CPU usage exceeds 100% in Task Manager and Performance Monitor if Intel Turbo Boost is active

This article describes an issue where CPU usage exceeds 100% in Task Manager and Performance Monitor if Intel Turbo Boost is active.

Original product version: В Windows 8
Original KB number: В 3200459

Symptoms

Starting with Windows 8, a change was made to the way that Task Manager and Performance Monitor report CPU utilization. With this change, CPU utilization may appear to exceed 100% when the system is under a heavy load, especially when capacity is boosted by Intel Turbo Boost.

Cause

This change affects the way that CPU utilization is computed. The values in Task Manager now correspond to the Processor Information% Processor Utility and Processor Information% Privileged Utility performance counters, not to the Processor Information% Processor Time and Processor Information% Privileged Time counters as in Windows 7.

More information

The difference between the two counter types concerns how they measure the actual work that the processor performs. The time-based performance counters measure the percentage of time that the processor is busy, whereas the utility performance counters measure how much work the processor actually performs. The utility performance counters take into account the processor performance state and Turbo Boost-based enhancements to measure and normalize the work that’s being done by the CPU.

This change was intended to provide a more accurate representation of how much work the system is handling, and the utility counters do just that. A processor that’s running 50% of the time and clocked down to 50% frequency performs only half the work of a processor that’s running 100% of the time at 100% frequency. Before this change, under the time-based performance counters (used in Windows 7 Task Manager), those two processors clocked differently. Both appear to be doing the same amount of work: 100% of their capacity. With the redesigned Task Manager, the first processor is shown to be running at 50% capacity, whereas the second processor is shown to be running at 100% capacity. And Turbo Boost drives the processor above 100% of its nominal speed, and allows the processor to exceed 100% capacity.

Third-party information disclaimer

The third-party products that this article discusses are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no warranty, implied or otherwise, about the performance or reliability of these products.

100% CPU Usage in Windows 10? Here’s How to Fix it

We’ve all been there. You turn on your PC, and instead of getting straight to work, you’re faced with horrific slowdown and loud-running fans. Hit Ctrl + Shift + Escape , and you will see that your CPU usage is inexplicably at 100%.

It’s a common problem that’s, luckily, not usually too hard to solve. Here are several fixes for the 100% CPU usage problem.

WMI Provider Host Using 100% CPU

The WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) Provider Host is a core service on Windows 10 that links up with various software on your PC to send it information about your operating system. In other words, it’s a very important process, and you shouldn’t disable it lightly. If, however, you see in the Task Manager Processes tab that it’s using a lot of CPU, then of course you should do something about it.

The first thing you can try is restarting the WMI service. Go to the Services app. (You can get there quickly by typing services in a Start menu search). Scroll down to Windows Management Instrumentation, right-click it, then click Restart.

If that doesn’t work, then the next solution is a little more intricate but also has the potential to offer more long-term solutions for your CPU woes.

If your 100% CPU usage is being caused by the WMI Provider Host process in Task Manager, then you can delve deeper into the problem. Press Win + R ,then open “eventvwr.” Here in the pane on the left, go to “Applications and Service Logs -> Microsoft -> Windows -> WMI-Activity -> Operational.” This will show you all the processes that the WMI Provider Host is dealing with.

Check the middle column, “Operational,” look for errors in the service, then under the “General” tab below that, check the “ClientProcessId” number. This should help you zoom in on the app or process clogging up your WMI Provider Host service.

Go back to Task Manager, click the “Details” tab, then sort the processes by “PID.” Find the process with the error, right-click it and click “Open file location.” This will give you an idea of what software the process is attached to and whether you can reinstall it, uninstall it, update its drivers and so on.

There may be multiple errors like this in the WMI Provider Host, in which case you should repeat the above process to address the different errors. It’s also possible that just one app/process has been hogging your CPU all this time, in which case you should be good to go after you’ve dealt with the culprit.

Disable Superfetch (or Windows Search)

Superfetch is a process by which Windows 10 learns which apps you use most often, then pre-fetches them for you so they load quicker each time you use them. It’s a constant background process that doesn’t usually cause problems, but it doesn’t always play nice with older devices.

