How To Fix Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage

Are you tired of your computer running slow or freezing constantly? One of the culprits could be the Antimalware Service Executable, a process that often uses a significant amount of CPU resources. But fear not, as there are several steps you can take to fix the Antimalware Service Executable's high CPU usage and restore your computer's performance.

To address the issue of Antimalware Service Executable hogging your CPU, it's important to first understand its purpose and relevance. This process, also known as MsMpEng.exe, is a crucial component of Windows Defender, responsible for scanning and protecting your system against malware. However, in some cases, it can consume an excessive amount of CPU power, causing system slowdowns. By adjusting Windows Defender settings, scheduling regular scans, and considering alternative antivirus software, you can effectively tackle the high CPU usage caused by Antimalware Service Executable.

Understanding Antimalware Service Executable and High CPU Usage

The Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) is a core component of Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus and antimalware program in Windows operating systems. It is responsible for real-time scanning, malware detection, and other security features. While it plays a crucial role in protecting your system, sometimes users may encounter high CPU usage issues with the Antimalware Service Executable.

When the Antimalware Service Executable consumes an excessive amount of CPU resources, it can slow down your computer, lead to unresponsiveness, and cause other performance issues. This problem is commonly caused by various factors, such as system scan conflicts, software conflicts, outdated antivirus definitions, or issues with the Windows Defender service.

Fortunately, there are several ways to fix the Antimalware Service Executable high CPU usage issue. In this article, we will explore different methods to troubleshoot and resolve this problem, allowing your computer to run smoothly and efficiently.

Method 1: Adjust Windows Defender's Scheduled Scan

By default, Windows Defender is set to perform scheduled scans on your system to ensure it remains protected from malware and viruses. However, these scans can sometimes coincide with other CPU-intensive tasks, causing high CPU usage. Adjusting the scheduled scan settings can help alleviate this issue.

To adjust the Windows Defender scheduled scan:

• Open Windows Defender by clicking on the Start menu, searching for "Windows Security," and selecting it from the results.
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Under the "Current threats" section, click on "Scan options."
• Next, click on "Windows Defender Offline scan."
• Toggle off the "Automatically scan my computer (recommended)" option.
• Choose a specific day and time for the scan to avoid conflicting with other tasks.
• Click "Save" to apply the changes.

By adjusting the scan schedule, you can ensure that the Windows Defender scheduled scan does not interfere with other activities, reducing the strain on your CPU.

Method 1.1: Disable Automatic Sample Submission

Another sub-setting that can contribute to high CPU usage is automatic sample submission. When enabled, this feature collects suspicious files and sends them to Microsoft for further analysis, which can consume significant system resources.

To disable automatic sample submission:

• Open Windows Defender by following the steps mentioned in Method 1.
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Scroll down and click on "Manage settings" under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section.
• Under the "Automatic sample submission" header, toggle off the option.

Disabling automatic sample submission can help reduce the CPU load caused by Windows Defender, particularly during extensive malware scans.

Method 2: Exclude Certain Folders from Real-Time Scanning

Another common cause of high CPU usage by Antimalware Service Executable is real-time scanning of certain folders or files. This can be particularly noticeable when you have folders containing a large number of files or files that are frequently accessed by various applications.

To exclude certain folders from Windows Defender's real-time scanning:

• Open Windows Defender by following the steps mentioned in Method 1.
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Scroll down and click on "Manage settings" under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section.
• Under the "Exclusions" header, click on "Add or remove exclusions."
• Click on "Add an exclusion" and select "Folder."
• Browse for the folder you want to exclude from real-time scanning and click "Select Folder."
• Repeat the steps to add any additional folders.
• Close the Windows Security window.

By excluding certain folders from real-time scanning, you can reduce the CPU usage by Antimalware Service Executable while still maintaining adequate protection for the rest of your system.

Method 2.1: Exclude Specific File Types

If you notice high CPU usage when performing specific tasks, such as video editing or file compression, you can exclude the file types related to those tasks from real-time scanning.

To exclude specific file types from Windows Defender's real-time scanning:

• Open Windows Defender by following the steps mentioned in Method 1.
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Scroll down and click on "Manage settings" under the "Virus & threat protection settings" section.
• Under the "Exclusions" header, click on "Add or remove exclusions."
• Click on "Add an exclusion" and select "File type."
• Enter the extension of the file type you want to exclude (e.g., .mp4 for video files) and press Enter.
• Repeat the steps to add any additional file types.
• Close the Windows Security window.

Excluding specific file types can significantly reduce the CPU usage by Antimalware Service Executable during activities that involve those file types.

Method 3: Update Windows Defender and Perform a Full System Scan

Outdated antivirus definitions can sometimes cause high CPU usage as Windows Defender tries to scan and process files that it detects as potential threats. Updating Windows Defender and performing a full system scan can help resolve this issue.

To update Windows Defender and perform a full system scan:

• Open Windows Defender by following the steps mentioned in Method 1.
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Under the "Current threats" section, click on "Quick scan."
• Allow Windows Defender to scan your system for potential threats.
• Once the scan is complete, click on "Scan options."
• Select "Full scan" and click "Scan now."
• Windows Defender will perform a thorough scan of your system, detecting and potentially removing any malware or viruses.

Updating Windows Defender and performing a full system scan ensures that your antivirus definitions are up to date and helps eliminate any existing malware that could be causing high CPU usage.

Method 3.1: Use Windows Defender Offline Scan

In some cases, malware or viruses can evade detection during a regular system scan. Performing an offline scan using Windows Defender can help identify and eliminate any hidden threats.

