etc. Rob
Yes, there is a difference between System Idle process and this process, system. I discovered that there was an issue with my in-built webcam that when left on munches through the cpu. I got it down from around 30-50 to 0-10. Think about any peripherals that you might be using that could cause an issue. Josh
O.k SYSTEM idle process represents the number/percentage of unused threads sitting idle. System.exe represents the number of basic IO and HAL based functions/library calls being made(as a percentage of threads/cpu used) . Many applications can make this appear to be using large amounts of resources eg.VIRUS SCANNERS often make basic disk/memory calls for example. So if your hardware has been hijacked causing high cpu/mem usage by SYSTEM.exe then it should most be visible as it’s controlling process whatever it may be. They are both legit MS processes but they can be hijacked or duplicated EXPERT
it uses 99% of my CPU almost all the time, but it doesnt show in the total CPU used?? rofl. Jake
system idle process
system idle process
It is your OS on XP. Killing it will result in BSOD Bombsaway707
It uses to much ram at times but does not harm my system in any way. Teltak
this file shouldn’t be in task manager. But I found it right there. Might not be anything bad though. Benjamin
its just system,not dangerous [SS][BK]G_M
This windows process is fine, required I think. But system.exe is a virus. Be careful! Derf321
it connects to internet Rohit
plugin-container
Required to run PC Isaac
this will have high memory usage it is normal sarc
It eats up all procesor, and it overheated my hardrive. See also: Link klmn
system idle
vary probably some periferal conections tarP
had the same problem with «system» ( not system idle or system.exe). as suggested above I dissconnected usb device and dissconnected mapped drives but no help. finally i turned off automatic updates in the security center and it calmed down pete
System process: this accounts for when a program asks the OS to do something like compress a file or send a file to a printer. It covers a variety of background tasks which are the real work to do what you ask the computer to do. High numbers can be good or bad, depending on what you have asked the computer to do for you. While constantly running at 100% is reson to look deeper, most of the time it is an indication that what you have started is a hard job, like scanning the entire system for viruses. partss of that job are done by the virus-scanner, but parts may be handed off to ‘system’. Tom C.
The system.exe process is used by the computer system to keep microsoft programs running correctly. Deleting the process is very dangerous, as it may corrup the pc and totally hose you computer. As for the System Idle Process, never try to delete this process. This only is where the your process power basically stays alive in while its not being used. Say for example you have a program open that needs a certain amoun of cpu power. It takes this from the system idle process in order for it to open smoothly and allow you to go on yur way. If someone were to delete this, expect to get errors. Microsoft
Internal Windows system process
system idle
Uses the network at port 137, 138, and 139 asdd
«System» looks like it is using so much CPU because it is what the CPU occupies itself with when nothing else is happening. The CPU can never stop processing, so this is like its stimulator while it waits for something else to do. Newmyoy
System idle process should be «eating up time.» If your comp is slow, look for another cause.
it is a system process 😛 all versions xp and above atleast *cough*i wonder if i ended it with an external process manager. *cough* Rexy Dallas
This has been hanging, kicking me off IE it seems. I followed the link below to find out what program is using Port 80 and discovered Avast AntiVirus is using it. That concerns me because I’ve used Avast alot and never had them occupy a «User Name» in task manager as «System.» Maybe I don’t know what I’m talking about, maybe it’s their latest update version 7 that adds this. Maybe that’s it, their «Web Shield, Network Shield, File System Shield,» whatever it is I’m a little disappointed with them. See also: Link Paul
Husen: Eats only 100% when something is defekt. Like USB Port. Thatґs true. XP instalations to repair this problem crashed. After disabling USB in BIOS all ok ! Dann
if you kill this process you will get a bsod. nice trick to play on ur friends BD (shades) HKLM
MS NT Kernel & System («ntoskrnl.exe») runs high CPU usage when crap drivers (.sys/drv files) are loaded See also: Link Zbot
when my computer starts bogging down I start task manager. it shows Image name (SYSTEM) and User name (SYSTEM). cpu utilization is always 25%. when I reboot it goes away. Richard A Pawlowski
File NTUSER.DAT is open in System. ron e cohen
Eating All My CPU Up
there are 3 system processes running in the task manager 1.is system idle this process measures the time the cpu /s are idle and are continously working. if system idle heart beat stops then it is vulnerable for attackers background tasks downloads etc..so do not leave your computer running without supervision. i have checked a few systems and 1 computer had 91 users . 2. system process is a nt/ kernel based process that uses your cpu affinity for tasks .updates background tasks ..apps etc. it is a very important process that can not be changed, although there are ways to manipulate the file by setting tasks in the management console and creating a group or user in system group policy by a hacker to run your system in a stealth mode. sometimes the original file will be different from the date created ,,keep an eye open.. for changes ..the file is called ntkrnlmp.exe ..not much is known on this file the ntoskml.exe is supposed to be the original file but im not so sure on that either.. because i have the other file running on my sys and burning 99% of cpu with 81 users my buddys sys is opposite with the problem on the system idle process and 91 users which i find strange..but the system process is zero % 3. the system interupts process runs the irq settings and proceedures for drivers..oddly up to 4 users some times pop in and out. are these users from the apps on win 8 i know skype . bing . msoft ..win store. some appp games. come up quite often in a system scan for registry and clean up..running as background tasks..hmmmm..i am still looking into this as of now. im thinking the S-1-1-15 USERS may have something to do with this in your registry and have created a group called all application packages and maybe trustedinstaller. cobrakel
uses lots of cpu
system file lol
I really don’t like it. People have said it doesn’t actually slow your computer down, but it does for me. It uses 100% disk and everything stops responding. Riley
system in Users have full permission because Microsoft uses this as a trusted administrator consequently virus/malware/spyware/Trojans etc. attach to the Microsoft permissions and their versatility . you as owner and user cannot change the System user file file because you are not»trusted user» Robert
It appears suspicious because of the ambiguity of the name. Seems to be fine though. Thomas
This is a Windows process and shouldn’t be stopped, even when it takes up CPU and Disk. Everett
Wtf it is not a virus oh my god. It is the NT kernel. If sometimes it takes a lot of resources it’s because Windows is doing something. It’s not A VIRUS. mrliop
I have checked it myself and it isnt dangerous. Its acctually the main part of windows. Not just a task
«System» process is the kernel code, it’s the windows kernel and drivers. Kernel code can’t be stopped from running so if a driver does something for a long time it shows up as high cpu usage. Check for your drivers. Ignas

More process information

Is system spyware or a virus, trojans, adware or worm? Is there a known system error?