How to Fix Antimalware Service Executable`s High CPU Usage?
Exclude certain files/folders
1. Open Windows Security
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
2. Open Protection Settings
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.
3. Find Exclusions
- Scroll down until you see Exclusions.
- Click Add or remove exclusions.
3. Add Your File or Folder
- Click + Add an exclusion.
- Choose whether you want to exclude a File, Folder, File type, or Process.
- Browse to the file or folder you want to exclude, and select it.
3. Confirm
- Once added, Defender will skip scanning that file/folder in the future.
Adjust Defender Settings
1. Open Windows Security
- Press Windows Key + I to open Settings.
- Go to Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
2. Manage Settings
- Under Virus & threat protection settings, click Manage settings.
2. Key Settings to Adjust
A. Real-time Protection: This is one of the most important tools that you need to adjust. It continuously scans system files and which spikes CPU processing. You can switch this off temporarily to decrease the overall processing burden of your processing unit.
B. Cloud-delivered Protection: This is another security tool that checks your system files online and delivers the updates to fix the vulnerabilities. You can turn this off to reduce the CPU burden for some time.
C. Automatic Sample Submission: This tool sends suspicious files to Microsoft to analyze and provide security clearance about the suspicious program. You can turn this off to reduce its impact on your device`s central processing unit.
D. Reboot: Once you have done all the above configurations, you can reboot your PC to make sure all the changes have become effective. This is an optional adjustment that you can run to confirm the recent changes you have made in your device.
Modify Scheduled Scans
1. Open Task Scheduler
- Press Windows Key + R, type taskschd.msc, and hit Enter.
- This opens the Task Scheduler window.
2. Find Windows Defender Tasks
- In the left panel, go to: Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender. You’ll see a list of tasks like:
- Windows Defender Cache Maintenance
- Windows Defender Cleanup
- Windows Defender Scheduled Scan
- Windows Defender Verification
3. Edit scheduled scan
- Right-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan > select Properties.
- Go to the Triggers tab.
- Here, you’ll see when the scan is set to run.
- You can choose a time to scan your device when you do not use your device.
Check for Conflicts
1. Check Installed Security Software
- Press Windows Key + I > go to Apps > Installed Apps.
- Look for any other antivirus programs.
2. Select One to Run Security Operations
- You only need one active antivirus.
- If you want to use Windows Defender, uninstall the external antivirus software.
- If you want to use the premium antivirus software downloaded and installed from an external source, then turn off the built-in Defender.
3. Uninstall Extra Antivirus (if needed)
- Select the third-party antivirus >click Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen steps to remove it completely.
- Restart your PC afterward.
4. Turn Off Windows Defender
If you are using the third-party antivirus software, then you should disable the Antimalware Service Executable in your device to avoid the conflict and resulting slowing of system speed. To do so, you need to:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & threat protection.
- If it shows “Managed by another provider,” you’re good.
5. Verify CPU Usage
- Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
- Check if the Antimalware Service Executable is still spiking CPU. It should calm down once the conflict is gone.
- Never run two real-time antivirus software programs on your device at the same time. One can do the job well. If you run two, then they are going to conflict with each other and cause high CPU usage.
Note: Sometimes, Windows disables built-in real-time security operations automatically when you install a third-party antivirus on your PC. Hence, manual disabling should be done cautiously and not be permanent when it is required.
Final Thought
The Antimalware Service Executable is not a virus. It is a part of the Windows security in your device that scans your device in the background. It runs its security operations in real-time, which means it constantly scans your device for malicious threats and viruses. This constant process of your device causes high CPU usage, especially during scans or updates. If you are experiencing high CPU usage and low system performance due to the Antimalware Service Executable, then you can adjust it by scheduling scans or turning it off temporarily. The above-mentioned methods provided you with complete guidance on how you can fix the issue caused by Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe).
