Windows explorer high cpu usage windows 10. Dec 27, 2024 · The ones you mentioned (Windows Update and SysMain), are currently at 0% CPU usage. exe causing high cpu usage. Dec 25, 2019 · Turn Off The ‘Show All Folders’ Option In Windows Explorer This solution will only be for those that spot Windows Explorer high CPU usage when they actually open Windows Explorer. Installed Add-ons are usually the culprit! Check if you have installed any helpers or add-ons to your explorer. I noticed that the explorer. Understanding and Resolving High CPU Usage by Windows Explorer Windows Explorer, the file management application built into the Windows operating system, plays a central role in navigating, managing, and organizing files and folders. It is the file management system of Windows, facilitating access to files, folders, and drives, as well as providing a graphical interface for the user. exe starts using excessive CPU time (up to 40%), slowing the laptop down severely (and additionally causing the CPU fan to run at a very noisy max speed). Monitor CPU Temperature: Use a hardware monitoring tool like HWMonitor or Core Temp to monitor your CPU temperature. the preview window appears for split second and then disappear. In general, Windows 10 and without an obvi Fix Windows Explorer (explorer. The causes vary so here are some commonly effective ways to fix this problem: modify registry editor and others system runs great but after I open any file explorer window (literally any one, doesn't matter where), CPU usage goes from a standard 0-5% at idle to 10-15% utilization. I was able to narrow the issue down to Windows Explorer, which idles at 10% CPU usage, Very High power usage and continues to build up more and more memory usage. 9: Minimum 500MHz Pentium IV or comparable 512MB RAM 20MB Hard Disk Space 16bit Sound Card Windows 7 SP1 or later Internet Explorer 10 or newer (for Online Services) 2x speed or greater CDROM (Required for Ripping) Recommended Dual Core 2GHz CPU or greater 1GB RAM or greater 40MB Jun 19, 2025 · If your Windows computer take ages to complete processes, it could be as a result of a high CPU usage. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions. Jun 24, 2022 · Problem The process "explorer. Nov 27, 2021 · How To Reduce Windows Explorer High CPU Usage eduroom 10 subscribers Subscribe Subscribed 28 Sep 5, 2024 · Title: Windows 10 File Explorer Consuming 100% CPU: A Comprehensive Guide In this article, we will discuss the issue of Windows 10 File Explorer consuming nearly 100% CPU, causing laptops to run hot. It has also effected navigating the file explorer, deleting, opening and moving in it often results in it becoming non-responsive and when I close the… System Requirements What are Winamp's minimum system requirements? These are the system requirements for Winamp 5. The issue is the explorer process is hanging while opening any folder or my computer. what do you mean by this? "Check Task Scheduler for some other app or utility being triggered when Explorer is opened. Problem I’m facing: When i hover the mouse cursor over an opened app icon on taskbar. Let’s fix this problem! Oct 21, 2025 · If your disk usage in Task manager is off the chart, especially after Patch Tuesday update on Windows 10, you're not alone. Driver Issues: Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible device drivers can also cause shutdown problems. exe to go into Apr 10, 2020 · I have a laptop (Windows 10 Home) that when I open a folder or network drive the explorer. Then please do a clean boot and advise CPU usage. Expert guide from Vision Computers. It provides information about computer performance and running software, including names of running processes, CPU and GPU load, commit charge, I/O details, logged-in users, and Windows services. Whether you are looking to declutter your workspace or simply want your high-resolution wallpaper to shine through, knowing how to manipulate taskbar May 10, 2025 · Fix: Windows Explorer High CPU Usage [9 Tested Solutions] When it comes to the everyday operations of your computer, Windows Explorer plays a vital role. In this tutorial, we will see how to fix the Windows Explorer High Power Usage issue on How to Fix High CPU Usage on Windows 10 Many Windows 10 users have noticed that after specific system updates, their computers start to function slower. This may cause significant issues when trying to use your device — apps become sluggish, things start to load slowly, etc. Use this article to fix Windows Explorer high CPU usage problems. Identify culprit processes and apply fixes. Why Is Windows Explorer Using So Much CPU? Windows Explorer, now known as File Explorer, serves as the backbone for managing files and folders in the Windows operating system. Oct 27, 2024 · Explorer. Method 1: Disable your Superfetch feature Superfetch is a feature in Windows 10 that learns more about you and the apps you use gets them ready for you before opening and can lead to significant performance problems for your computer. Apr 11, 2019 · so I have this strange issue since a few years now, windows explorer or any open windows