NVIDIA Container High CPU Usage after Update (Solved)

The NVIDIA Container is a background process installed alongside the NVIDIA graphics driver. It is responsible for running various NVIDIA services, including features like GeForce Experience, NVIDIA Telemetry, and driver updates. While it usually runs silently in the background, certain factors can cause it to use excessive CPU resources. Several users report NVIDIA Container High CPU Usage after Update. High CPU usage by the NVIDIA Container process can significantly slow down your Windows system and cause performance issues, especially during gaming or resource-intensive tasks. This article explores the common reasons behind this and effective solutions to fix high CPU usage by the NVIDIA Container process.

What is NVIDIA Container

The NVIDIA Container is a system process (nvcontainer.exe) that installs along with NVIDIA drivers to manage essential GPU-related tasks on Windows. Its functions include handling driver updates, optimizing game settings through GeForce Experience, supporting CUDA for parallel computing, and collecting telemetry data to enhance performance and stability.

Usually, NVIDIA Container uses minimal resources however, if you notice high CPU usage by NVIDIA Container, it indicates something abnormal like a driver issue, background service misconfiguration, or resource-heavy features (such as GeForce Experience) consuming more than expected.

• Outdated or Corrupt Graphics Driver: An outdated or corrupted driver can lead to compatibility issues, causing the NVIDIA Container to malfunction.
• Telemetry Collection: NVIDIA collects performance data to improve user experience. Sometimes, this service can spike CPU usage.
• GeForce Experience Overhead: GeForce Experience, which includes ShadowPlay and other features, can also cause high resource consumption.
• Misconfigured Windows Power Settings: Incorrect power settings in Windows 11 can lead to high CPU usage as processes compete for power resources.

Update NVIDIA Graphics Driver

Outdated or corrupt drivers are one of the most common reasons, that cause compatibility issues between the operating system and the GPU. These conflicts can lead to High CPU usage by the NVIDIA Container as it attempts to handle tasks that a properly functioning driver would normally manage. Most of the time, Updating your NVIDIA graphics driver resolves many performance issues including NVIDIA Container High CPU Usage.

Step 1: Open the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application or go to NVIDIA’s Driver Download page.

Step 2: Download and install the latest driver for your graphics card model.

Step 3: Restart your computer and check if the CPU usage has reduced.

Alternatively, you can consider using a third-party driver updater tool from reputable sources to ensure your drivers are up-to-date.

Disable NVIDIA Telemetry Container Service

The Telemetry Container collects data to improve NVIDIA’s products However, this service can become resource-intensive, especially when working alongside other NVIDIA services. Disabling this service frees up CPU resources, particularly if telemetry is non-essential for your day-to-day usage.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

Step 2: In the Services window, locate the NVIDIA Telemetry Container.

Step 3: Right-click on it, select Properties, and set the Startup type to Disabled.

Step 4: Click Apply and OK to save changes.

This step can prevent telemetry data collection from consuming CPU resources unnecessarily.

Disable NVIDIA GeForce Experience Overlay

Again NVIDIA’s overlay features, especially for screen capture, can increase CPU usage significantly. Let’s disable this overlay, you may see a decrease in NVIDIA Container’s CPU usage during gaming sessions.

Step 1: Open NVIDIA GeForce Experience.

Step 2: Go to Settings (gear icon) in the top-right corner.

Step 3: Turn off In-Game Overlay under the General tab.

Clean Install NVIDIA Drivers

Performing a clean installation of NVIDIA drivers can help fix such issues if previous installations have left corrupt or conflicting files.

Step 1: Download the latest graphics driver from NVIDIA’s official website.

Step 2: During installation, select Custom (Advanced), then check Perform a clean installation.

This process removes previous versions and configurations, ensuring no conflicts with the NVIDIA Container.

Step 3: Complete the installation and restart your system. Now check if the high CPU usage comes to normal.

Limit Background NVIDIA Processes with Task Scheduler

If still the high CPU usage persists, limit the processes that NVIDIA runs in the background.

Step 1: Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.

Step 2: Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > NVIDIA.

Step 3: Right-click each task related to NvTelemetry or NVIDIA GeForce Experience and select Disable.

Disabling these tasks can reduce CPU load without impacting GPU performance, and fix the problem as well.

Modify or Reinstall GeForce Experience (Optional)

In cases where NVIDIA Container usage remains high, you might need to uninstall or reinstall GeForce Experience.

Step 1: Open Settings > Apps > Installed apps.

Step 2: Locate NVIDIA GeForce Experience and select Uninstall.

Step 3: Restart your computer to verify if CPU usage improves. You can reinstall GeForce Experience later if needed.