If, at game start, the processor is already at peak load and strange noises emerge from the system unit or the screen stutters and freezes, it is time to inspect the task manager to uncover the culprit. This guide covers common issues and offers practical solutions to each one.
Guides for Windows 11
How to check if the processor is loaded
You can monitor CPU, memory, and video memory usage in Task Manager. There are several quick ways to open this utility:
- Keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Shift+Esc;
- Keyboard shortcut Ctrl+Alt+Del, then select Task Manager;
- Open the Run dialog with Win+R, type taskmgr, and press Enter.
To sort the entire list, click once on the CPU column with the left mouse button. You will see in real time which app or process consumes the most CPU power, and you can switch to the Performance tab to view the usage chart. In a healthy PC, the indicators should be dynamic and fluctuate with activity.
Clean the system unit from dust
Before chasing software issues, inspect the hardware. Regularly cleaning the computer from dust is essential. A thick dust layer adds strain to components, raises temperatures, and can even cause short circuits.
Check the game’s system requirements
If someone promised that a gaming setup will run everything on ultra, that claim may be overstated. If the hardware struggles under load, verify whether the game is compatible with the device and settings you intend to use.
The system is loaded by a process like svchost.exe or others. What should be done?
Malware presence is another frequent issue many overlook. Malware can activate in various ways, making full protection challenging. Periodically scan for suspicious activity using Task Manager or rely on reputable antivirus software. A layered approach—combining several methods—provides better defense.
Disable programs running in the background
Many programs start with the system and add to the load. To reduce CPU strain, disable nonessential apps. Open Task Manager, go to the Startup section, and review items from third parties. If you do not plan to use a program, consider removing it.
We also suggest turning off any game overlays you don’t use. The Steam overlay, for instance, can influence the gaming experience in ways worth evaluating.
Reinstall drivers
Drivers can either stabilize or destabilize the system. Occasionally, driver updates introduce instability and higher CPU load. If the Task Manager shows high interruptions from a system driver, uninstalling and reinstalling drivers—video card, motherboard chipset, network, and audio—often helps. Install drivers from official manufacturer sites rather than using generic updates.
Check peripheral equipment connections
A malfunctioning mouse, keyboard, printer, scanner, or disk drive can cause problems. Inspect devices through Device Manager. Open it from the taskbar search, select the correct item, and review the device status.
Devices with an exclamation mark indicate driver issues or missing installations. Automatic updates are not always reliable, so identifying devices manually and downloading the latest drivers from the official site is prudent.
Check WMI Provider Host System Tool (WmiPrvSE.EXE)
This tool helps troubleshoot the system and maintain stable operation of peripherals. If the system acts out of control and CPU usage spikes, restart the service manually. Open Run, type services.msc, locate Windows Administrative Instrumentation, right-click, and restart the service.
Pause Windows updates
The svchost process can strain the processor during a system update. While updates are important, temporarily pausing automatic updates can reduce load. Open Run, type services.msc, locate WindowsUpdate, and adjust startup type and status as needed.
Change your power settings
Power plans affect processor performance. While laptops often face power issues, desktops can feel the impact too. Open the Start menu, search for Control Panel, go to Hardware and Sound, then Power Options and select or customize a plan that matches the task at hand.
Disable or remove the voice assistant Cortana
If the built‑in voice assistant is rarely used, disabling or uninstalling it is a reasonable step. A separate guide covers how to do this precisely.
Disable Windows notification settings
Notifications can become intrusive. Open Settings from the Start menu or search, go to System, then Notifications and Actions, and turn off unused features. If necessary, disable all available options for a calmer system.
Limit the ability to download from other computers
In Settings under Update and Security, Delivery Optimization can be turned off or limited. Keeping unnecessary services disabled helps keep CPU load down and system responsiveness up.
Note: content reflects guidance commonly shared by tech publications and user communities, with practical, hands-on steps for Windows 11 users. See attribution in sources as collected by reputable tech outlets.