To find out whether Superfetch (or another service) is hogging your CPU, open Task Manager ( Ctrl + Shift + Escape ), click “More details,” then click “CPU” to order processes by how much CPU they’re using.

If you see that a “Service Host” like Superfetch or something else is using a lot of CPU, you can try right-clicking it and clicking “End process.”

Alternatively, to disable it permanently (or until Windows switches it on again, which can happen after you update the OS), press Win + R , type services , then in the Services window scroll down to Superfetch.

Right-click Superfetch, click Properties, then in its Properties window click the drop-down next to “Startup type,” click “Disabled,” and OK.

You can technically do this to any service that’s hogging CPU, but some services are system-critical, so you need to be careful. Another culprit of high CPU usage is “Windows Search,” which you can safely disable, too.

Reset Your Power Plan

Twiddling around in Windows’s power options can have a substantial effect on your PC performance. If you’re set to “High performance” – particularly if you made tweaks to the “plan settings” – then it’s possible that you’re overloading your CPU. (Again, older devices are susceptible to this.)

Type power plan in the Start search ,bar then click “Choose a power plan.” If you’re on “High performance” or “Power Saver,” then switch to “Balanced.”

For extra certainty, click “Change plan settings,” then on the new screen click “Restore default settings for this plan.”

Check Your Power Supply

This one’s an issue that can affect both desktop and laptop Windows 10 users. If you have a faulty power supply (the mains cable on a laptop, the PSU in a desktop), then it can automatically start undervolting your CPU to preserve power. When undervolted, your CPU can function at only a fraction of its full power, hence the possibility of this manifesting as 100% CPU usage on Windows 10.

To solve this on a laptop is quite simple: unplug your laptop from the power cable, then click the battery icon at the bottom-right corner of your Windows 10 desktop -> Battery Settings -> Power & Sleep Settings -> Additional power settings, and select High Performance. If the issue was with your power supply, the CPU usage should return to normal in the task manager ( Ctrl + Shift + Esc ).

On a desktop things can be a little more complicated, as you’ll need to physically remove the PSU from your PC and test a different one. We recommend going through our other tips listed below before trying this.

Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software

This one may be a bit contentious, but our view here is that if you’re using antivirus software on Windows 10, then you’re probably putting unnecessary strain on your CPU (particularly if its older). It doesn’t usually hurt to have the extra security, but you probably don’t need it.

Every year we write an in-depth feature about Windows 10’s onboard security software, Windows Defender, and every year it gets better and better. At this point, it’s more or less on par with the best antivirus software out there.

Don’t be afraid to disable your third-party antivirus software to see if it helps your CPU usage. If it does, then uninstall it, because Windows Defender should really have you covered.

With high CPU usage, it may be running pretty hot, too, so we’ve put together a bunch of ways you can bring the CPU temperature down. The WSAPPX process can also cause high CPU usage, so click through for our guide on how to address that.

Related:

Content Manager at Make Tech Easier. Enjoys Android, Windows, and tinkering with retro console emulation to breaking point.

Cpu usage high until i open task manager

My Acer laptop’s fan has been running very loudly these past few weeks. When it gets too unbearable, I open Task Manager, only to find that my cpu usage lowers dramatically from 100% going as low to 13%.

Replies (9) 

Thank you for posting the query on Microsoft Community.

Restart the computer a few times and check for Windows Updates.

In the Search box on the taskbar, enter Windows Update, select Windows Update. On the Windows Update page, select Check for updates.

If the issue persists, then try Clean Boot and check.

This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update or when you run a program in Windows. It starts Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs.
How to perform a Clean Boot in Windows: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After troubleshooting, refer to this section «How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting» in the above link.

Try to run the following commands and check if it helps.

1. Open command prompt. ( Type cmd in Search or Press Windows Logo Key+X. Click on Command Prompt admin).

1. Type the following 4 commands at the CMD prompt:

dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth

1. Close the CMD window.

2. Check to see if the issue is resolved. If not, restart the PC.

Hope this helps in resolving the issue. If the issue persists, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

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Thank you for the reply and letting us know about the status of the issue.

