Clean your PC

Application

Best Free PC Optimizer Software For Windows In 2024

By admin February 14, 2024

Best Free PC Optimizer Software For Windows In 2024, In this write-up, we have genuinely reviewed the 26 best PC cleaning and optimization tools for Windows 10, 11, & older editions, including their key features, advantages, disadvantages, and verdict.

If your laptops and computers aren’t catching up to speed like they normally used to, or they taking a lot of time to respond, then you’re in desperate need of the best PC optimizer software. Just like any other machine, computers also tend to become slower over time.

It majorly happens when the hard-drives take up high storage of unwanted data (i.e., cache, cookies, temp files, program leftovers, etc.) present in your Windows PC.

And this is where Windows Optimizer software for PC comes to the rescue, by removing various kinds of junk from the hard drive and making the computer efficient and faster than ever before.

But when there are tons of PC optimization tools in the market, one needs to do a lot of research before opting for one. And hence we bring you a well-researched list of the best PC optimization software to improve your computer performance and make it run like a brand new machine.

1. Win Riser

“Best Windows 10, 11 PC optimization tool to clean PC junk.”

Win Riser is one of the best optimizers and boosters for Windows 11, 10 PCs. The powerful features and advanced functionalities of the program are the prime factors of its popularity. Win Riser lets you get rid of junk, resolve registry files, remove temporary files, and perform other tasks in order to improve the overall performance of the device. Using this tool, you can easily delete all kinds of malware and malicious files, and enhance the performance of your PC. Not only that but using Win Riser, you can get the latest and compatible driver updates for your computer.

Key Features of Win Riser:

• Deep scanning gives you the correct information regarding your system status.

• It comes with an in-built junk removal that thoroughly scans your system for temporary logs and junk files.

• The tool looks for all types of faulty and invalid registries and lets you delete the performance-affecting entries.

• Provides compatible and latest drivers for your system.

• Win Riser provides you with an integrated feature to search for malicious and malware files.

Best Free PC Optimizer Software For Windows In 2024

2. Outbyte PC Repair

“Indeed the best PC optimization tool for Windows 10/11 in 2024 with amazing features.”

The first name on this list of the best free Windows optimizers is Outbyte PC Repair. Just like the name of the software, Outbyte PC Repair is an amazing solution that offers you the feature to repair the entire system and its files with a single click. The smart build of the software paired with its easy-to-use interface, makes it possible for all to make the best out of the tool and improve the performance of the system as well. As the tool is available for all Windows devices, you can improve the performance of any system using the Outbyte tool. To understand deeply about this PC optimization software for Windows, let’s have a look at its features.

Key Features of Outbyte PC Repair

• You can download and install the software on Windows 11/10/8/7.

• The tool is free to download for all Windows users.

• The tool offers both paid and trial versions for your ease.

• Outbyte PC Repair analyzes the disk space and frees up GBs of data for you.

• The tool can easily delete all the website cookies that collect your data unnecessarily.

• The Outbyte tool can easily boost the performance of the system in real-time.

• As the tool supports smart file removal, no one can retrieve the files deleted by the software.

3. IObit Advanced SystemCare

“Best Windows 10 PC optimization tool to clean junk and protect online privacy”

IObit Advanced System Care is one of the best Windows Optimizers available in the current industry. It is not cluttered or adorned with various things. It is not complicated at all and has an easy user interface, with a very straightforward means of accessing it. It makes the processing of the system fast and proficient in skills.

Key Features of IObit Advanced SystemCare:

• It has advanced tools to clean the registry.

• It keeps a check on the processing units and Disk conditions of the PC.

• It maintains a startup item to give you a faster PC response.

• It protects your personal data.

4. CleanMyPC

“A great tool to keep your PC fast and maintained”

CleanMyPC is a very popular PC optimization software. It offers all the required features and tools that you can use to make your PC fast and manage the storage. Using the software you can easily remove registry files, junk files, uninstall software and remove their supporting files. The process of cleaning is very easy and you can erase all the files easily and securely.

The best part about this software is that you can get this software at a very cheap price. As compared to other competitors too it has a very reasonable price offering. The only downside of this best windows 10 optimizer is that it fails to protect the PC from malware and online threats.

