High CPU Usage Problem

If you are experiencing high CPU usage problems on your computer, then the lowered speed of your machine must be really driving you up the wall. This is something that happens quite frequently, and there are a variety of reasons that lead to this abnormally high CPU usage rate. If you regularly find yourself asking 'Why is my computer so slow', then high CPU usage is definitely a potential culprit.

The first thing you need to know is how to check the CPU usage rate on your machine. You can do so by pressing 'Ctrl + Shift + Esc', or by pressing 'Ctrl + Alt + Delete' and then clicking the 'Task Manager' option. In the subsequent window, that opens, you need to click on the 'Processes' tab. This will show you the CPU usage rate of all the applications that are currently running on the computer. You can also double click on the 'CPU' option and then you will see all the applications in ascending or descending order of CPU usage.

A high CPU usage problem will be evident from this window, and you will need to fix this immediately. If you fail to do so, your machine will continue to run at an excruciatingly slow pace. Also note that this technique is useful only for people using Microsoft Windows. This article will help you solve the problem of high CPU usage - Windows XP, and high CPU usage - Vista.

Causes of High CPU Usage
There are a load of computer viruses and malicious software that can harm and affect your computer in many different ways. One of the most common effects of these viruses is to gain control of your CPU usage, and involve it completely in a meaningless task. Note that high CPU usage with no programs running is a clear indicator that your machine has been breached by a harmful program.

In order to solve the high CPU usage problem that is caused by viruses or worms, you must purchase an effective antivirus software, and upgrade it from its official website on a regular basis.

Another cause for this problem is a faulty program, or a damaged file of some sort. Though, it is impossible to check the legibility of each and every file on your machine, there is a way you can get to the bottom of this problem. Go to the 'Start' menu, click on 'Run' and then type 'msconfig' in the box that opens and then hit Enter. Now click the 'Startup' tab and check all the items that have been ticked. If you see anything suspicious, uncheck it. Reboot your machine after each item you uncheck and then check the CPU usage each time. This should help you pinpoint the program responsible for the high CPU usage problem. This is one of the many ways to make computer faster that you can make use of.

When you are checking the CPU usage for your programs, you will see an option known as 'System Idle Process'. The usage rate for this will always be very high. If you are seeing high CPU usage when idle or working some programs, do not be alarmed.

Sometimes when you are running some heavy applications on your computer, the CPU usage will shoot up considerably. This is not something that you need to be concerned with. Check the CPU usage when there are no programs running, in order to get a true picture about any malicious software's presence. If your heavy program is not responding at all, then you can choose to end it from the Task Manager window, and this will solve the high CPU usage problem.

Also make sure that you are running your Windows updates on a regular basis, and also updating your antivirus software at least once a week. These updates are absolutely essential for your machines well-being, and the regularity with which you take care of them will determine the computer performance levels.

If everything you try fails, just take your machine to a computer repair shop and tell them the problem you are facing. A trained and experienced professional will be able to solve your high CPU usage problem in no time.