CPU utilization is 100 percent. What to do, the reasons and the correction

One of the most common and obscure problems is the CPU load. 100 percent of his work selects incomprehensible processes and services, which makes the use of computers extremely difficult. Why is this happening?

CPU utilization is 100 percent. What to do?

Quite often, computer owners can observe deterioration in performance, delay in response to user actions and other problems after some time of continuous use. One of the most common reasons that can lead to this is full CPU usage by incomprehensible running processes. The simplest advice is to restart the computer. In some cases, it can help. You can advise to reinstall the system, but this is the most extreme method, which already enters into the category of anecdotal recommendations in most technical forums.

The most common reasons for increasing the load on the processor

Those who are worried about this issue are quite numerous. And all of them are looking for an effective solution to their problem without using cardinal methods. And for this it is necessary to understand the reason that could lead to such a situation. If you turn to forums where questions related to this behavior of the computer are found quite often, you can highlight the most common situations:

• Run a program or process that uses increased computer resources.
• Violations in the operation of the system.
• Overheating of the processor due to accumulated dust and insufficient cooling.

Identification of problems and their solution

In order to determine why the CPU load is 100 percent, a number of diagnostic procedures will be required. After the reason is established or there is reason to choose one or the other, it will be necessary to take the actions necessary to eliminate it. Details of what needs to be done in each particular case are discussed below.

The definition of a program that loads the processor

The first thing to do when the computer began to slow down and react poorly to mouse commands and other actions is to open the task manager. To do this, you can simultaneously hold down the combination of the keys Ctrl, Alt and Del or Ctrl, Shift and Esc, or call the context menu in the taskbar area and find the appropriate item in it.

In the window that opens, you need to select a detailed view so that tabs appear, among which will be the "Processes" we need. In it, you can see when the CPU loads 100 percent. What to do next in this case?

The tab will show a complete list of all processes that are currently running on the system. By default, they are sorted in alphabetical order, but you can select a column with a CPU load to determine the one that caused the problems.

Quite often it happens that a massive program that requires large resources costs is not unloaded correctly after the shutdown. As a result, processes remain in the work, and the processor load continues. At the same time, just click on the "Delete task" button to solve the problem. In this regard, it may be effective to reboot the system, which was recommended at the very beginning. Roughly speaking, during it there is the same lifting of tasks. In addition, additional resources are released, which can be overlooked independently.

In the list of processes may also be unknown, which was not before. And they can also take part in the boot of the system. This behavior is inherent in viruses, so it would be good to know the names and characteristics of processes that constantly work in a particular system, and periodically check the list of running for suspicious activity.

System malfunctions

The first method does not always make it possible to determine the reason why the CPU utilization is 100 percent. What to do in this case? In practice, in the task manager, it may turn out that the entire load falls on the point "Inactivity of the system". And in this situation, it will not be possible to remove the task.

The recommendation in this case will be to run the utility, which is distributed by Microsoft Corporation for free. Process Explorer presents an expanded picture of what the Task Manager shows. In this situation, the processor load of 100 percent can be due to system interrupts, which in this program are referred to as Interrupts. It is difficult to say what exactly is the reason for such behavior, if not to take additional actions.

What can the processor load in the system

Often, this problem is caused by incorrectly written drivers. To detect this will help to boot the system using safe mode. If the CPU does not experience the same load, then with a high degree of probability, the reason is in the drivers. We need to look for their new versions, provided directly by the manufacturer of the computer or laptop.

Also, this behavior of the system can result in various viruses that have settled in it. In this case, you need to start scanning the system with antivirus software.

As a result of problems with connected devices, CPU usage may also be 100 percent. What to do with this? The advice is pretty simple. It is enough to disconnect everything from the computer, leaving only the most necessary minimum set of mouse, keyboard and monitor. Also, you should look into Device Manager to check for possible problems there.

If these tips do not help to solve the problem, then you will have to reinstall the system. It's good if in the process of work points are created that can be recovered, if the system at that time was working properly.

Dust accumulation and overheating

It is often possible to determine why CPU utilization reaches 100 percent, helps the cooler's cool operation and CPU temperature rise. Typically, this indicates that the computer or laptop has long been time to clean off the accumulated dust and dirt in it, and replace the thermal paste. The same leads to braking and system failures. It is recommended to clean it at least once a year.