Key Features of CleanMyPC:

• The software lets you uninstall software and their residual files effortlessly

• You can get rid of all the registry related issues with CleanMyPC

• It can even manage Windows startup programs for fast start

• It offers a detailed report of every action you perform

5. Piriform CCleaner

“A globally renowned Windows 10 optimization tool to clean system junk”

With over 2.5 billion downloads, CCleaner has surely made its mark in the world. It is one of the world’s favorite PC optimizer tool that is very easy to use. It gives PCs 28% more free RAM and makes PCs boot 53% faster. It comes in two variants, one which is free (with lesser features) and the other which is not.

It gives cleaning in one click and optimizes your PC in no time. It cleans up unused files and makes your PC faster. From many popular internet browsers, it cleans traces of your internet history. It is perfect as a Windows 10 Optimizer tool.

Key Features of CCleaner:

• It gives standard privacy protection and standard cleaning.

• It updates apps to reduce security risks.

• It keeps your browsing history private.

• It detects and removes internet trackers.

• It keeps you from running out of space.

6. Norton Utilities

“The best free PC optimizer for Windows 10 users”

Norton is a popular brand, known for providing the best antivirus software. And that’s not just it. The company also offers the best PC optimization software that’s incomparable to any other tools available in the marketplace. Its Windows optimizer provides preset profiles that help boost the performance of your PC. Norton Utilities also gives you one-click optimization which is super easy and efficient.

Key Features of Norton Utilities:

• It cleans and uproots common issues that can cause slowdowns or crashes.

• It provides with freed space by discarding unused items.

• It helps maintain digital privacy by erasing recently opened files and website browsing history.

• One-click Optimization and easy to use.

• It defrags the registry and fixes it to retrieve all the user memory.

7. Ashampoo WinOptimizer

“The best Windows 10 PC optimization software utility that delivers on its promises”

Ashampoo WinOptimizer, one amongst the best free system optimization tools and is highly abled. This free PC optimizer is specially developed for Windows and so, it makes the maintenance fast and easy for Windows users. This software gives you a faster, cleaner and more reliable windows system.

Let’s know more about this best free PC tune up and performance software through the features, pros & cons, and more.

Key Features of Ashampoo WinOptimizer:

• Optimize Windows Registry with Registry Optimizer.

• Remove internet traces with Internet Cleaner.

• Speed up Windows startups with Startup Tuner.

• Get detailed system information.

8. The PC Decrapifier

“The best free PC speed up software for Windows”

With a quirky name, this best free Windows optimizer tool does exactly what its name suggests.

It decrapifies your system. PC Decrapifier focuses on discarding programs that come preinstalled on freshly purchased computers. It works great to clean out the bloat on your new system. It provides an easy step-by-step process to help you remove the junk clogging up your computer. The thing that makes it the best PC optimization software is that it’s a free tool so you don’t have to spend a single penny.

Key Features of The PC Decrapifier:

• It takes up a very less amount of space.

• It can uninstall programs in bulk and sometimes without a lot of user action.

• This can be run off via USB as well.

9. SlimCleaner Free

“One of the best free computer optimizers to clean system junk”

SlimCleaner is not just one of the best PC optimizer software available online, but also the world’s first system utilities tool. It has a fast and powerful cleaning engine to do cleaning and also has a cloud-based optimization engine. It helps you to remove all the junk and broken files from your PC to get it to function in a gilt-edge condition. It is basically a free software, is community-driven and delivers up to date information, ratings, and recommendations from users. There is a paid version available for this Windows 10 computer optimizer which offers some additional features.

Key Features of SlimCleaner:

• It can be used from a portable device.

• It gives Unwanted Startup items alert and then optimizes them.

• It has various modes like Performance boost mode and Power management mode.

• It backs up the registry automatically.

10. Comodo PC Tuneup

“A robust utility to clean and optimize PC performance”

Comodo PC Tuneup, one amongst the best system optimizer tools, analyzes critical Windows events that occur during startup, shut down and while running applications and then further resolves them. It is a tune-up utility suite, a powerful PC optimization software that removes disk garbage and fixes registry problems.

Key Features of Comodo PC Tuneup:

• It goes through the Windows settings and adds them to default to make it ready for efficient use.

• It identifies and eradicates unnecessary startup items that make your software lag behind.

• It has the added benefit of no installation limits.

11. Kromtech PCKeeper Live

“One of the best PC optimizer to sweep junk files”

Kromtech PCKeeper Live is one of the best free PC optimization software which removes all the unnecessary files from the PC and makes your software run faster. PCKeeper is the one-stop software solution for keeping your PC in a wonderful state and safeguarding it from threats, both online and offline.

