Why Is Windows Explorer Using So Much CPU

When it comes to using Windows Explorer, it can be frustrating to find that your CPU usage is skyrocketing. This sudden surge in CPU usage can slow down your computer and disrupt your workflow. But why is Windows Explorer using so much CPU? Let's dive into the causes and solutions for this issue.

Windows Explorer, the file management system in Windows operating systems, plays a crucial role in helping users navigate and access files and folders. However, sometimes it can become a resource hog, using up excessive CPU power. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as corrupt files, failed updates, or conflicting software. One possible solution is to perform a malware scan to rule out any malicious programs causing the high CPU usage. Additionally, checking for and installing the latest Windows updates, as well as disabling any unnecessary plugins or extensions, can help mitigate this issue.

Understanding the High CPU Usage by Windows Explorer

Windows Explorer is an essential component of the Windows operating system that allows users to navigate and interact with their files and folders. However, sometimes users may notice that Windows Explorer is using a significant amount of CPU resources, causing their system to slow down or become unresponsive. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this high CPU usage and discuss possible solutions to alleviate the issue.

1. Background Processes and Shell Extensions

One of the primary reasons for high CPU usage by Windows Explorer is the presence of background processes and shell extensions. Background processes are programs or services running in the background that can consume CPU resources, even when you are not actively using them. Shell extensions, on the other hand, are third-party add-ons that integrate with Windows Explorer, providing additional functionalities such as context menu options, thumbnail previews, or file compression.

When there are numerous background processes and shell extensions installed on your system, it can overload Windows Explorer and cause it to consume excessive CPU resources. This can happen due to poorly optimized or incompatible processes and extensions that may conflict with Windows Explorer's operations.

To identify the culprit, you can use the Task Manager to monitor the CPU usage by individual processes and extensions. If you notice a particular process or extension consuming a high percentage of CPU resources, it is advisable to disable or uninstall it to reduce the strain on Windows Explorer.

1.1 Disabling Background Processes

To disable background processes and reduce the CPU usage by Windows Explorer:

• Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking the taskbar and selecting "Task Manager."
• Click on the "Processes" or "Details" tab, depending on your Windows version.
• Sort the processes by CPU usage by clicking on the "CPU" column header in descending order.
• Identify any processes consuming a significant amount of CPU resources and select them.
• Click on the "End Task" or "End Process" button to terminate the selected processes.

1.2 Disabling Problematic Shell Extensions

To disable problematic shell extensions:

• Open File Explorer by pressing Win + E.
• Click on the "View" tab at the top of the File Explorer window.
• Click on "Options" and select "Change folder and search options."
• In the "Folder Options" window, go to the "View" tab.
• Under the "Advanced settings" section, check the box that says "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" and uncheck the box that says "Hide extensions for known file types."
• Click "Apply" and then "OK."
• Navigate to the following folder: C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
• Identify any suspicious files or folders that you do not recognize and move them to a different location. These files or folders may be related to problematic shell extensions.

2. Corrupted System Files

Another factor that can contribute to high CPU usage by Windows Explorer is corrupted system files. System files are crucial for the proper functioning of the operating system, and if any of these files become corrupted or damaged, it can lead to abnormal CPU usage by Windows Explorer.

To check for and repair corrupted system files:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for "Command Prompt" in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting "Run as administrator."
• In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
• Wait for the System File Checker (SFC) utility to scan and repair any corrupted system files. This process may take some time.
• Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and check if the CPU usage by Windows Explorer has reduced.

2.1 System File Checker in Safe Mode

If you are unable to run the System File Checker (SFC) utility in normal mode, you can try running it in Safe Mode. Safe Mode starts your computer with only the essential drivers and services, allowing you to troubleshoot issues without interference from third-party software.

To access Safe Mode and run the System File Checker:

• Restart your computer.
• Press the F8 key repeatedly before the Windows logo appears.
• Select "Safe Mode" from the Advanced Boot Options menu and press Enter.
• Once in Safe Mode, open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the sfc /scannow command.
• Restart your computer again and check if the CPU usage has improved.

3. Malware or Virus Infection

Malware or virus infections can significantly impact the performance of Windows Explorer and increase CPU usage. Malware can run hidden processes in the background, causing Windows Explorer to consume excessive CPU resources.

