Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage (solved)

Antimalware Service Executable causes high CPU usage because it performs intensive real-time protection, scans large volumes of files, and occasionally scans its own processes, all of which demand significant processing power.

Windows
By Kelvin smith
Antimalware Service Executable High CPU

Antimalware Service Executable, also known as MsMpEng.exe, is a core process of Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) responsible for real-time protection against malware and threats. This process constantly runs in the background, scans files for potential threats and provides security updates. Antimalware Service Executable is essential for maintaining system security, however, sometimes it can lead to high CPU or memory usage. Users report Antimalware Service Executable High CPU or Memory after Windows 11 update and significantly affecting system performance. Real-Time Protection to Conflicts with Other Software or Sometimes, Windows Security may end up scanning its own files, leading to increased CPU usage. Here is how to stop antimalware service executable high CPU or Memory usage in Windows 11.

Is MsMpEng.exe a virus?

No, the Antimalware Service Executable process is not a virus if it’s located at C:\Program Files\Windows Defender or C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Platform. You can check it by going to Task Manager > Details tab > right-click on MsMpEng.exe > select Open file location. If it’s not in the mentioned directory or any trusted folder, you may want to run a scan with another antivirus to see if it’s malware.

High CPU Usage by Antimalware Service Executable

As discussed, High CPU or memory usage by Antimalware Service Executable can occur due to several reasons:

  • Real-Time Protection: Continuous scanning of files, applications, and processes in real time can lead to high resource consumption.
  • Full System Scans: Scheduled or manual full system scans can cause CPU and memory usage spikes.
  • Conflicts with Other Software: Incompatibilities or conflicts with other software, including other security programs, can cause performance issues.
  • Large Update Files: Downloading and applying large security updates can temporarily increase CPU and memory usage.
  • Scanning Itself: Sometimes, Windows Security may scan its own files, leading to increased CPU usage.

Change Windows Security Schedule

Most of time you will notice High CPU or RAM usage by Antimalware Service Executable while performing complete scanning of the system.  Changing the scan schedule to a time when you’re not actively using your computer can help.

  • Press Windows key + S and type Task Scheduler, then press Enter.
  • Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender.
  • Right-click on Windows Defender Scheduled Scan and select Properties.
  • Go to the Triggers tab and click on New.
  • Set a new schedule that suits your convenience and click OK.

Change Windows Security Schedule

Exclude Windows Security from Scanning Itself

Sometimes, Windows Security might scan its own files, causing high CPU usage. To prevent such situations, Excluding Windows Security from Scanning Itself can help reduce CPU/RAM usage.

  • Open Windows Security by pressing Win key + S and typing Windows Security.
  • Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
  • Under Virus & Threat Protection settings, click on Manage Settings.
  • Scroll down to Exclusions and click on Add or Remove Exclusions.
  • Click on Add an Exclusion and select Folder.
  • Navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows Defender and add it as an exclusion.

Exclude Windows Security from Scanning Itself

Disable MsMpEng.exe process

Again Disabling real-time protection can significantly reduce CPU usage, you may consider as a temporary solution but it leaves your system vulnerable to threats.

  • Open Windows Security.
  • Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
  • Under Virus & Threat Protection settings, click on Manage settings.
  • Toggle Real-time protection off.

Real time protection windows 11

Also, you can tweak the Windows registry to completely disable Windows Defender and get rid of this. Do this only if you already have third-party antivirus program installed, as disabling Windows Defender leaves your PC vulnerable to threats.

  • Open Registry Editor and navigate  HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Policies \ Microsoft \ Windows Defender.
  • Right-click on the main editor panel and select New> DWORD parameter (32 bits).
  • Name this registry key DisableAntiSpyware and set the value to “1”

Note: If DisableAntiSpyware key is already there, no need to create a new one, just edit it and change its value 1.

disable Windows Defender

Update Windows Security and Windows 11

Also, you need to ensure that Windows Security and Windows 11 are up to date. As latest Updates include performance improvements and bug fixes for such kind of problems.

To Update Windows Security:

  1. Open Settings by pressing the Windows key + I.
  2. Go to Update & Security.
  3. Select Windows Security from the sidebar.
  4. Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
  5. Under Virus & threat protection updates, click on Check for updates.

Update windows security

To install the latest Windows updates:

  • Open Settings.
  • Go to Update & Security.
  • Click on Windows Update.
  • Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Well If Windows Security continues to cause high CPU usage, consider using a third-party free antivirus program. Again sometimes corrupt system files are the reason cause high CPU or RAM usage, so performing SFC and DISM scan help.

Did these solutions help fix the Antimalware Service Executable High CPU / Memory Usage problem? share your feedback in the comments below.