Do you hear the fan spinning loudly all the time?

If your CPU usage is stuck at 80% or even 100%, your computer is working too hard. This makes everything slow. It can also cause overheating.

High CPU usage usually happens because:

• Too many programs are running

• A background process is stuck

• Windows updates are running

• Malware is active

• Drivers are outdated

In this guide, you will learn simple, safe steps to lower CPU usage and make your PC smooth again.

Step-by-Step Solutions

1. Check What Is Using the CPU

What to do:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.

Where to click:
Click the Processes tab at the top.
Click the CPU column to sort by highest usage.

What will happen:
You will see which program is using the most CPU.

Why this works:
It helps you find the exact program causing the problem.

If a program you don’t need is using high CPU:
Right-click it → Click End Task.

2. Restart Your Computer

What to do:
Click Start → Power icon → Restart

Where to click:
Bottom left corner of screen.

What will happen:
Your computer will shut down and start fresh.

Why this works:
Restarting clears temporary system errors and stuck processes.

3. Disable Startup Programs

Some apps start automatically and use CPU in the background.

What to do:
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → Click Startup apps

Where to click:
Left side panel in Task Manager.

Right-click apps you don’t need at startup → Click Disable

What will happen:
These apps will not start when your computer turns on.

Why this works:
Fewer startup programs = lower CPU load.

4. Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes updates fix CPU problems.

What to do:
Click Start → Settings → Windows Update

Click Check for updates

What will happen:
Windows will download and install fixes if available.

Why this works:
Updates repair system bugs that cause high CPU usage.

5. Scan for Malware

Viruses often cause high CPU usage.

What to do:
Click Start → Type Windows Security → Open it
Click Virus & Threat Protection → Click Quick Scan

What will happen:
Windows will scan your PC for harmful programs.

Why this works:
Malware runs hidden in the background and consumes CPU power.

6. Update Drivers

Old drivers can cause system strain.

What to do:
Right-click Start button → Click Device Manager

Expand categories like:

• Display adapters

• Processors

Right-click device → Click Update driver

What will happen:
Windows searches for newer drivers.

Why this works:
Updated drivers improve performance and reduce system load.

7. Turn Off Background Apps

What to do:
Click Start → Settings → Apps → Installed Apps

Click the three dots beside an app → Click Advanced Options → Under Background apps permissions, choose Never

What will happen:
The app will stop running in the background.

Why this works:
Background apps silently use CPU even when not open.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ending important system processes (like “System” or “Windows Explorer”)
• Installing random “CPU booster” software
• Ignoring updates for months
• Running too many browser tabs
• Never restarting the computer

How to Prevent High CPU Usage

• Restart your PC at least once every few days
• Keep Windows updated
• Disable apps you don’t use
• Avoid installing unknown software
• Run antivirus scans weekly
• Keep at least 20% free storage space

When to Contact Ready Tech Help

If CPU usage stays high even after trying these steps, there may be a deeper issue like corrupted system files or hidden malware.

Ready Tech Help provides one-on-one guided support to safely diagnose and fix the problem step by step. If you feel unsure or the issue keeps coming back, getting guided help can prevent bigger damage later.

Is your computer acting stuck every now and then?
This means your screen, cursor, or program suddenly stops moving. You might still hear sounds, but nothing responds when you click. It’s frustrating, especially when you are working or watching something.

There are many reasons this can happen — a problem with software, too many programs running at once, or even issues with updates or memory. In this guide you will learn real fixes that work — in simple, step-by-step language.

Step-by-Step Fixes (Clear & Practical)

1. Close Frozen Programs

What to do: Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete → click Task Manager.
Find the program that isn’t responding → click it → select End Task.

Where to click: Bottom right of Task Manager.
What will happen: The frozen app will close.
Why this works: Some programs crash and cause the freezing.

2. Restart Your Computer

What to do: Click Start → Power → Restart.

Where to click: Bottom left corner.
What will happen: Your computer will shut down and start again.
Why this works: Restart clears temporary problems and refreshes the system.

3. Check for Windows Updates

What to do: Click Start → Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update → Check for updates.

Where to click: Settings icon → bottom left.
What will happen: Your system will download and install updates.
Why this works: Updates often contain fixes for freezing and performance issues.

4. Check Disk Space

What to do: Open File Explorer → This PC. Look at the C: drive.

If it’s almost full (less than 10% free), delete some files or move them to an external drive.

Where to click: Left-side file menu → This PC.
What will happen: You will see storage usage.
Why this works: When storage is full, Windows struggles and freezes.

5. Run Antivirus Scan

What to do: Open your antivirus program → click Full Scan.

Where to click: On the antivirus dashboard.
What will happen: The scan will check your computer for malware.
Why this works: Malware can make your PC unstable and freeze.

6. Update Device Drivers

What to do: Search Device Manager in Start → open it → expand Display adapters or System devices → right-click → Update driver.

Where to click: On the device category.
What will happen: Windows will try to download the best driver.
Why this works: Old graphics or system drivers can cause freezes.

7. Check for Overheating

What to do: Put your hand near laptop vents. If very hot, close heavy apps and let it cool.

Where to notice: Sides or back vents.
What will happen: Your computer may slow itself down to protect internal parts.
Why this works: Computers freeze when they overheat.

Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Closing programs without saving work – always save before closing.
• Installing random software to “fix everything” – this can make it worse.
• Ignoring updates for a long time – problems pile up.
• Pressing random buttons when it freezes – this can cause new errors. 
Prevention Tips

• Update Windows regularly.
• Keep at least 15% free space on your hard drive.
• Use an antivirus scan once a week.
• Don’t run too many programs at once.
• Shut down at least once a day.