The loaded central processor of the computer is the main reason for its slowdowns and freezes. Moreover, in order to identify what exactly is the source of trouble, sometimes you have to approach the issue unconventionally. This article will describe both simple ways to solve the problem, and requiring some technical training.
How to reduce the load on the Windows 7 CPU : identifying "heavy" processes
To find out the specific processor load level, use the task manager tool built into the operating system. To open it, just press the key combination Ctl + Shift + Esc. Click on the "Display processes of all users" button. In the pop-up window, select “YES”. Now the task manager is started with administrator rights.
Go to the "Processes" tab, where you can see all the applications currently running. By clicking on one of the table column names, you can sort them.
Windows 7 CPU High utilization : what to do?
When you find a suspicious process in the task manager that takes the lion's share of the system’s capacity, right-click on its name. In the context menu that opens, select the "finish" item, and then answer in the affirmative to the question of the task manager.
I must say that applications sometimes freeze when they close using standard tools. The program window disappears, but the process does not end; everything else, it goes into an endless loop. You can successfully cope with such a nuisance if you restart the computer, but the task manager will solve the problem faster.
Process explorer
If you have followed all the above recommendations, but the CPU load has not decreased, and there are no processes that use a lot of resources, try using a free utility called Process Explorer. You can download it from the official website of the manufacturer.
How to reduce the load on Windows 7 CPUs using Process Explorer? In the program window, sort the list of processes by the load on the CPU. Examine the table for suspicious applications. If there are any, right-click on the program name and select Kill Process.
System interrupts
Open Process Explorer and notice the inscription "interrupts". If opposite to it in the CPU column the value exceeds 1-2%, then the processor is busy processing system interrupts. In this case, it is very difficult to identify the source of the problem. You should try to check your computer for viruses, update drivers, check for errors, or install a new hard drive. It will not be superfluous to disconnect peripheral equipment.
Drivers
System drivers are one of the most common causes of processor loading by system interrupts. To understand whether it is worth updating the driver, do the following:
- Reboot the computer.
- Before turning on the OS, press the F8 button on the keyboard several times.
- In the menu that opens, select "Safe Mode".
- After loading the operating system, start the Process Explorer application and observe the interrupts line for a while.
If system interrupts do not load the computer, it is highly likely that the problem lies with the drivers. In this case, you should go to the official websites of your PC hardware manufacturers. If updates appear, install them. If some device uses universal Microsoft drivers in its work, it is necessary to replace them with the branded ones.
I must say that the measures taken will not necessarily solve the problem, and only a complete reinstallation of the operating system can help the computer.
Overheat
High CPU temperatures can also contribute to its high load. The computer at the same time constantly crashes, freezes, slows down and restarts itself. If the cooler noise is amplified, it is worth checking if the processor is overheating. When working on a laptop, you can simply swipe your hand from the side where the air is blown. If it is hot, it is best to monitor the temperature with special means.
Periphery equipment
How to reduce the load on the Windows 7 CPU if the previous recommendations did not help? Turn off all devices without which the computer can work. Leave the minimum - keyboard, mouse, monitor. Look at the schedules of the task manager. Reducing the processor load means that one of the peripheral devices is crashing.
To figure out which one, connect them one at a time. After adding a new one, restart your computer and follow the graphs. If after connecting the next device the CPU load increases, you need to update the drivers of this device. When the software update does not help, there is only one way out - replacement of equipment or its repair. Delaying with these procedures is not recommended. With an increase in load, the CPU temperature also increases, and this is fraught with a decrease in its service life.
Computer games
Modern games are a real test for the PC. Only engineering programs used to perform complex mathematical calculations can compare with them. If the CPU is 100% loaded in games, it clearly requires an upgrade.
How to reduce the load on the Windows 7 CPU if an upgrade is not possible? Try to close all unnecessary applications before starting the game. Disconnect the computer from the network so that it does not suddenly start downloading updates for its software. Close anti-virus programs, because this type of software consumes a lot of computer resources. Antivirus monitors absolutely all PC activity, which negatively affects its performance.
Be careful: if you have a poor understanding of what might turn off a software security tool, the last tip is not recommended.