To mitigate the impact of malware or virus infections:

• Ensure your computer has an updated and reputable antivirus program installed.
• Perform a full system scan to detect and remove any malware or viruses.
• If the scan detects any threats, follow the recommended actions to eliminate them.

It is important to keep your antivirus software updated to ensure that it can effectively detect and remove the latest threats.

4. Insufficient System Resources

In some cases, high CPU usage by Windows Explorer can be attributed to insufficient system resources. If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements to run the operating system or if you have multiple resource-intensive programs running simultaneously, it can cause Windows Explorer to consume a significant amount of CPU resources.

You can try the following to alleviate the high CPU usage caused by insufficient system resources:

• Close any unnecessary programs and processes running in the background.
• Upgrade your computer's hardware, such as increasing the RAM or installing a faster processor.
• Consider using lightweight alternative file managers that consume fewer system resources.

Windows Explorer High CPU Usage - Another Perspective

In addition to the previously mentioned causes, there are other factors that can contribute to high CPU usage by Windows Explorer. These factors can include outdated device drivers, conflicts with software applications, or even issues within the Windows registry. If you have already tried the solutions mentioned earlier and are still experiencing high CPU usage, it may be necessary to investigate these other potential factors.

1. Outdated Device Drivers

Outdated device drivers can cause compatibility issues and lead to high CPU usage by Windows Explorer. Device drivers are software programs that allow your operating system to communicate with hardware devices such as printers, graphics cards, or network adapters. When these drivers become outdated, they may not work efficiently, causing increased CPU usage.

To update your device drivers:

• Open the Device Manager by pressing Win + X and selecting "Device Manager" from the menu.
• Expand the categories and locate the devices with outdated drivers.
• Right-click on the device and select "Update driver."
• Choose the option to automatically search for updated driver software online.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update process.

1.1 Automating Driver Updates

If you find it cumbersome to manually update each device driver, you can use third-party driver update software that scans your system for outdated drivers and automatically installs the latest versions. These tools can save time and ensure that all your drivers are up to date.

2. Conflicts with Software Applications

In some cases, conflicts between Windows Explorer and other software applications can result in high CPU usage. This can occur when two or more applications try to access the same system resources simultaneously, causing a bottleneck and leading to increased CPU usage.

To troubleshoot conflicts with software applications:

• Update all software applications to their latest versions.
• If the high CPU usage only occurs when a specific application is running, try reinstalling the application or contacting the software vendor for support.
• Ensure that you are using compatible versions of software applications and that they are designed to work with your operating system.

3. Issues Within the Windows Registry

The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores settings, options, and information for the operating system and installed applications. Over time, the registry can become cluttered with invalid or obsolete entries, which can impact the performance of Windows Explorer and cause high CPU usage.

To clean up the Windows Registry:

• Caution: Manipulating the registry can potentially cause system instability or data loss. It is recommended to back up your registry before proceeding.
• Open the Registry Editor by pressing Win + R, typing regedit, and pressing Enter.
• Navigate to the following registry key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer
• In the right-hand pane, look for any entries related to outdated or unused software or settings.
• Right-click on the entry and select "Delete."
• Repeat this process for any other entries that you deem unnecessary.
• Restart your computer and check if the CPU usage has decreased.

If you are uncomfortable editing the registry manually, you can use reputable third-party registry cleaning tools that automatically scan and clean up invalid entries.

By following these suggestions, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve the issue of Windows Explorer using excessive CPU resources. However, if the problem persists or if you are unsure about performing advanced troubleshooting steps, it is recommended to seek assistance from a technical professional or contact the official Microsoft support team for further guidance.

Windows Explorer and CPU Usage

When you notice that Windows Explorer is using an unusually high amount of CPU, it can be frustrating and impact the performance of your computer. The CPU (Central Processing Unit) is responsible for executing tasks and running programs on your computer.

There are several reasons why Windows Explorer may be using a significant amount of CPU:

• Background processes: Windows Explorer may be running background processes such as searching for files or indexing which can consume CPU resources.
• Malware or viruses: Malicious software or viruses can cause Windows Explorer to use excessive CPU by running unwanted processes or consuming system resources.
• Outdated or incompatible software: Sometimes, outdated or incompatible software can conflict with Windows Explorer and cause high CPU usage.
• Corrupted system files: Corrupted system files can lead to Windows Explorer using more CPU than necessary to perform tasks.