With this, in one button click all system problems, viruses, malware, and security vulnerabilities will be fixed. Hence, this tool is indeed the best free PC performance software.

Key Features of Kromtech PCKeeper Live:

• It has customized fixes specialized by a technician for every customer.

• It also provides an anti-theft feature.

• It cleans and wipes out junk from the registry efficiently.

• It has an easy and interactive interface.

12. IOLO System Mechanic

“A power-packed PC optimizer for Windows 10”

With a name that is unheard of, IOLO has a completely different trajectory in the market. It is very spread out in the world. IOLO can detect and remove up to 50 types of junk files, making it one of the best PC optimizer software. It provides an 89% faster startup and fixes over 30,000 PC problems. Its statistics reveal its high efficiency to boost the system speed and enhance system performance. It also unleashes internet speed and increases drive speed. However, there are certain attributes of this best free PC speed up and system performance software that you should know. Read all of these below.

Key Features of IOLO System Mechanic:

• It removes bloatware and Identifies unwanted startup programs that slow you down by launching and running without your knowledge.

• It retrieves many lost and accidentally deleted files including photos, videos, and documents.

• It guards and wipes out your most sensitive data with military-grade data wiping technology.

13. AVG TuneUp

“An impressive PC performance optimizer for Windows”

AVG TuneUp, previously called AVG PC Tuneup ranks among the best PC optimization software in the world right now.

If you’re looking to boost your system speed and performance, AVG TuneUp is what you need.

Key Features of AVG TuneUp:

• Automatic Maintenance tool to speed up your Windows PC.

• Browser Cleaner for a much faster and lighter browsing experience.

• Software Uninstaller to help you get rid of unwanted programs.

• Software Updater to help you keep all your programs up-to-date always.

• Remove junk files and program leftovers to free up valuable disk space.

14. Razer Cortex

“Best Windows 10 optimization tool for all the gamers out there”

Here’s another one of the best PC optimization software that you must try if you’re an avid gamer. Razer Cortex brings all the powerful game booster and system optimizer tools in one place to unlock your system’s best performance.

Razer Cortex seamlessly clears junk files such as cache, tracking cookies, temp files, and residual data to free up valuable space for better system performance. Let’s know everything about the best system care software via features and more.

Key Features of Razer Cortex:

• All-in-one, automatic utilities for game and system optimization.

• Cleans unwanted junk files automatically and makes your device faster and cleaner.

• Speeds up gaming and system performance.

15. Microsoft Total PC Cleaner

“One of the best free performance booster programs to boost PC performance and unlock new potentials.”

Keep your PC clean and clear with Microsoft Total PC Cleaner. Total PC Cleaner lets you clean your PC’s cache and big files. It is a completely free cleaning tool. It optimizes almost an overall system. However, it only supports Windows 10 or above versions. With this cleaning software, you can also remove duplicate pictures. It optimizes the memory to release a large part of your disk space.

Key Features of Microsoft Total PC Cleaner:

• Cleans junk or temporary files.

• Speed-up the overall performance of the system.

• Finds and deletes duplicate pictures too.

• Removes large files and PC’s cache.

FAQ

Q1. What is a PC Optimizer?

PC Optimizer is a piece of software that comes in handy when your computer takes ages to function tasks or is taking tons of time to respond. It simply detects the hard drive for any unwanted data and frees up the storage space. This way, your computer becomes more efficient and has a faster speed.

Q2. Do Windows Optimizers Really Work?

The answer to your question depends on which PC tuneup utility or optimization program you are using. If you’ve downloaded and installed a tool from the above list of best PC optimizers and cleaning software, then you will surely notice a significant improvement in the computer’s speed and overall performance.

Q3. Which is the Best PC Optimizer Software for Windows?

There are many Windows PC optimizers out there that boast about their features and their excellence. Very few of them actually are the best. Our observations show that the best optimization software for Windows available in the current marketplace is none other than IOBit Advanced SystemCare. It features an advanced registry cleaner, storage checker, and privacy protection all in just one software. It boosts your system speed and recovers disk space in just a few minutes.

Q4. Is PC Optimizer Safe?

You might think that PC Optimizers are a huge scam, but that’s not the case. If downloaded and installed from a legitimate source, PC Optimizers become your computer’s new best friend. They detect all the unwanted files and junk and make your PC run like new.

