Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) heavily loads the processor - what should I do?

Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) is one of the Windows processes. Many users could observe it in the "Task Manager", without even knowing what it matters. The article will tell exactly about him: about his functions and belonging to the program. But most importantly, you will learn what to do if it heavily loads the processor.

What is this process

We will first find out what kind of process it is and what role it plays in the system. In terms of general information, the following emerges: Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) is a process developed by Microsoft and part of the Windows Defender software package. In other words, MsMpEng.exe is responsible for the operation of some functions of the standard Windows antivirus.

Antimalware Service Executable heavily loads the processor

This process is located on the system drive in the Program Files directory and when working in the background practically does not consume computer resources. The load on the CPU barely reaches 0.5%. However, some users noticed abnormal indicators, the Antimalware Service Executable process (MsMpEng.exe) loaded the system at 100%, which, of course, led to a system crash and errors.

The given value, of course, is not normal, and in the event of such an incident, something must be done immediately. Further we will tell you how to fix the problem.

How to fix the problem

If the load on the system is excessively high, then perhaps viruses have appeared in the system that affect this. It is imperative that you scan your computer for availability. However, it is recommended that you do this not with Windows Defender, but with another third-party application. If this does not help, then there are two methods that will definitely correct the situation.

Method One: End the Process

If you notice that the Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) consumes one hundred percent of the computer’s power, then you can simply complete it. Of course, the work of Windows Defender will stop, but you can get rid of the problem.

1. Launch the "Task Manager" by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. On the Details or Processes tab, find the MsMpEng.exe application and highlight.
3. Click on “Remove Task” or “End Process."

After that, the load will decrease.

Method Two: Stopping the Service

The previous method does not stop the process forever; after restarting the computer, it will be started again. If you want to get rid of it for a long time, do the following:

1. In the "Task Manager" on the "Services" tab, click on the link of the same name.
2. In the window that appears, find the "Windows Defender Service" and open its properties.
3. Change the Startup Type metric to Disabled.

Then apply the changes and close all windows, and then restart the computer.

Conclusion

Now you know a little more about the Antimalware Service Executable process (MsMpEng.exe). All of the above will help you eliminate a serious problem - excessive load on the central processor.