causing my cpu usage from %2 up to %6 which keeps the cpu temps at certain numbers all the time unless I close the all open windows, I use Task Manager to keep track of my network usage and this freaks me By the end of this tutorial, you’ll be able to: Lower system power consumption 🔋 Stop annoying fan noise 🔇 Prevent Windows Explorer from hogging your CPU 🧠 Boost your system's Feb 26, 2026 · Does Windows 10 have free CD burning software? Windows 10 has 2 options to burn a CD, a default built-in DVD and CD burner in File Explorer, and in Windows Media Player. Sep 21, 2022 · [SOLVED] - High cpu usage on windows explorer windows explorer. The best way to pinpoint the cause is to compare system behavior between the two Run System File Checker. It is responsible for managing the graphical user interface (GUI), handling file management tasks, and providing user access to the desktop environment and file system. Sometimes explorer. exe and I am using SysInternals' Process Explorer to try to diagnose the issue. Sep 10, 2015 · Windows 10 Explorer. Oct 29, 2023 · Hello, I'm encountering a persistent problem with Windows Explorer where it exhibits high CPU and memory usage whenever I attempt to open a folder with a size exceeding 30 GB. exe is the Windows kernel — the core of your operating system. In this tutorial, we will see how to fix the Windows Explorer High Power Usage issue on Nov 21, 2022 · 5 Ways to to Fix Windows Explorer High CPU Usage on Windows 11 Run Power Troubleshooter An automatic utility in the Windows operating system called Power Troubleshooter aids users in troubleshooting issues related to power. A few users report After the latest update Windows Explorer started to grab occasionally about 20% to 50% CPU power and causing the PC to run Sep 9, 2023 · I check the task manager and Windows Explorer is running at 15-30% CPU and also cause other problems. This Tutorial Helps to Fix Explorer. It does this regardless of how many tabs are open, or… Nov 15, 2021 · The problem: On a Windows 10 based computer, you may face high CPU usage problems, even without any programs running. The problem is Jan 20, 2020 · I'm experiencing high CPU usage from Explorer. May 28, 2024 · Windows Explorer high CPU usage is a common issue on Windows 11. Jan 27, 2025 · Windows Explorer High CPU Usage: Understanding, Diagnosing, and Fixing the Problem Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is an essential component of the Windows operating system, providing users a graphical interface to manage files, folders, and various system resources. I access it normally with remote desktop. It can remember multiple copied items, keep frequently used content handy, and even sync certain data across devices if you choose to enable those features. Frequently I will get a CPU History graph like this (or worse, showing Oct 2, 2024 · Most high CPU usage issues in Windows 11 can be solved by restarting the computer or closing apps. " how to check that trigger explorer? We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. exe High Memory or CPU Usage in Windows 11/10 Windows Explorer, also known as explorer. exe or related processes eating CPU even at idle. May 9, 2024 · I have recently been having an issue with Windows Explorer's CPU usage climbing to a much higher percentage than normal (15-30%) and staying at that high of a percentage for extended periods of time. Jan 10, 2025 · Explorer. If high, please post a screenshot of your task manager - processes and performance tab- organising columns high to low by clicking the appropriate column heading, and choosing screenshots that show anything of interest from the various options. You are experiencing Windows Explorer’s high power consumption. Apr 12, 2017 · Solved high CPU usage problem on Windows 10. Run a malware scan. However, there are specific areas where each OS pulls ahead. 3 days ago · On Windows, starting a program by name (instead of e. If this is the case, open Windows Explorer and then on the left side panel, right-click. May 10, 2007 · Many people are experiencing high CPU usage, often 100%, in svchost. exe is a crucial system process in Windows operating systems, responsible for managing the desktop, taskbar, and file explorer windows. exe) High CPU usage If rebuilding Windows Search Index & chkdsk doesn't fix the issue try this method. exe) can cause Windows to search for that program in multiple locations. exe process uses about 20-50% cpu all the time. Try our proven troubleshooting steps to fix it. 3 GHz, 6 cores Task manager and resource monitor graphs shows 100% usage total No individual process is taking up significant resources in the resource monitor list CPU is not throttling down automatically based on the dynamic load, causing high temperatures and the fan to kick in Sep 10, 2020 · Checking whether the system functions normally helps to identify the issue with Windows Explorer using high CPU. Aug 21, 2021 · Hello ~ I've run into an issue lately where Windows Explorer is using more resources than it probably should when idle. I don't mind the slightly higher CPU usage tbh, but the fact it's concentrated on