However, there are equally badly-behaving optimizers that are built with amateur code, have malware or are utterly ineffective. They are usually the ones found for free on no-name websites. They are the ones you need to beware of.

Q5. How to Get the Best PC Optimizer Software?

To get the best free PC optimizer, simply go to the official site of the optimization tool, download the software, and install it in your system. After installation, let the software scan your computer hardware for any infections or junk items. Finally, click on ‘Fix All Items’ to give your PC that much-needed boost.

Q6. What is the best PC optimization software?

Although, all of the products listed in the article above are the best in what they do. The top best free maintenance and optimization tools for Windows are CCleaner, CleanMyPC, and Advanced SystemCare. However, you can check out the description of other tools as well and download the one you like the best.

Q7. How to speed up my laptop?

The best way to speed up any laptop is by using the best system care optimization software for Windows 10. With the help of tools like CCleaner and CleanMyPC. You can get the best performance out of the system easily.

Q8. What is overclocking on a PC?

Overclocking is a technique used by some Windows users to improve the performance of the system. Under this method, the performance of the system is improved beyond the manufacturer’s specifications. Different attributes of the system are changed to do that. However, you can also use the best free pc optimizer utility for Windows 10 to improve the performance of the system quite easily. Some of such products are listed above for you.

Q9. What to look for in a good PC optimizer App?

Look for the advanced features and basic working of the PC optimizer you are using. Make sure the optimizer itself doesn’t each much out of the limited resources of your PC. Also, check if your pick for the best free optimizer for Windows 11 can uninstall the unnecessary apps, and limit the items that are on auto-run mode.

Q10. What is the best Game optimizer/booster for PC?

The above article lists the best game optimizers for Windows 11, 10, and older version devices. Go through the list and identify the right tool for your system optimization. The optimized tools are developed with specific purposes. Therefore, choose the one that is capable of addressing your concerns and can provide the best experience for your Windows PC.

Q11. Can I optimize Windows 11, and 10 manually for best performance for FREE?

Various manual steps can be taken to optimize the performance of your Windows 11 or 10 devices. These can be a basic system restart, download of pending updates, or driver updates. Even after applying all the manual methods, your system might not fix the issues. Therefore pick the best Windows 11 optimization tool for your device from the above list. This will enhance the working and speed up your PC in no time.

Q12. How to optimize & clean a computer running Windows 11, 10, 8, 7?

The article above mentions the set of best Windows 11 optimizers. Go through the list and choose the perfect optimizer that matches your requirements and fulfills it. These optimizers can shut down unnecessary applications, optimize the limited resources of your OS and improve the overall experience.

Q13. Do I need a PC optimizer?

Accumulated junk and other problems bug the computer performance to a great extent. Hence, a PC optimizer is essential to ensure your PC works smoothly. You may choose a PC optimizer depending on your requirements from the list above.

Q14. What is the Best Free Optimizer?

Advanced System Repair Pro is the best and most free-to-use PC optimizer for Windows. With this tool, your privacy is completely protected and your system is more secure. This program comes with advanced features to make your computer run faster than usual.

Q15. Does Windows 10 have a built-in PC Optimizer?

No, Windows 10 comes with a built-in tool called Defragment and Optimize Drives to defrag your hard disk drive in order to boost the overall PC performance.

Q16. How can I improve CPU performance?

If you want to improve your CPU performance, you can start by running limited programs at a time, continuously restarting the device, clearing junk files, and you can also take the help of any of the Best PC Optimizer Software For Windows 10 listed and explained above.

Q17. How can I fix a slow PC?

If you want to fix a slow PC, then there are certain things you can do. For example, don’t always put the device to sleep, try turning off the device when not in use. Also, regularly restart the device, especially when you think that the device’s performance is not apt. These are temporary solutions to fix a slow PC, however, a permanent way is to use a PC optimizer like the one provided above.

Q18. How do I install PC Optimizer?

The process to install any PC optimizer is very straightforward. All you need to do is visit the official website of the optimizer you want to download and get its setup file. When the tool’s setup is downloaded, double-click to install it. Follow the instructions that follow and Voila, the optimizer is installed.

Q19. How do I run the system Optimizer?

