It so happens that a user in the system did not seem to run any resource-intensive programs, has not installed anything recently, and the load on the processor and RAM suddenly increases enormously (albeit briefly). The culprit, if you look at the active services in the "Task Manager", is a process with a description like System (NT Kernel System) or NT Kernel & System. What is this, few people imagine, as well as why this particular service begins to consume computer resources at a level of 60 to 95%. Let's try to figure out what's what, but at the same time we will consider issues related to how to reduce the load on the system.
System (NT Kernel System) - what is this process?
In general, even the most advanced users cannot give an exact definition to a given service. However, based on the name, it can be assumed that it refers to processes associated with the core of the system (command handler) and is considered to be a link between the hardware and software part of a computer system.
Another point is that this particular service is partially related to loading the operating system, although it is directly related to this only because it contains data and settings for the welcome screen. It is not known for certain why the NT Kernel System loads the processor and memory, however, we can assume that it can affect the virus, access to unused user programs, outdated drivers, and the lack of mandatory system updates. Thus, you can offer some simple solutions that will reduce the load on resources. By the way, it is immediately worth noting that for some reason such problems are most often manifested in Windows 7 and 10. Why? No one knows. But in other modifications, even the shadow of such a phenomenon was not noticed.
NT Kernel System loads the system: what to do first?
So, the first thing when increasing the load should just restart the system. Perhaps at some stage there was a short-term failure that will disappear after a reboot.
If the consumption of resources within a certain time reaches the same level, you should try to roll back the system by choosing a configuration when such phenomena were not observed, using the "Recovery Center".
Viruses
It is possible that the NT Kernel System process in Windows 7 or 10 behaves this way only because it is not the original service, but a virus that masquerades as a service.
In such a situation, it is advisable to immediately perform a deep scan of the computer with some portable utility, but it is better to use the boot from a disk or a USB drive with the Kaspersky Rescue Disk program recorded on them, which during the scan can detect viruses that are deeply embedded in the system and those threats Introduced into RAM. The utility starts before the operating system itself is loaded. When starting a scan, it is better to select all sections and set up a deep scan.
Autoload
Since the System service (NT Kernel System) is related to the start of the OS, sometimes the complete shutdown of unnecessary program elements at startup helps to reduce the load that appears after the system is fully loaded.
To do this, in Windows 7, you can use the msconfig command, which is entered in the Run console, with the subsequent transition to the corresponding tab. On Windows 10, this section is located in the Task Manager. Try simply disconnecting everything that is there and restart.
Questions about updates, drivers, and installed applications
Sometimes you can find user reviews that indicate that the excessive activity of the System (NT Kernel System) service may be due to the fact that the latest updates are not installed for the system. It is possible that there were failures in the Update Center.
In this situation, you need to search for available updates yourself and install critical updates.
Drivers can play a role too. It is generally recommended that you update them. Manually doing this is a completely thankless task (especially since Windows cannot always find the most suitable drivers for devices). It is better to use programs like Driver Booster, which find the latest drivers on the websites of equipment manufacturers and integrate them into the system without user intervention.
If problems with the updated drivers are also observed, one of the solutions is to roll them back in the “Device Manager”, after finding out which driver causes the load problems.
In terms of calls to unused programs, problems can also be observed. As an option, it is recommended to remove those applications that have not been launched for a long time, and then clean the registry and hard disk using some optimizer (CCleaner, Advanced SystemCare, etc.).
Total
These are the main methods to reduce the load on system resources if the described process is really the culprit of all troubles. Alas, it is absolutely impossible to pinpoint the cause of such phenomena, so you have to act, as they say, at random, trying each method in turn.