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How to solve high HDD and CPU Microsoft Defender usage
2 min. read
Updated onApril 11, 2024
updated onApril 11, 2024
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Countless users started to notice the same thing – Microsoft Defender registers an increased usage of the system’s hard disk drive andcentral processing unitwhile launching games.
It often happens to take even up to 80% of the system resources, causing the system to slow or completely lock up itself.
MsMpEng.exe can even end up taking 100% of theHDDandCPUwhen Windows Defender is scanning the system for malware. Here’s what some userssaywhen this happens:
If your game is working, then let the Defender protect your computer.
Microsoft Defender may get stuck on certain files while checking malware, so not taking any action isn’t an option. On the contrary, here’s what you can do about this increased HDD andCPUusage.
How can I fix high HDD and CPU Microsoft Defender usage?
In order to solve this issue, don’t hesitate to set the MsMpEng.exe file to use a specific processor in the system.
It may indeed modify the scan speed of the antivirus and make it run slower than usual. However, that’s a compromise that many users are willing to accept in order to forget all about the high HDD andCPUusage.
If the results aren’t as expected, you may also consider disabling Microsoft Defender through group policies on your system. However, make sure you have anothergreat antimalware softwareready to install in its place.
We also have a guide onMsmpeng.exe high memory usage, so don’t miss it for more solutions.
Let us know if you also managed to solve high HDD andCPUusage in the comments area below.
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More about the topics:Windows Defender issues
Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a passionate writer with a keen interest in PC software and technology. She started off writing about mobile phones back when Samsung Galaxy S II was on top of the world and she fell in love with tech of all sorts.
Whenever she’s not at her work desk, you’ll find her enjoying refreshing tea flavors, spilling stories on paper, and listening to the radio.
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Loredana Harsana
Windows Software Expert
Loredana is a tech enthusiast who tackles mobility, privacy, and networking in easy-to follow guides for everyone.