You both are welcome.

Glad to know that the issue is fixed.

You both have a wonderful and a great 2016.

In future, if you have any issues related to Windows, do get back to us. We will be happy to assist you.

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I searched for this question due to the same issue with my HP laptop. I also had this issue with my Sony laptop. I have only had this issue with Windows 10, and it is downright suspicious behavior.

If I had asked anyone prior to Windows 10 about this issue, the immediate response would have been «Spyware,» as whatever is causing the issue immediately conceals itself upon revelation.

I am an instructor in IT and hold multiple certifications. I want to know WHY this is happening, not how to fix it.

Your solution does solve the problem, but why is this a problem? Why do I have Microsoft Certified applications burning up my CPU, fan, and HDD, when my system has been fully updated? Is there a ‘smart’ program utilized to scan for system performance and resilience during optimum downtime?

Some further information: my computer only does this when it is idle for a while after a long period of use.

I would imagine that most users would not notice this if they use their computer for a while and walk away, but my job and hobbies involve me coming back after what seems just the right amount of time.

I want to know this for educational purposes more so than anything else. I will be likely be adding CompTIA A+ classes to my roster soon.

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It is simply an abuse of hardware for the sake of crypto-currency mining. When you are not aware your CPU is used to mine electronic coins such as Monero and such.

Whom does it serve? Only God knows 🙂

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my problem still persist after doing what you said.

I’ve run every update available and run the commands you wrote in the post but still the CPU usage is very high until I open the task manager, then it reduces the CPU usage to normal values around 2-5% iddle.

Thanks in advance.

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What exactly worked for you? Thanks in advance.

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There are something wrong when I run the last command » Get-AppXPackage . «, the message is as follows:

Add-AppxPackage : Deployment failed with HRESULT: 0x80073D02, The package could not be installed because resources it m
odifies are currently in use.
error 0x80073D02: Unable to install because the following apps need to be closed Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_1.10.7.17134
_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy.
NOTE: For additional information, look for [ActivityId] ddcd07b6-0c4a-0000-6d39-cddd4a0cd401 in the Event Log or use th
e command line Get-AppxLog -ActivityID ddcd07b6-0c4a-0000-6d39-cddd4a0cd401
At line:1 char:94
+ . | Foreach +

+ CategoryInfo : NotSpecified: (C:\Windows\Syst. ppXManifest.xml:String) [Add-AppxPackage], Exception
+ FullyQualifiedErrorId : DeploymentError,Microsoft.Windows.Appx.PackageManager.Commands.AddAppxPackageCommand.

