How to Fix High CPU and Memory Usage in Windows 11

Understanding CPU and Memory Usage

CPU and memory usage measure how much of your computer’s processing power and active workspace are currently in use. Your processor handles calculations while your memory stores data for open programs. When either resource reaches its limit, your system slows down, freezes, or becomes completely unresponsive, making it hard to get work done.

When your CPU usage hits 100 percent, your system works as hard as it possibly can. When your memory usage maxes out, Windows starts scrambling to save temporary data onto your hard drive, which slows everything down dramatically. Finding the apps that hog these resources is the first step toward reclaiming a smooth, fast computer experience.

Step 1Check Task Manager to Spot Resource Hogs

Task Manager 📊 shows real-time data on your processor and memory usage so you can spot resource hogs. Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open it instantly, then sort the running programs to spot the ones causing high resource usage.

• Press the Ctrl+Shift+Esc keys on your keyboard at the same time to open Task Manager 📊.
• If Task Manager 📊 opens as a small window, click the More details button at the bottom.
• Click the top of the CPU column to sort your running apps from highest usage to lowest.
• Look for any programs using an unusually high percentage of your processor.
• Click the top of the Memory column to see which programs use up the most space on your digital desktop.
• If you spot a program you do not recognize or an app you are not currently using that takes up all your resources, you can close it.
• Click on the rogue program name in the list.
• Click the End task button in the top right corner of the window.

Step 2Close Unnecessary Apps and Browser Tabs

Closing unnecessary apps and browser tabs is the fastest way to free up memory and lower high resource usage on your Windows 11 computer. Web browsers treat every open tab as a separate program, which quickly drains your available RAM. Shutting down tabs you are not using gives your system an immediate speed boost without changing any system settings.

Free up computer memory by closing unneeded web browser tabs, turning off unused browser extensions that quietly drain system memory in the background, and fully shutting down desktop apps like music players, chat apps, and photo editors when you finish using them instead of leaving them minimized.

Step 3Stop Unwanted Startup Programs

Stopping unwanted startup programs prevents apps from running automatically in the background the moment you turn on your Windows 11 computer. Many installed programs add themselves to this list without asking, stealing processor power and memory before you open a single file. Disabling them through Task Manager keeps your system running fast from the start.

• Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Click on the Startup apps icon on the left side menu (it looks like a small gauge or speedometer).
• Look through the list of programs and check their Startup impact status.
• Find an app you do not need running right away when your computer boots up.
• Right-click the app name and select Disable.

Disabling unneeded startup items keeps your system clean, boots your computer up much faster, and stops invisible background bloat.

Step 4Turn Off Background Apps and Windows Services

Turning off background apps and unnecessary Windows services stops hidden programs from consuming your processor and memory all day long on Windows 11. Your operating system runs dozens of helper tasks behind the scenes that check for updates or sync data you never use. Disabling these apps frees up valuable system resources for the tasks you care about.

• Click the Start button, type Settings, and press Enter.
• Click on Apps on the left menu, then click on Installed apps.
• Scroll through the list to find apps that run in the background. Click the three dots next to an app and select Advanced options if available, then set background power usage to Never.

Trim down extra Windows services through system settings.

• Open the Settings app from your Start menu.
• Navigate to Privacy & security on the left menu.
• Review permissions like Location, Camera, and Notifications, and turn off access for apps that do not need them constantly running.

Step 5Disable Windows Transparency and Visual Effects

Disabling Windows transparency and visual effects reduces the workload on your processor and graphics hardware to improve overall computer performance. Windows 11 uses sleek animations, drop shadows, and translucent menus that look modern but require continuous system power to render. Turning off these visual effects provides an immediate speed boost, especially on older computers.

• Open the Settings app by pressing the Windows Key + I.
• Click on Accessibility on the left menu.
• Click on Visual effects on the right side.
• Turn off the toggle switch next to Transparency effects.
• Turn off the toggle switch next to Animation effects.

Menus look slightly more solid and plain, but your system responds much faster and uses fewer resources.

Step 6Update Windows and Your Drivers

Updating Windows and your hardware drivers fixes software bugs and memory leaks that often cause unexplained high CPU usage on your PC. Microsoft regularly releases system patches and driver updates to fix performance problems and improve stability. Installing these updates ensures your computer runs efficiently and prevents resource spikes caused by outdated software.

• Open the Settings app using the Windows Key + I shortcut.
• Click on Windows Update at the very bottom of the left-hand menu.
• Click the Check for updates button.
• If any updates appear, let Windows download and install them, then restart your computer when prompted.

To update device drivers, visit the website of your computer manufacturer or graphics card maker to download the latest software versions.

Advanced Fix 1: Manage Virtual Memory Settings

Managing virtual memory settings helps Windows 11 handle heavy workloads when physical RAM runs out of space. The operating system uses a portion of your storage drive as a backup workspace called a page file, but misconfigured settings cause severe system slowdowns. Adjusting this backup space through system settings restores normal performance and stops constant disk activity.

Adjust how Windows handles this backup space through system settings.

• Click the Start button, type View advanced system settings into the search bar, and click the result.
• In the System Properties window that opens, go to the Advanced tab.
• In the Performance section, click the Settings button.
• In the Performance Options window, click the Advanced tab.
• In the Virtual memory section, click the Change button.
• Uncheck the box at the top that says Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
• Select your main drive from the list, click the bubble for System managed size, and click the Set button.
• Click OK on all open windows and restart your computer.

Advanced Fix 2: Check for Malware and Rogue Mining Scripts

Running a security scan helps you find hidden viruses that steal processor power to generate digital currency for hackers on your Windows 11 PC. High CPU usage when zero apps are open is a classic sign of a malicious background program running on your system. Running a security scan clears out malicious threats and returns your computer to normal speed.

Run a thorough scan to clear out any hidden threats.

• Click the Start button, type Windows Security, and press Enter.
• Click on Virus & threat protection on the menu.
• Click on Scan options to view more thorough scanning choices.
• Select the bubble for Microsoft Defender Offline scan.
• Click the Scan now button.

Your computer restarts into a secure screen, scans every file on your system for hidden malware, and cleans out anything suspicious.

Why does Google Chrome use so much memory on 🪟 Windows 11?

Google Chrome uses a lot of memory on Windows 11 because the browser runs every single open tab, extension, and plugin in its own separate process for better security. While this design prevents one crashed tab from breaking your entire browser, it requires massive amounts of RAM. Closing unused tabs and removing unnecessary extensions controls high memory consumption.

Summary

High CPU and memory usage can slow down your Windows 11 PC, but you can fix these issues by clearing out resource-heavy programs and tweaking system settings. Managing startup items, turning off background apps, updating your software, and scanning for malware quickly restore your computer's speed and performance without requiring new hardware upgrades.