How to Fix Windows High CPU After Update – 5 quickly resolve Fixes!

Windows 11 Task Manager showing high CPU usage at 100% with a warning indicator, highlighting performance issues after a system update

Introduction

If you’ve recently updated Windows and noticed high CPU usage, you’re not alone. Many users report their PC becoming slow, laggy, and unresponsive after an update. This issue can drastically affect performance, making even basic tasks frustrating. In this guide, we’ll explore why Windows updates cause high CPU usage and provide tested solutions to fix Windows high CPU usage after update. Follow this tutorial to restore your PC’s speed and efficiency and completely fix Windows high CPU usage after update.

Why Does Windows Update Cause High CPU Usage?

Before jumping into the fixes, let’s understand the root causes of Windows high CPU usage after update:

  • Background Update Processes – Some updates continue running even after installation, leading to Windows high CPU usage after update.
  • Corrupted System Files – Updates can sometimes damage essential Windows components, triggering Windows high CPU usage after update.
  • Windows Search & Indexing Issues – These services may consume excessive CPU power, adding to Windows high CPU usage after update.
  • Telemetry & Background Apps – Microsoft collects data post-update, which can overload your system and result in Windows high CPU usage after update.
  • Outdated or Incompatible Drivers – A new update may conflict with older drivers, contributing to Windows high CPU usage after update.
  • Third-party Antivirus Conflicts – Some antivirus software can interfere with updates, leading to CPU spikes.
  • Malware or Cryptojacking – Malicious programs running in the background may be consuming CPU power after an update.

Now, let’s get into how to fix Windows high CPU usage after update.


Fix 1: Restart Your PC and Disable Background Update Services

Step 1: Restart Windows Normally

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve Windows high CPU usage after update.

  1. Click Start > Power > Restart.
  2. Wait for Windows to boot up and check CPU usage in Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc > Processes).
Fix Windows High CPU Usage After Update restart

If the problem persists, move to Step 2 to further fix Windows high CPU usage after update.

Step 2: Disable Windows Update Services

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Locate Windows Update > Right-click > Properties.
  3. Change Startup Type to Disabled.
  4. Click Apply > OK.
  5. Restart your PC.
windows update Fix Windows High CPU Usage After Update

This prevents unnecessary update processes from running in the background and helps fix Windows high CPU usage after update.


Fix 2: Repair Corrupted System Files

Windows updates can sometimes corrupt system files, causing Windows high CPU usage after update. To repair them:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search cmd, right-click, select Run as administrator).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:sfc /scannow
  3. Wait for the scan to complete.
  4. Restart your PC.

If the issue persists, run:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Fix Windows High CPU Usage After Update cmd

This will repair deeper system issues and fix Windows high CPU usage after update.


Fix 3: Disable Windows Search & Indexing

Windows Search can cause CPU spikes, especially on older systems, leading to Windows high CPU usage after update.

Step 1: Turn Off Windows Search

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Find Windows Search > Right-click > Properties.
  3. Set Startup Type to Disabled.
  4. Click Apply > OK > Restart your PC.

Step 2: Rebuild the Index (If Necessary)

  1. Open Control Panel > Indexing Options.
  2. Click Advanced > Rebuild Index.
  3. Wait for the process to complete.

This can help reduce Windows high CPU usage after update.


Fix 4: Disable Telemetry and Background Apps

Microsoft runs telemetry services post-update, which can increase CPU load and cause Windows high CPU usage after update.

Step 1: Disable Background Apps

  1. Open Settings > Privacy > Background Apps.
  2. Turn off all unnecessary apps.

Step 2: Disable Microsoft Telemetry

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.
  2. Find Connected User Experiences and Telemetry.
  3. Right-click > Properties > Disable > OK.

These steps can fix Windows high CPU usage after update by reducing unnecessary background activity.


Fix 5: Check for Malware or Cryptojacking

Step 1: Run Windows Security Scan

  1. Open Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
  2. Click Quick Scan.
  3. If threats are found, follow the recommended actions.
Fix Windows High CPU Usage After Update scan virus

Step 2: Use a Trusted Anti-Malware Tool

  • Download and install Malwarebytes.
  • Run a full system scan.

Conclusion

High CPU usage after a Windows update is frustrating, but these solutions can restore your PC’s performance. Try each fix step-by-step to identify what works best for your system and fix Windows high CPU usage after update.

A detailed illustration of an overheated CPU on a motherboard, glowing bright orange with heat waves, smoke, and slight circuit damage. A visual representation of fix Windows high CPU usage after update by addressing overheating problems.

Quick Summary of Fixes:

  • Restart your PC and disable background update services to fix Windows high CPU usage after update.
  • Repair corrupted system files (sfc /scannow).
  • Turn off Windows Search & Indexing.
  • Disable Microsoft telemetry and background apps.
  • Check for malware or cryptojacking.
  • Update or roll back drivers.
  • Adjust power settings.
  • Perform a clean boot to fully fix Windows high CPU usage after update.

For more Windows troubleshooting, check out:

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External Sources: Visit these for more insights

  1. Microsoft Support: Troubleshooting High CPU Usage – Official Microsoft guide for CPU-related issues.
  2. How to fix high CPU usage after installing update on Windows 10 – This article from Windows Central provides steps to resolve high CPU usage issues following a specific Windows 10 update.
  3. 20 tips and tricks to increase PC performance on Windows 10 – This guide offers various strategies to enhance your PC’s performance, which can help mitigate high CPU usage problems.

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