You can run any PC optimizer after you download it from the official website and then install the tool. Afterward, you can launch the tool from the desktop or the Start menu as suited. Now, when the tool launches, you will see the main interface or the home window where you will find multiple options to use the tool like System Junk Cleaning, PC Booster, etc.

Breathe Life into Your Old Computer with the Best PC Optimization Software

And there we have it. These are the best PC optimizer software available for Windows in 2024. These Windows optimizer tools will surely aid your system by cleaning out all the junk and giving it the speed boost that it needs. So, what are you waiting for? Get the best-suited PC optimization tool for yourself and start the adventure of optimizing your lagging system.

Keep Reading

Guide

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

By admin January 14, 2024

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024, PC freezing, going slow, or running into hitches where it shouldn’t? Even if you have one of the best processors, high CPU usage could be to blame. Unfortunately, if you aren’t too computer savvy, what this means, what part of your computer causes the issue, and CPU failure symptoms are all sort of a mystery.

So, what is CPU usage? Here, we’ll investigate high CPU usage, the factors that affect CPU utilization, and more.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is CPU usage?

The processor, also known as the central processing unit (CPU) is arguably the most important component inside any computer. Whether you’ve got one of the best processors on the market or you’re running an entry-level machine, your processor always serves as the brain of the operation. It sends instructions to all the other pieces of hardware in your device and is responsible for executing each and every task. If you’d like to read a more in-depth explanation about the CPU itself, check out our guide to what is a CPU.

Every processor has a limited capacity at which it can execute commands and run various programs. The better the CPU, the more tasks you can simultaneously perform without a hitch. However, no matter how powerful the CPU is, every chip will eventually hit its maximum capacity and begin slowing down. This will depend on your current CPU usage: In other words, the number of things your processor is being made to do at the same time.

When you’re not running many applications, your CPU usage should be low, and in an ideal scenario, everything should run smoothly. However, if you open a CPU-intensive program (such as certain games or video editing software,) you may notice that the response times increase as your CPU usage goes up.

Fluctuations in CPU usage are normal and nothing to worry about — as long as your PC continues running smoothly. If you’re unsatisfied with the performance of your PC, the first step is to check its CPU usage.

How to Fix high CPU usage 2024

How to check CPU usage

Checking CPU usage on Windows comes down to simply opening the Task Manager. If you already know how to do that, you can skip ahead to our next steps.

The three easiest and quickest ways to run Task Manager are:

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Shift+Escape to bring up the Task Manager directly.

• Keyboard shortcut: Ctrl+Alt+Delete to bring up the lock screen and select Task Manager from there.

• Right-click on the taskbar or the Windows icon at the bottom-left side of your screen. Pick Task Manager from the list.

With Task Manager open, navigate to the Performance tab and select CPU from the left-hand side menu. This will produce a curve diagram that displays real-time updates about the performance of your CPU. You can also check the Open Resource Monitor option at the bottom to see more detailed information about your processor.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

What is a normal CPU usage?

Before you jump right in and start trying to fix the problem, it’s important to learn whether the CPU usage you’re currently experiencing is abnormal in the first place.

Remember that depending on your processor, it could be that your computer is just utilizing the resources available to it in an efficient manner under heavy workloads. High-end CPUs are able to handle all manner of multitasking, but budget processors may not be able to run multiple resource-heavy programs at once.

If you are currently not running any additional programs, your CPU usage should be anywhere between 1% and 10% just through Windows processes alone. Anything higher than that on an idle PC means that something might be wrong. However, if you’re playing a game or even have multiple browser windows open, the CPU usage will climb accordingly.

If you’re unsure whether your CPU usage is too high, here are a few indicators to look out for:

• High idle CPU usage: You’re not running any programs and your CPU usage is still above 20%.

• Higher than usual CPU usage: You’re not using any new programs, and yet your CPU usage is higher than it used to be.

• High CPU usage during tasks that aren’t resource-heavy, like word processing, or browsing social media in just a couple of tabs.

• High CPU usage combined with freezes, crashes, and slow performance.

There are some programs that commonly consume a lot of processing power. Check out our suggestions below if you’re not sure whether your software is one of them.

How to fix high CPU usage

It’s important to monitor CPU usage and act if something seems amiss. If the amount of software you’re running doesn’t warrant slower loading times or high CPU usage, check out our quick steps below to resolve this problem.

Restart your computer

Sometimes all your PC may need is just a quick restart. This will clear out temporary files, shut down any programs you didn’t know were running, and give your computer more of a fresh slate.

