What Is Antimalware Service Executable Why Is CPU Usage High

The Antimalware Service Executable, also known as MsMpEng.exe, is a critical component of Windows Defender that runs in the background to protect your system from malware and other security threats. However, it can sometimes consume a significant amount of CPU resources, leading to performance issues.

What Is Antimalware Service Executable?

The Antimalware Service Executable is a background process of Windows Defender, responsible for real-time scanning of files, programs, and downloads to ensure your system remains secure. It is an integral part of Windows Security and is available on Windows 11, 10, and 8. This process checks files for malware and installs various antivirus updates, making it a vital system application.

Why Is CPU Usage High?

Several factors contribute to the high CPU usage by the Antimalware Service Executable:

• Constant Background Scanning: The process runs continuously in the background, actively scanning programs and files for malicious code. This constant activity can lead to high CPU usage.
• Scanning of Windows Defender Folder: The Antimalware Service Executable scans its own folder (C:\Program Files\Windows Defender), which can increase CPU and disk usage.
• Corruption in Windows Defender Files: Corruption in Windows Defender files can cause the Antimalware Service Executable to malfunction, leading to increased CPU usage.
• Overlapping with Another Antivirus: If another antivirus program is running alongside Windows Defender, it can cause conflicts and increase CPU usage.
• Malware Attack: A malware attack can cause the Antimalware Service Executable to consume more resources as it works to detect and eliminate the threat.
• Bad Windows Update: Sometimes, a problematic Windows update can trigger high CPU usage by the Antimalware Service Executable.

Methods to Fix High CPU Usage

Method 1: Scan for Malware

Performing a complete scan of your computer using a reliable antivirus program, such as Windows Defender, can help identify and eliminate malware that might be causing the high CPU usage. This is a straightforward and effective way to address the issue.

Method 2: Exclude Antimalware Service Executable from Scans

Adding the Antimalware Service Executable to the exclusion list can reduce its CPU usage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open Settings: Press WINDOWS + I to open the Settings app.
2. Navigate to Windows Defender: Click on Update & Security and then select Windows Defender in the left pane.
3. Add an Exclusion: Navigate to the Exclusions section and click on Add an exclusion.
4. Exclude the Process: Click on the Exclude a .exe, .com, or .scr process option under the Processes section, type MsMpEng.exe, and click OK.

Method 3: Adjust Windows Defender Scheduled Scans

Rescheduling Windows Defender scans can help minimize the impact on CPU usage. Here’s how to adjust the schedule:

1. Open Task Scheduler: Press WIN + R to open the Run Dialogue, type taskschd.msc, and click OK.
2. Navigate to Windows Defender: Expand the Task Scheduler tab, then Microsoft, and Windows. Scroll down and select Windows Defender.
3. Modify Scan Properties: Right-click on Windows Defender Scheduled Scan and select Properties. Uncheck Run with highest privileges in the general tab, and uncheck everything in the Conditions tab.
4. Schedule the Scan: Go to the Triggers tab, click New, and schedule the time you want Windows Defender to run scans. Choose the frequency, date, and time, then click OK. Click OK again to save the changes.

Method 4: Perform a Clean Boot

Performing a clean boot can help determine if a background program is causing the high CPU usage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Open System Configuration: Press WIN + R to open the Run Dialogue, type msconfig, and click OK.
2. Disable Startup Programs: In the System Configuration window, go to the Startup tab and disable all startup programs.
3. Restart Your Computer: Restart your computer and check if the CPU usage issue persists. If it does, you can then enable startup programs one by one to identify the problematic program.

By following these methods, you can effectively reduce the CPU load caused by the Antimalware Service Executable and optimize your system’s performance without compromising security.