a single thread means it creates a hotspot, the CPU gets very hot very fast and fans spin up really loudly. And, just, whatever else was in Quick Access. So, before addressing the problem of Windows Explorer using too much CPU, check if programs are causing that problem. exe High CPU and RAM Memory Usage In Windows 11/1000:00 Intro00:12 Step 1 - Change System Configuration01:03 Step 2 - Mem Aug 1, 2025 · According to Process Explorer, most of them are Process Handles to the same Process (see lower pane in screenshot). But sometimes you may experience, Windows Explorer high CPU usage after updating Windows 11. Once the high CPU usage has begun, closing the window doesn't solve the problem, only restarting the task does. I've attached two screenshots showing five explorer instances using about 15% CPU each. exe" is using extremely high CPU resources on select threads continuously. If there … Oct 17, 2022 · If Windows Explorer is causing High Power Usage on your computer, you can use these proven methods to successfully resolve the issue. exe high CPU usage can be problematic and impact your performance, and in today’s article we’ll show you how to fix this problem on Windows 10. Procexp does Jan 3, 2024 · Running too many programs in the background can easily lead to high CPU usage. Aug 21, 2025 · Both machines have antivirus installed and have completed scans without any issues. In Windows 10, the Clipboard is more than a single-use tool. Nov 8, 2024 · Explorer. The user is running several instances of Visual studio and also running SQL management studio. Next, click show all folders if there is a tick next to the option. exe uses a massive amount of CPU (~50%) and memory (~up to 3 GB). CPU benchmarks (Cinebench, Geekbench), disk I/O tests, and general application performance are essentially identical on the same hardware. Fix Windows 11 high CPU usage and 100 percent CPU problems with our troubleshooting guide. While it's normal for CPU usage to spike temporarily when processes handle requests, sustained high usage indicates an underlying issue. Ntoskrnl. If Windows is in the middle of installing updates or is waiting to install them upon shutdown, it will naturally take longer to complete the process. 1 day ago · Technology News and Analysis for Power Users, Enthusiasts, IT Pros, and PC Gamers. Jan 2, 2019 · I disabled the 'recent files' feature, restarted the windows explorer process, opened an explorer window back up, and the high CPU use stopped. Find out all the reasons why your PC displays high CPU usage. Jan 8, 2026 · Windows 10 remains one of the most widely used operating systems in the world, yet many users are still searching for ways to achieve a truly modern, minimalist aesthetic. Run sfc /scannow and at the end, reboot if the system file checker asks for it. Apart from high CPU and Memory usage, high Power Usage is one more problem that users experience sometimes. The System File Checker will on reboot, replace corrupt system files if any are found. The fan speeds up and the cpu thermal throttles in the end. Sep 8, 2023 · Are you seeing 100% CPU usage on your Windows computer? Here's how to reduce CPU usage on your Windows PC without losing data. Since creating a new profile resolved the Windows Explorer high CPU usage, the issue likely stems from corrupt user settings, background processes, or cached data in your original profile. File Explorer keep jumping back to the top when i scroll through a long list of files. It seems to be using about 7-10% of my cpu and is listed as having "Very High" power usage (the box is always red). When it shows high CPU or memory usage in Task Manager, it usually means a driver is misbehaving or there is a memory leak. If an attacker is able to place a malicious explorer. Dec 21, 2016 · 0 One of my user is having a Windows 10 machine with Intel i7 processor and 8GB RAM. We explain technology. One of them is bound to fix your 100 % disk usage problem. EXE file was causing explorer. As far as I can tell, it only ever happens when there's a file explorer window open and often the issue will appear immediately upon opening the window. Oct 26, 2021 · Here are some methods of fixing higher CPU usage in Windows 10. Run CHKDSK. This article helps you identify and troubleshoot scenarios in which CPU usage consistently remains at 80 percent or higher for extended periods. Can you help me understand why? Understanding and Resolving Windows Explorer High CPU Usage Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is a crucial component of the Windows operating system. exe, is a core process in Microsoft Windows operating systems. Task Manager, previously known as Windows Task Manager, is a task manager, system monitor, and startup manager included with Microsoft Windows systems. May 25, 2025 · Hello, thanks for reaching out. It provides users with a graphical interface to navigate through files, folders, and various system resources. This is how to disable Superfetch on Windows 10. [12] On Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Power & battery > Energy recommendations to view battery-saving recommendations for