Share this article
Improve this guide
Fix: Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage [4 Ways]
Check our quick fixes for Antimalware Service Executable high CPU
5 min. read
Updated onApril 11, 2024
updated onApril 11, 2024
Share this article
Improve this guide
Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more
Key notes
Many users have taken to the dedicated forums lately, concerned that Antimalware Service Executable is registeringhigh CPU usageon their devices.
This is how a userdescribed the impact of the process:
I noticed my PC runningAntimalware Service Executableas a background process. All day, my CPU has gone from idling at about 3%, to then suddenly spiking up to 100% usage. This happens every 30 sec. for a duration of about 5 sec.
Bottom line, the service comes installed on any Windows 10 computer, and one only notices it when it truly starts working, which might coincide with your working hours.
What is Antimalware Service Executable?
The Antimalware Service Executable is an important process part of the Windows Security package. It ensures your PC security by scanning files and processes in the background.
Also, it plays an important role in updating the virus definitions. This ensures that your PC is always protected.
Why is Antimalware Service Executable using so much CPU?
The service is part of Windows Defender and runs in the background daily. It might even start upon booting, especially if the antivirus solution is marked to also wake up upon startup.
You can notice the service if you open Task Manager since it will remain active while running. You will also be able to see how many resources it takes.
Indeed, the Antimalware Service Executable will use a large amount of the CPU when scanning the device for malware or when a certain running program causes Windows Defender to monitor it in real time.
Is it safe to disable the antimalware service executable? Some working solutions to reduce antimalware service executable memory usage are listed below.
How do I stop Antimalware Service Executable from using so much CPU?
1. Reschedule the Windows Defender scan
If the Antimalware Service Executable registers high CPU usage, it might be because the Windows Defender runs with the highest privileges. You need to disable this and reschedule it to prevent the impact of the process.
2. Add Windows Defender to the execution list
If the Antimalware Service Executable service registers high CPU usage, you can fix it by preventing Windows Defender from scanning its folder.
3. Disable real-time protection
Since the Antimalware Service Executable process runs to protect your PC, you can disable the real-time protection. However, this will leave your system vulnerable.
To keep your PC secure, you should install a third-party antivirus to protect against threats while disabling Windows Defender simultaneously.
You should look for antivirus software known for its powerful protection capabilities. Ideally, one that also uses advanced machine learning to detect even the most hidden viruses.
The software also scores excellent regarding false positives, which means it will not detect unharmful programs as potentially threatening or blocking them.
ESET HOME Security Essential
4. Disable Microsoft Defender
If all the solutions above fail to fix this issue, you might need to disable Windows Defender altogether. This will automatically render the process useless.
Hopefully, it will clarify why the Antivirus Service Executable takes up so muchCPUand how or if you should stop it.
Take a closer look at ourthorough list of unlimited validity antivirus softwareto see more awesome security products trusted by millions worldwide.
Also, if you are facing other issues like theMicrosoft Windows Search Indexer high CPU usage, check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.
We encourage you to share your experience with the service and tell us which of our solutions worked for you in the comment section below.
More about the topics:High CPU usage,Windows Defender issues
Sinziana Mihalache
Sînziana loves getting people to better understand products, processes, and experiences beyond a simple user guide, either in writing or making use of images. She joined the team after a long-term collaboration with one of the world’s top cybersecurity companies - Bitdefender. Outside work, Sînziana enjoys climbing mountains, backpacking around the world, and writing about almost anything on her blog.
User forum
2 messages
Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes
Comment*
Name*
Email*
Commenting as.Not you?
Save information for future comments
Comment
Δ
Sinziana Mihalache
