Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Problem? 8 Proven Ways to Fix It

The Antimalware Service executable high CPU problem is a well-known Windows issue that can cripple your computer by slowing it to a crawl. The background service, MsMpEng.exe, is an essential part of Windows Defender that scans malware and security threat databases continuously. Even though it is a very vital tool in maintaining the security of your system, there are times when it may overload the CPU, and thus create a performance problem.

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at why the Antimalware Service Executable has high memory usage and what causes the Antimalware Service Executable to have high disk activity. We’ll explain 8 proven fixes that help lower CPU usage while keeping your PC secure and responsive.

What is Antimalware Service Executable?

Windows Defender antivirus includes the Antimalware Service Executable. It scans files and applications that may pose a threat to your computer to keep it safe against malware and viruses. Also, it is available as msmpeng.exe and plays a vital role in your system’s security.

However, it can cause system slowdowns when it uses excessive CPU, memory, or disk resources, especially during real-time scans. If this becomes an issue, it’s important to understand why this happens and how to resolve it to improve system performance.

Why Does Antimalware Service Executable Use High CPU, Memory, or Disk?

Antimalware Service Executable may consume excess system resources due to several reasons, such as:

• Frequent or Deep Scans: Windows Defender consumes more resources when scanning the system in full or deep mode, and this can result in increased computer processor and memory consumption. This usually occurs when scanning is scheduled or done manually. 
• Background Activity: Although a scan may not be actively running, the Antimalware Service Executable is in a constant state of monitoring threats in real-time. This constant background processing may lead to high consumption of system resources, hence performance.
• Software Conflicts: There are also cases of Windows Defender conflicts with other security programs or even with some programs, due to which the resource usage may be increased.
• Outdated Software: When your system or Windows Defender software has not been updated, it may not perform properly and thus will consume unnecessary resources.
• Large Files or Folders: Large files or folders will consume more load on the Antimalware Service Executable, resulting in high disk consumption.

Now that we know the reasons why this problem arises, let’s look at eight solutions that have been proven to address the problem of Antimalware Service Executable’s anti-malware service high CPU.

8 Proven Ways to Fix Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage

Here are eight effective solutions. Start with the safest ones. Note: Do not search for Antimalware Service Executable or msmpeng.exe; it is a legitimate system file, and deleting it may not be good for your PC.

1. Schedule Scans for Off-Peak Hours

In case the high CPU problem with the Antimalware Service Executable occurs during the daytime, then you can plan to schedule your scans at a time when you are not using your computer. By so doing, you will be sure that the service does not use much of your CPU and memory in instances that you are trying to either work or play.

How to Schedule Scans for Off-Peak Hours:

• Select Open Windows Security in the Start menu.
• Go to Virus & Threat Protection.
• Visit Virus and Threat Protection Settings, and then click on Manage Settings.
• Go down and select Scheduled Scans.
• Set a time that works best for you.

You can reduce the effect of the Antimalware Service Executable on the performance of your system by having the scans run during the non-active hours.

2. Exclude Specific Files and Folders from Scanning

When some files or folders consume considerable system resources during scans, consider excluding them from Windows Defender protection. This would help reduce the excessive memory usage by the Antimalware during scanning, particularly when scanning large files. This assists in Windows Antimalware Service Executable high CPU spikes.

How to Exclude Files and Folders from Scanning:

• Open the Windows Security app (search for it in the Start menu or via Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security).
• Click Virus and threat Protection.
• Click Manage settings, under Virus and Threat Protection settings.
• Go to the bottom and click either Add or Remove Exclusions.
• Include the files or folders that you do not want to scan.

You can optimize the performance without sacrificing protection by excluding files or folders that are unlikely to be infected.

3. Turn Off Real-Time Protection Temporarily

Real-time protection is one of the main activities of the msmpeng.exe. But when you have problems with the Antimalware Service Executable high CPU, then it is best to temporarily disable real-time protection, as this will help you immediately.

How to Turn Off Real-Time Protection:

• Open Windows Security and choose Virus and Threat protection.
• Under Virus and threat protection settings, click on Manage settings.
• Toggle Real-Time Protection Disabled.

Also, it is important to note that this is a temporary solution. Turning off real-time protection will leave your computer vulnerable; therefore, it is necessary to restore it once you are done with your business.

4. Update Windows and Windows Defender

Outdated software, including Windows or Windows Defender, may be one of the causes of performance problems. In case of high disk or high CPU usage of the Antimalware Service Executable, ensure that your system is updated.

