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Fix: CPU at 100% For no Reason [Nothing is Running]

If your CPU usage is at 100 when nothing is running, it might be a virus

4 min. read

Updated onMay 27, 2024

updated onMay 27, 2024

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Key notes

We suggest Fortect to handle a variety of CPU-related issues:

High CPU activity andmemory leakswere there from the beginning and will most likely be there. However, on most occasions, affected users can determine which service is behind the high CPU activity.

Sometimes, there’s nothing strange in Task Manager, but the CPU still hits a high activity percentage. We’ve prepared a list of applicable solutions that should help you address this issue.

Why is my CPU at 100% when nothing is running?

While this seems to be a strange situation, there are a few regular culprits. Amongst them are:

If you notice that your CPU usage jumps to 100 for no reason, you should try some of the fixes below.

How do I fix high CPU usage when nothing is running?

1. Scan your computer

The worst scenario for high CPU usage when nothing pops up in Task Manager is a virus infection or malicious software that runs in the background.

To stay safe from any ransomware or other type of viruses that can lead to computer damage, we recommend you useESET HOME Security Essential.

It is easy to install and takes only a few minutes for the entire installation process. Moreover, it has lightweight settings that will not interfere with your system or cause interruptions.

Why is my CPU at 100 when nothing is running? Well, a virus infection can be the answer to this question. UsingESETyou will stay secure from such viruses.

ESET HOME Security Essential

2. Disable background programs

It’s easy to disable background programs and you can perform it using Task Manager app to close unused applications from your PC.

Select theStartuptab.
Select every program that you don’t need to start alongside Windows and click theDisablebutton.
Close Task Manager, and in the Windows Search bar, typemsconfigand openSystem Configuration.
Select theServicestab, check the Hide all Microsoft services box, and click theDisablebutton.
Restart your PC.

3. Restart Windows Management Instrumentation

4. Check Advanced Power Settings

Certain plans will apply a high CPU percentage, which you’ll not want to do when the Minimum Processor State is at hand. You should go for the bare minimum of 5%.

5. Reset your PC

All of the above solutions should help you when dealing with CPU at 100 for no reason.

If you have any questions or maybe an alternative solution for this issue, share them with us and other affected readers. You can do so in the comments section below.

Fix: CPU at 100% For no Reason [Nothing is Running]#

Why is my CPU at 100% when nothing is running?#

How do I fix high CPU usage when nothing is running?#

1. Scan your computer#

ESET HOME Security Essential#

2. Disable background programs#

3. Restart Windows Management Instrumentation#

4. Check Advanced Power Settings#

5. Reset your PC#