Time ID Message
—- — ——-
25/6/2018 14:09:55 603 Started deployment Register operation on a package with main parameter: AppXMani
fest.xml and Options: 0 and 0. See http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=235160
for help diagnosing app deployment issues.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 10002 Creating Resiliency File C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\AppRepository\15d677c1
-4333-4606-a993-900c2d60525b_S-1-5-21-1770724309-3955324544-3268292770-1001_22.r
slc for Register Operation on Package Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_1.10.7.17134_neu
tral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 607 Deployment Register operation on package Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_1.10.7.17134_
neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy has been de-queued and is running for user SID S-1
-5-21-1770724309-3955324544-3268292770-1001.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 613 Adding uri to the list of Uris: C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_
cw5n1h2txyewy\AppXManifest.xml.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 492 In-place package update policy result for Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_1.10.7.17134
_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy — staging: false, applying false
25/6/2018 14:09:55 339 Registration will process the User extensions in the following order: windows.vi
sualElements windows.mailProvider windows.autoPlayContent windows.autoPlayDevice
windows.autoPlayHandler windows.activatableClass.inProcessServer windows.activa
tableClass.outOfProcessServer windows.activatableClass.proxyStub windows.activat
ableClass.downloadUpload windows.search windows.fileOpenPicker windows.fileSaveP
icker windows.cachedFileUpdater windows.appUriHandler windows.appPrinter windows
.startupTask windows.shareTarget windows.lockScreenCall windows.personalAssistan
tLaunch windows.fileTypeAssociation windows.protocol windows.primaryInteropAssem
blies windows.appointmentsProvider windows.activatableClass.backgroundPlaybackCl
ass windows.backgroundTasks windows.DefaultBackgroundTasks windows.webAccountPro
vider windows.userDataAccountsProvider windows.preInstalledConfigTask windows.up
dateTask windows.appService windows.appointmentDataProvider windows.contactDataP
rovider windows.emailDataProvider windows.userDataTaskDataProvider windows.barco
deScannerProvider windows.barcodeScannerPreviewProvider windows.internal.filePic
kerExperience windows.dialProtocol windows.lockScreenComponent windows.printWork
flowBackgroundTask windows.printWorkflowForegroundTask windows.restrictedLaunch
windows.accountPictureProvider windows.cameraSettings windows.printTaskSettings
windows.print3DWorkflow windows.comServer windows.comInterface windows.firewallR
ules windows.classicAppCompatKeys windows.appExecutionAlias windows.activatableC
lass.collector windows.localExperiencePack .
25/6/2018 14:09:55 573 Setting Sync Enabled status, package family name Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_cw5n1
h2txyewy, enabled true.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 566 Acquiring roaming data for already registered package Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_
1.10.7.17134_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 638 Packages were not updated because affected apps are still running. Running apps
: , Directly serviced package
s: , Indir
ectly serviced packages: , Number of previous attempts: 0, Is user session
locked: false
25/6/2018 14:09:55 419 error 0x80073D02: Unable to install because the following apps need to be closed
Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_1.10.7.17134_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 605 The last successful state reached was PackagesInUseClosed. Failure occurred befo
re reaching the next state ResolvedDeferredRegistrations. hr: 0x80073D02
25/6/2018 14:09:55 339 Registration will process the User extensions in the following order: windows.vi
sualElements windows.mailProvider windows.autoPlayContent windows.autoPlayDevice
windows.autoPlayHandler windows.activatableClass.inProcessServer windows.activa
tableClass.outOfProcessServer windows.activatableClass.proxyStub windows.activat
ableClass.downloadUpload windows.search windows.fileOpenPicker windows.fileSaveP
icker windows.cachedFileUpdater windows.appUriHandler windows.appPrinter windows
.startupTask windows.shareTarget windows.lockScreenCall windows.personalAssistan
tLaunch windows.fileTypeAssociation windows.protocol windows.primaryInteropAssem
blies windows.appointmentsProvider windows.activatableClass.backgroundPlaybackCl
ass windows.backgroundTasks windows.DefaultBackgroundTasks windows.webAccountPro
vider windows.userDataAccountsProvider windows.preInstalledConfigTask windows.up
dateTask windows.appService windows.appointmentDataProvider windows.contactDataP
rovider windows.emailDataProvider windows.userDataTaskDataProvider windows.barco
deScannerProvider windows.barcodeScannerPreviewProvider windows.internal.filePic
kerExperience windows.dialProtocol windows.lockScreenComponent windows.printWork
flowBackgroundTask windows.printWorkflowForegroundTask windows.restrictedLaunch
windows.accountPictureProvider windows.cameraSettings windows.printTaskSettings
windows.print3DWorkflow windows.comServer windows.comInterface windows.firewallR
ules windows.classicAppCompatKeys windows.appExecutionAlias windows.activatableC
lass.collector windows.localExperiencePack .
25/6/2018 14:09:55 401 Deployment Register operation with target volume C: on Package Microsoft.Windows
.Cortana_1.10.7.17134_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy from: (AppXManifest.xml) f
ailed with error 0x80073D02. See http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=235160 f
or help diagnosing app deployment issues.
25/6/2018 14:09:55 404 AppX Deployment operation failed for package Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_1.10.7.17
134_neutral_neutral_cw5n1h2txyewy with error 0x80073D02. The specific error text
for this failure is: error 0x80073D02: Unable to install because the following
apps need to be closed Microsoft.Windows.Cortana_1.10.7.17134_neutral_neutral_cw
5n1h2txyewy.

I have closed the Cortana already and restart the computer several times. This problem still happens.