your laptop. exe high CPU and memory usage when copying files I recently upgraded both my PC to Windows 10, and whenever I copy large amount of files (or analyzing large amount of files before copying), with explorer. Drivers are the software that allows your hardware to communicate with your operating system. Looking at the Process Explorer inside VS, a process with name "file-watcher [2]" was the culprit. exe High CPU Usage in Windows 10 [Solved] How One Loader's "STUPID" Ammo Swap Made Shermans Fire Twice as Fast At idle my cpu usage at 24% (core i 7 8750H ). Not acceptable and made the computer totally unusable. exe instances. Use this Dec 31, 2017 · Please boot to Safe Mode and advise CPU usage. Apr 3, 2016 · So, to recap: Windows 10 Desktop Intel 970, 3. Call 770-840-9249. exe My explorer. It is not malware (though malware can disguise itself with the same name). In real-world testing, Windows 11 and Windows 10 perform within 1-3% of each other in most workloads. g. Oct 15, 2022 · But best of all, I noticed my Windows system commands were once again super-fast and the Windows Explorer CPU usage was back to 1 percent (from VERY HIGH to very low Power usage). Check installed Add-ons. To disable/enable that feature: Feb 13, 2019 · I'm at a loss as to why my Windows 10 laptop is consuming so much CPU from explorer. This guide will walk you through simple and effective methods to eliminate the hourglass cursor in Windows 11. Jul 5, 2025 · July 5, 2025 Windows Explorer also known as File Explorer helps you get the files you need quickly and easily. Luckily, we have the solutions to this problem. I've run malwarebytes, checked its not built in zip functionality, nor Intel Optane pinning. I'm Ace, one of the Independent Advisors. Apr 10, 2020 · I have a laptop (Windows 10 Home) that when I open a folder or network drive the explorer. Dec 1, 2024 · This post offers 6 methods on how to fix explorer. when i restart the proccess it's ok for a while but it's starting again. Trimming these processes frees resources for your game and reduces random stutters caused by background activity. Upon starting the computer, I have monitored abnormally high temperature readings from my CPU along with the aforementioned high (100%) usage of threads on the CPU during idle operation. Here are 8 can't-miss fixes for you to try. If you’re having this issue on your PC, run a full system anti-virus scan. Windows Desktop Manager handles displaying animations for windows, the window title bars, the composition of the windows, the movement of windows, etc. In this case, you can try to fix the issue by initiating a ChkDsk scan. You might notice the process suddenly eating up 20% to 50% of your CPU power, and even when you close Explorer, it stubbornly keeps running in the background, dragging down your PC’s performance. Uninstall or disable them. While it functions mostly seamlessly, users sometimes encounter issues that can impede performance, most notably high CPU usage. And because of this issue when I play cpu intensive game after I lunch the game I end Windows explorer from task manager to save that extra 20% cpu power Feb 7, 2026 · Both Windows 10 and Windows 11 offer energy-saving features that can help extend laptop battery life. Nov 10, 2021 · Fix High CPU or Disk Usage on Windows 10 There Are Several Reasons Behind this 100% disk Usage, The most one Windows Services (Super fetch, BITS, Windows Search), Virus/Malware infection, Corrupted system files, Incompatible Driver After Upgrade The current driver may not compatible with the latest Windows version etc. Here are some solutions to help you fix the same. 4 days ago · While occasional appearances are normal, a persistent hourglass cursor can be frustrating and may signal deeper problems such as high CPU usage, software conflicts, or outdated drivers. FIX : Corrupted . In addition, high CPU usage occurs from time to time for extended periods. If there … Nov 19, 2018 · Windows Explorer High CPU and Increasing Memory Usage katlani Posts : 190 Windows 10 Professional 19 Nov 2018 #1 Windows Explorer High CPU and Increasing Memory Usage Hi, I have an issue with my clean 1809 install (and also it happened before the clean install, and i decided to try a clean one due to it). C:\Windows\explorer. 1 day ago · If Microsoft Edge has suddenly started slowing your PC, spiking the fan noise, or showing unusually high memory or CPU usage in Task Manager, the problem is usually not Windows itself. For me it was having a network location in Quick Access. Oct 3, 2023 · Hi, I have a laptop with Windows 10 installed. Jun 25, 2023 · This post explains the reasons why Windows Explorer starts consuming high CPU Usage, and the seven fixes that might resolve this issue. Svchost is not a virus, but many people think it acts like one. Oct 29, 2021 · I'm getting a high CPU usage with Windows 10 file explorer even without file explorer open. 16% of that is for Windows explorer even though I closed it and it isn't running and it is almost always like this . However, as for the Anti-Virus one, I found that there is a process called "Antimalware Service