To resolve high CPU usage by Windows Explorer, you can try the following steps:

• Scan your computer for malware and viruses using a reliable antivirus program.
• Update and install the latest Windows updates, drivers, and software.
• Check for any corrupt system files and repair them using the Command Prompt's System File Checker tool.
• Disable unnecessary startup programs and background processes to reduce the strain on your CPU.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will address some commonly asked questions about why Windows Explorer is using a significant amount of CPU on your system.

1. What causes Windows Explorer to use a high amount of CPU?

There can be several reasons behind Windows Explorer using a high amount of CPU. One of the common causes is a corrupt file or folder in Windows Explorer. This can lead to excessive CPU usage as the system tries to process or access the problematic file. Another possibility is malware or viruses that have infected your system, causing Windows Explorer to use more CPU resources. Additionally, outdated software or conflicting programs can also contribute to high CPU usage by Windows Explorer.

It is important to identify the underlying cause of the high CPU usage by Windows Explorer to effectively resolve the issue and optimize your system's performance.

2. How can I check which process in Windows Explorer is using the most CPU?

To determine which process within Windows Explorer is using the most CPU, you can use the Task Manager utility. Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys on your keyboard to open the Task Manager. Within the Task Manager, navigate to the "Processes" tab and locate the "Windows Explorer" process. Right-click on it and select "Go to details." This will highlight the specific process in the "Details" tab, allowing you to view its CPU usage and other information. Using this method, you can identify the process responsible for the high CPU usage and take appropriate action.

3. How can I resolve high CPU usage by Windows Explorer?

To resolve high CPU usage by Windows Explorer, you can try several troubleshooting steps. First, perform a full system scan with reliable antivirus software to ensure your system is not infected with malware. Update your software, including Windows and other applications, to the latest versions as outdated software can cause compatibility issues and high CPU usage. Additionally, you can check for and repair any corrupt files or folders using the System File Checker (SFC) tool. It is also recommended to disable any unnecessary startup programs and perform a clean boot to identify if any third-party applications are causing the high CPU usage by Windows Explorer.

If these steps do not resolve the issue, you may consider seeking assistance from a professional IT technician who can analyze your system and provide further solutions.

4. How can I prevent high CPU usage by Windows Explorer in the future?

To prevent high CPU usage by Windows Explorer in the future, it is essential to maintain a healthy and optimized system. Regularly update your software and operating system to ensure you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. Be cautious while downloading and installing applications from untrusted sources as they may contain malware that can cause high CPU usage. Use a reliable antivirus program and keep it updated to scan your system for potential threats. It is also recommended to uninstall any unnecessary or conflicting programs that can contribute to high CPU usage. Finally, practice good browsing habits by avoiding suspicious websites and not clicking on suspicious links or attachments.

5. When should I seek professional help for high CPU usage by Windows Explorer?

If you have tried the basic troubleshooting steps mentioned above and are still experiencing high CPU usage by Windows Explorer, it may be time to seek professional help. A professional IT technician can perform in-depth diagnostics, analyze your system, and provide advanced solutions tailored to your specific situation. They can identify any underlying hardware or software issues that may be causing the high CPU usage and recommend the most appropriate course of action. Seeking professional help ensures a thorough investigation and resolution of the problem, minimizing the impact on your system's performance.

[SOLVED] Windows Explorer (explorer.exe) High CPU usage

In conclusion, if you find that Windows Explorer is using a significant amount of CPU, there are a few reasons this could be happening. One possible reason is that there are too many background processes or applications running, which can overload the system and cause high CPU usage. Another reason might be that there are corrupt or outdated system files, which can affect the performance of Windows Explorer.

To address this issue, you can try a few troubleshooting steps. First, you can open the Task Manager and identify any unnecessary processes or applications using a lot of CPU resources, and end those tasks. Additionally, you can update your computer's drivers and run a thorough virus scan to ensure that your system is clean and up to date. Finally, you can try resetting Windows Explorer to its default settings, which can help resolve any potential conflicts or issues.