How to Update Windows and Windows Defender:

• Open the settings and choose Update and Security.
• Click Check for Updates and then select Windows Update.
• In case any updates are available, install them.

Also, make sure that Windows Defender is current by verifying the update status in the Windows Security app.

5. Disable Other Antivirus Software

Conflicts may sometimes arise between having third-party antivirus software and Windows Defender, leading to increased antimalware service executable high memory use. You can also attempt to disable or uninstall the antivirus program you are using to determine whether it is causing the problem.

How to Disable Third-Party Antivirus:

• Open the third-party antivirus software.
• Find a way of disabling or switching off the antivirus defense.
• Reboot and verify whether the usage of the Antimalware Service Executable decreases.

6. Change the Scan Type

Windows Defender has a variety of scan options, such as quick scan and complete scan. A complete scan will scan all files on your computer system, which may consume a lot of resources. Alternatively, a quick scan targets the areas that have a greater chance of having malware and consumes fewer resources.

How to Change the Scan Type:

• Click on Virus & Threat Protection on Open Windows Security.
• In Current Threats, pick Quick Scan or Full Scan.

When you do not require a full scan each time, then a quick scan will save you much of the effect of the msmpeng.exe antimalware service executable on your CPU and your memory.

7. Adjust Power Settings

The Antimalware Service Executable high CPU issue can be caused by the high-performance settings, particularly in laptops. When it comes to the laptop, altering the settings for power can be useful to reduce the CPU consumption during a scan.

How to turn off Antimalware Service Executable through Adjust Power Settings:

• Open up the Control Panel and go to the Power Options.
• Choose Balanced or Power Saver over High Performance.

This modification can be used to reduce the CPU usage of the Antimalware Service Executable during scans or when idle.

8. Use Task Manager to antimalware service executable stop

If issues persist and you want to turn off Antimalware Service Executable, consider installing a reputable antivirus (e.g., Bitdefender, Norton). It auto-disables Defender.

How to Stop Antimalware Service Executable Using Task Manager:

• Open Task Manager, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
• Found Antimalware Service Executable (msmpeng.exe) is listed in the process list.
• Click on the right-hand side and choose End Task.

This will temporarily stop the process but will resume after a short period or upon reboot. While it’s stopped, your computer isn’t fully protected, so be sure to restart it as soon as possible.

User Experiences and Common Discussions

Numerous Users on Reddit have often complained that Antimalware Service Executable uses high amounts of memory in Windows 11, with Antimalware Service Executable absorbing excessively huge portions of RAM and slowing their computers. One user on Reddit r/WindowsHelp said that during the process, they could see about 70% of memory utilised, and their computer slowed down despite having closed background programs.

In other threads on the Antimalware Service Executable Reddit, individuals report the executable spiking memory and CPU usage, particularly during scans and when Windows Defender is actively inspecting files, and note that they use exclusions or set scan-on/off hours to cut the load.

These community discussions demonstrate that resource use often goes high. Yet there are always more or less effective ways for users to cope with it without turning off Windows Defender altogether.

Tips to Reduce Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage

• Avoid “antimalware service executable remove” guides. MsMpEng.exe is a core Windows Defender process, and removing it can seriously weaken your system security. Use safe optimizations like scan scheduling or exclusions instead.
• Let scans complete. Interrupting scans can cause Windows Defender to restart them, leading to repeated CPU spikes.
• Restart after updates. This helps Defender apply updates properly and prevents background scanning loops.
• Check Task Manager Antimalware Service Executable. High usage outside scan times may signal a software conflict or corrupted update, so monitor it via Task Manager regularly.
• Maintain free disk space. Low storage can increase disk activity during scans, indirectly raising CPU usage.

Conclusion

Finally, the Antimalware Service Executable high CPU issue can be immensely worrying at first, but it is typically easy to handle and does not indicate severe harm. In this case, the occasional spikes in CPU usage are predicted due to the necessity of this process in the real-time protection of Windows Defender. The problem becomes problematic when its heavy use continues and begins to slow down your system, and render its use more difficult.

With the above solutions in place, you can easily minimise CPU load and yet enable security features without necessarily disabling them. Also, you can recover performance with only simple optimizations and proper system settings, and keep your PC safe. Having the right balance, you can have a faster, smoother system without checking security.

FAQs