Executable" running at 23% CPU. Jul 16, 2025 · Windows Explorer, or File Explorer, is the centerpiece for navigating your files on Windows 11, but it can turn into a resource hog sometimes—especially after a big update. Jul 15, 2022 · A lot of people have reported that while they were looking inside the Task Manager at the processes that are running on their Windows computer, they discovered that the Windows File Explorer is causing high or very high CPU power usage. exe High CPU or Memory Usage — How to Fix It Ntoskrnl. I believe a reinstall would fix it but i'd much rather fix it manually first if I can. exe in a location that Windows checks before the real Windows one, Greenshot could accidentally start the attacker’s program instead. Feb 25, 2023 · Can anyone help me with this laptop issue of mine, where Windows Explorers CPU usage periodically spikes to above 20%, ramping up my laptops fans until it's restarted, either in Task Manager, or clicking the Task Bar a few times? Things I've tried thus… Apr 18, 2022 · Recently on my windows 10 pc the windows explorer app has been taking up to 16% on my CPU. This problem can affect any Windows 10 user, and it is essential to understand the causes and solutions to prevent it from happening. 14 hours ago · Without the Clipboard, transferring information across programs in Windows 10 would be slow and manual. However, many Windows 10 users have reported experiencing high memory and CPU usage by the Explorer. A common point of interest is the desktop’s foundation: the taskbar. Look at 8 methods to fix it. Windows Explorer high CPU usage is a common issue in Windows 11 that can slow down your computer’s performance. exe high memory, disk or CPU usage issue. exe high CPU usage issue can occur if your Windows 10 PC is infected by malware, which can cause certain processes to be running in the background without your knowledge, and that can cause high CPU usage on your PC. You can use the above ways to fix the issue and optimize your computer’s performance. It would cause the Explorer to idle at 9-10% CPU usage. Yep, it’s frustrating . exe consistently uses 25%~ of my CPU, it persists through restarts and restarting the process itself. If it's using CPU, then something is manipulating a window. I also disabled indexing. Our step-by-step guide will show you how to fix your CPU loads. Mar 15, 2026 · Discover 25 essential Windows 11 tips and tricks including Snap Layouts, Virtual Desktops, hidden shortcuts, God Mode, and more. Check Cooling: Make sure your CPU cooler is properly installed and functioning correctly. May 3, 2018 · Recently Windows Explorer has been running at high CPU usage 45% to 50% Even when I am not using File Explorer - Windows Explorer runs as a Background Process as same high CPU usage Sep 5, 2024 · Details are as follows: OS: Windows 10 Issue: Near 100% utilization of the cpu by File explorer, even with no tabs open. Thankfully removing everything from Quick Access fixed it. exe CPU usage stays around 60% and the overall CPU stays around 70%, fans start spinning faster and desktop icons blink. 2 days ago · As soon as I alt-tab, it starts again. exe process. Feb 24, 2025 · In the test machine, we tried to open a lot of Explorer windows, and during the process of me opening Explorer, the CPU usage would increase to about 20%, and after stabilizing, the CPU usage would gradually decrease and stabilize at 5%. On Windows 10, you can run the power troubleshooter to access battery-preserving recommendations. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Nov 17, 2025 · Windows Explorer High CPU Usage Windows 10 In Windows 10, Explorer high CPU issues are often linked to faulty updates, corrupted thumbnails, or indexing problems. Feb 12, 2026 · High CPU usage can significantly affect the performance of your Windows Server system or applications. Please ask for any more information you may need. Jun 26, 2024 · Experiencing high CPU usage on Windows 11? Try out these troubleshooting tips to lower CPU usage on Windows 11. The high CPU, Memory, Disk usage problem can also occur due to disk errors or corruption. Jan 5, 2022 · The problem: I'm using Win10 on a Dell domain laptop at home (i7, 32GB), and regularly explorer. Dec 30, 2015 · High CPU Usage from Explorer. Edge is a Chromium-based browser that aggressively uses system resources to improve speed, isolate tabs for security, and keep background features running, which can […] 1 day ago · Windows 11 can quietly run dozens of apps that consume CPU time, memory, and disk access while you are gaming. Apr 21, 2024 · Ryzen 5 3600 rtx 2060 32GB ram windows 10 task manager - 10-15% usage, Process explorer 10-15% usage nothing open fresh restart or turn on but still high cpu usage. Aug 28, 2025 · When File Explorer becomes the system’s biggest CPU hog after upgrading to Windows 11 24H2, it stops being a mild annoyance and starts costing time, battery life, and user confidence—with many users reporting sustained explorer. May 19, 2021 · Windows Explorer Very High CPU Usage Fixed - 80% CPU USAGE How to Fix svchost. rysgr onot vof dpe zzdx fmeoae astol yuyog rlaavmcs brh