To perform a Windows Defender Offline scan:

• Open Windows Defender by following the steps mentioned in Method 1.
• In the Windows Security window, click on "Virus & threat protection."
• Under the "Current threats" section, click on "Scan options."
• Click on "Windows Defender Offline scan."
• Click the "Scan now" button.
• Windows will restart and perform an offline scan of your system, detecting and eliminating any malware or viruses that may be causing high CPU usage.

Performing a Windows Defender Offline scan ensures a thorough examination of your system without any interference from active malware or viruses.

Experiencing High CPU Usage by Antimalware Service Executable? Try These Methods

If you are experiencing high CPU usage by Antimalware Service Executable, try applying the methods mentioned in this article to resolve the issue. Adjusting Windows Defender's scheduled scan, excluding certain folders or file types from real-time scanning, updating Windows Defender, and performing a full system scan can help alleviate the problem and improve the overall performance of your computer.

Methods to Resolve High CPU Usage of Antimalware Service Executable

If you are encountering high CPU usage by the Antimalware Service Executable, there are a few solutions you can try:

• Adjust the Windows Defender schedule: Open Windows Defender Security Center, go to Virus & Threat Protection, click on Virus & Threat Protection Settings, and select the "Add or Remove Exclusions" option. From there, add the processes and folders that you want to exclude from scanning. This can help reduce the workload on the Antimalware Service.
• Update Windows and Windows Defender: Ensure that your operating system and Windows Defender are up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates to improve performance and fix bugs, so installing the latest updates can potentially resolve the high CPU usage issue.
• Disable Windows Defender and use an alternative antivirus software: If all else fails, you can temporarily disable Windows Defender and install a trusted third-party antivirus program that is known for its efficiency and low resource usage. Just make sure to reactivate Windows Defender if you decide to switch back or if the issue gets resolved.

Frequently Asked Questions

In this section, we will address some frequently asked questions about fixing Antimalware Service Executable high CPU usage. If you're experiencing this issue and want to optimize your computer's performance, keep reading for some helpful answers.

1. How can I identify if Antimalware Service Executable is causing high CPU usage?

Antimalware Service Executable, also known as MsMpEng.exe, is a process that belongs to Windows Defender. It scans your computer for malware and other threats. However, in some cases, it can consume a significant amount of CPU resources, leading to performance issues.

To identify if Antimalware Service Executable is causing high CPU usage, you can open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc. Under the "Processes" or "Details" tab, look for "Antimalware Service Executable" or "MsMpEng.exe." If you notice high CPU usage, it may be the culprit.

2. How can I reduce Antimalware Service Executable's CPU usage?

If Antimalware Service Executable is consuming too much CPU, there are several steps you can take to reduce its usage:

Exclude certain files or folders: You can exclude specific files or folders from being scanned by Windows Defender. This can be done by accessing Windows Security settings and adding exclusions.

Schedule scans: Instead of running constant real-time scans, you can schedule regular scans at times when your computer is not heavily in use. This can help lower CPU usage caused by Antimalware Service Executable.

Use a different antivirus program: If you find that Antimalware Service Executable consistently uses an excessive amount of CPU, you may consider using a third-party antivirus program that has lower resource requirements.

3. Can I disable Antimalware Service Executable entirely?

While it is not recommended to disable Antimalware Service Executable entirely, there are some cases where it may be necessary:

Use another antivirus program: If you decide to use a different antivirus program, you can disable Antimalware Service Executable. However, this will leave your computer unprotected if the new antivirus program is not active.

Temporarily disable Windows Defender: If you need to perform a specific task that is being hindered by Antimalware Service Executable, you can temporarily disable Windows Defender. Remember to re-enable it as soon as you're done to ensure ongoing protection.

Please note that disabling Antimalware Service Executable can leave your computer susceptible to malware and other security risks. It is best to find alternative solutions to optimize its performance rather than completely disabling it.

4. Why does Antimalware Service Executable use high CPU on my computer?

Antimalware Service Executable may use high CPU on your computer due to several reasons:

Real-time scanning: Antimalware Service Executable performs real-time scanning to protect your computer from malware threats. This continuous scanning can consume CPU resources, especially if your system has a large number of files or processes.

Outdated or conflicting software: If you have outdated antivirus software or other security programs installed, they may conflict with Antimalware Service Executable, leading to high CPU usage.

Malware infection: In some cases, a malware infection can mimic Antimalware Service Executable, causing high CPU usage. It's important to regularly scan your computer for malware and keep your security software up to date.

5. How can I optimize Antimalware Service Executable's performance?

To optimize Antimalware Service Executable's performance and reduce high CPU usage, try the following:

Keep Windows Defender up to date: Ensure that Windows Defender and its definitions are regularly updated to benefit from the latest bug fixes and performance enhancements.

Scan for malware:

In conclusion, dealing with Antimalware Service Executable high CPU usage can be frustrating, but there are several effective solutions to mitigate this issue. First, you can adjust the Windows Defender scan schedule to prevent it from running during peak usage times. This can be done through the Windows Security settings. Alternatively, you can exclude certain files or folders from being scanned by Windows Defender, which can help reduce the workload on the CPU.

If these methods don't resolve the issue, you can try temporarily disabling Windows Defender and using a third-party antivirus software instead. However, keep in mind that this may potentially compromise your system's security, so proceed with caution and only opt for reputable antivirus programs. Finally, regularly updating both Windows and Windows Defender is crucial to ensure that your system is equipped with the latest bug fixes and optimizations. By following these steps, you should be able to alleviate the high CPU usage caused by Antimalware Service Executable.