If a while has passed since you last restarted your computer, save all your work and reboot. After the restart, launch the programs you’ve previously had open and check if your CPU usage is now back to normal.

Check open processes

If the problem comes back after re-launching previous software, it’s time to check which program is the culprit.

Launch Task Manager (if you’re not sure how to do that, click here,) and click the Processes tab at the top. You will be presented with a list of processes that are currently running on your computer. This is a long list, and it’s important that you don’t close any programs without knowing what they do. To make the list easier to navigate, click on Name to sort by software type.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Programs found under Apps are usually safe to close if needed. Check their CPU usage. If it’s a program that typically consumes a lot of CPU power, it might be that your high CPU usage is not abnormal. In any case, you can close the program to make sure your PC is running smoothly without it. Save all your work before you proceed.

Pick the program with the highest CPU usage and click End Task in the bottom right corner. Start it back up and check whether your CPU usage has improved. Try to close all the programs you don’t currently need — if the program or background process that consumes the most CPU power is unknown to you, write down its name and give it a quick Google search. It could be a virus that you need to get rid of.

Be mindful of the following:

• Apps with a very high CPU usage that shouldn’t require too many resources

• Background processes with a high CPU usage

• Windows processes with a high CPU usage

If any of the processes on your computer are CPU-heavy and you’re not sure what they are, write down their names and make sure they’re safe.

Scan your computer for viruses and malware

Unfortunately, malware and viruses are often the culprits behind high CPU usage. You may sometimes notice them by browsing through the Task Manager, but oftentimes they will be concealed and won’t be that easy to spot.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Getting rid of malware and viruses can be tricky and highly situational, but there are a few steps you should take that can resolve your problem.

• Download one of the best antivirus programs available and scan your computer.

• In addition to an antivirus program, you can download malware and spyware-specific programs such as Malwarebytes and SpyBot S&D. Scan your PC with these programs after the antivirus scan is over.

If the software finds any harmful programs on your computer, it will likely help you get rid of them. This may lower your CPU usage.

Update your drivers

Your CPU can take quite a beating if you’re using old drivers or unoptimized software. Sometimes, fixing high CPU usage may be as easy as simply updating your drivers.

In this step, try to update all of your drivers. This includes motherboard drivers, GPU drivers, audio drivers, and more. Check out our dedicated guides on updating all of your drivers and updating your graphics card drivers if you’d like a step-by-step tutorial on how to do this.

A word of warning: Do not use third-party software for updating drivers. A lot of the commonly advertised software on the internet may be dangerous to your computer. Whether it’s out-right malware or it simply downloads all the wrong things, you don’t want to deal with that. It’s best to learn how to update your drivers yourself and rely on secure methods of doing so.

Update your software

The software you’re using may simply be an older version of an already updated program. In such cases, the CPU usage may be abnormally high and it may have been fixed in a patch that you haven’t downloaded yet.

Following the Task Manager, update your most CPU-heavy software to the latest version and see whether that will do the trick.

Update your BIOS

This is more of an advanced option, but in some cases, updating your BIOS may help fix the issue with high CPU usage. Updating your BIOS will require knowing the exact model of your motherboard.

If you’re not sure which motherboard you’re using, we’ve got you covered. Check our guide to find out all of the specifications of your PC, including the motherboard. Once you know the model of your motherboard, simply search for it in Google and add “BIOS.” Download the latest BIOS directly from the manufacturer’s website — do not trust other sources. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer in order to update your BIOS.

Check your power settings

Certain power settings in Windows may affect your CPU performance. This applies to both laptops and desktops. You may currently be using a low power setting without even knowing it, so changing it might help.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Follow the steps below to change your power plan in Windows.

• Click on the Windows logo in the bottom left-hand corner and type in: “Power Settings.”

• On the right-hand side of the Power & Sleep section, navigate to Additional Power Settings.

• Click on Show Additional Plans and then select the High Performance plan. Alternatively, if you’re already running the High Performance plan and you’re experiencing CPU problems, try out the Balanced plan instead.

Keeping your PC clean is important, not just on the software side, but on the dust-free side. That’s right — our computers gather a lot of dust every single day. The more dust your PC or laptop has accumulated, the worse it will run, and that’s all thanks to the rising temperatures within the chassis.

Don’t let us catch you letting it get this bad … Wikimedia

If you haven’t given your PC a good clean for a while, it might be the time to do so. This process will usually require the use of compressed air. You can pick up a can of compressed air on Amazon and from many other stores.

Remember that before you ever attempt to clean your computer’s vents, you need to fully turn it off and unplug it. If you want to learn how to clean your PC, as well as a few more handy tips to make it run faster, check out our in-depth guide on the topic.

Run System Restore

If your high CPU usage is a recent development and everything was running smoothly just a few days ago, fixing the problem may be as easy as running System Restore on Windows. Windows 10 users can refer to our separate guide on reinstalling and restoring Windows here.

For Windows 11 users, accessing System Restore can be done in a few quick steps:

• Click the Windows icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen and type in Control Panel.

• Once in the Control Panel, type in Recovery in the search box.

• Pick Recovery and then Open System Restore.

• In the Restore System Files and Settings section, click Next.

You will then be prompted to select a restore point that you want to go back to. Choose one from before these issues started and follow the instructions provided by Windows. Keep in mind that you may lose any new files and programs you’ve installed since the restore point.

Unfortunately, many users cannot utilize System Restore. This is because Windows doesn’t automatically create restore points, which is why your list may be empty. If that’s the case, you may need to take more drastic measures.

Reinstall Windows

This option should be treated as a last resort. If all the other steps failed and you still cannot pinpoint the reason why your CPU usage is so high, giving your Windows a clean install may be the solution to your problems.

Before you pull the trigger, keep in mind that reinstalling Windows will delete all of your installed programs. You are allowed to keep your files, but you may also opt to do a completely clean install and let Windows delete all of them. Whether you choose to keep your files or not, it’s good to back up your data before you begin.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Reinstalling Windows 10

If you’re not sure how to reinstall Windows 10, check out our guide that will lead you through the steps required to do so.

Reinstalling Windows 11

In order to reinstall Windows 11, click on the Windows logo at the bottom-left side of the screen and type in: “Reset this PC.”

Once you’re in the correct section, select Reset PC. Windows will then prompt you to choose from several reinstall options. You can choose whether to keep your personal files, keep any changes you’ve made to Windows settings, and keep pre-installed apps that came with your Windows 11 PC.

Pick the option that suits you best and allow Windows to reinstall itself. When the reinstallation is complete, you will have to install all your drivers and trustworthy programs again. Once your system is back up and running, check your CPU usage again — you should be able to see a marked improvement.

Further troubleshooting

If you have tried every one of our recommended steps and found no improvement, the issue may be more complex than can be covered in any given guide. Fortunately, all you need is an internet connection in order to troubleshoot your computer.

Image used with permission by copyright holder

There are two main things to search for in times of abnormal CPU usage:

• Your exact model of CPU + “high CPU usage.” Check our guide to learn which processor you have.

• The process or program that hogs the most CPU usage in Task Manager + “high CPU usage.”

Searching for these terms will give you more specific advice from users who have gone through the same kinds of issues. Read the advice carefully and follow it as best as you can. However, never download any third-party programs: You may put your PC at much greater risk instead of fixing it.

CPU usage FAQ

Which programs cause high CPU usage?

Many kinds of programs can cause high CPU usage. If you’re running one of them, your computer may slow down. In such cases, make sure you close all other programs to give your processor the breathing space it needs in order to run these resource-heavy tasks.

Some of the most notorious CPU-heavy programs include:

• Video and photo editing software

• Encoding and decoding software

• CPU-heavy games, such as PUBG

• Browsers with many tabs open, many plug-ins, websites with a lot of videos and photos, etc.

• DVD burning programs

• Video or photo converters

• 3D modeling software

• Benchmarking programs

Is high CPU usage bad?

Every PC will go through cycles of high CPU usage — there is nothing wrong with that. However, If your CPU usage is constantly high or even at 100%, there is definitely a reason for concern.

Your CPU heats up when under heavy loads. This may cause your computer to overheat, but even in the best-case scenario, it contributes to wear and tear. Your PC may freeze when running at 100% CPU usage as soon as you add an extra application into the mix. Freezes and crashes are common, and each one may cause another problem to pop up.

In short: Yes, it’s bad, although as long as you’re expecting your CPU usage to be high, it’s fine and fully expected to happen at times.

Keep Reading

Clean your PC

How to set up Windows 11 Hyper-V virtual machines

Best dash cams 2024

Best free antivirus 2024