The Antimalware Service Executable High CPU usage issue has become quite frequent in recent times. According to the users of the victim computers, the Antimalware Service Executable running in the background of the system has slowed down their computers.
The Antimalware Service Executable process plays a crucial part in the Windows Defender Service that comes preinstalled with Windows 10 (and is unrelated to Emsisoft Anti-Malware, despite the name similarity!). However, it is notorious for taking considerably more than its fair amount of CPU processing power and can slow your computer to a crawl if left unchecked.
If you're a Windows Defender user who has observed excessively lengthy periods of high CPU utilisation, you'll be delighted to learn that the issue may be simply fixed.
But, relax we have got you covered as here, in this article, we have compiled the solutions that will help you get rid of the Antimalware Service Executable in Windows 10 computers.
What is Antimalware Service Executable?
Do you safeguard your PC using Windows Defender? If this is the case, open the Windows Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Start Menu > Task Manager) and look for a process called Antimalware Service Executable in the list of background processes.
This procedure enables Windows Defender to continuously scan your computer for potential threats and provide real-time malware and cyberattack protection. At the same time, it may be the source of abnormally high CPU utilisation.
Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage: CAUSES
First, you need to know that Windows 10 has an inbuilt security tool called the Windows Defender that ensures the security of the computer, also making sure that there is an antivirus installed on the computers.
A part of the Windows Defender is the Antimalware Service Executable that keeps running in the background of the computer and keeps an eye on all files/folders and actions that are performed on the computer and prevents and prevents any viruses from invading the computer.
Yes, this is an important process for your computer's security but it also consumes high CPU, memory and driver and thus might slow down your PC.
How to Fix Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage
1: Using Registry Editor Disable Windows Defender
You need to disable the Windows Defender to fix the Antimalware Service Executable usage in Windows 10 PC.
- Open the Run box by pressing the Windows + R key.
- Type Regedit in the Run dialogue box and click on the OK button to open the Registry Editor.
- Go to the given path in the Registry Editor:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
- Then, right-click on the Windows Defender and select New, and then DWORD.
- Name the DWORD you have just created as DisableAntiSpyware by double-clicking on it and then setting the value of it to 1.
2: Disable Windows Defender using Command Prompt
You can use the Command Prompt if you don't want to use the Registry Editor and edit the Registry with just a single command.
Just follow this command to do this:
- At the Windows Search box type cmd.
- Right-click on the Command Prompt from the search result and select Run as administrator.
- In the Command Prompt, type the command given below and press the Enter key.
REG ADD “hklm\software\policies\microsoft\windows defender” /v DisableAntiSpyware /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f
- Windows Defender will be disabled on the computer after executing this command.
3: Stop Msmpeng.exe by Using the Group Policy Editor to
You can also use the Group Policy Editor to fix the Antimalware Service Executable High CPU usage error. You just need to make a few changes to the group policy. Just follow the given instructions.
- Type gpedit.msc after pressing Window + R and then click on the OK button or just press the Enter key.
- Navigate to the given path in the Group Policy Editor window:
Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/Windows Components/Windows Defender Antivirus/Real-time Protection
- Then double-click on the Turn off real-time protection in the right pane of the window.
- Select the Enable option in the new window.
- Then click on the Apply and OK button.
You won't experience the Antimalware Service Executable High CPU usage after performing these steps.
4: Install Third-Party Antivirus
As the Antimalware Service Executable is closely aligned with the Windows Defender so you might also try installing some other third-party antivirus tool.
This trick might work for you as the Windows Defender doesn't work side-by-side with any third-party antivirus tool.
5: To Exclusion List of the Windows Defender Add Antimalware Service Executable
You can add the process to the exclusion list of the Windows Defender to resolve the high CPU usage by the Antimalware Service Executable on Windows 10:
- Open the Windows Settings by pressing the Windows + I key.
- Click on the Update & Security option in the Windows Settings.
- Given on the left pane of the window, click on the Windows Defender.
- Click on the Add an exclusion by going to the Exclusions section.
- Click on the Exclude a .exe, .com or .scr process.
- Click on the OK button after typing MsMpEng.exe in the box.
Now the issue will be resolved as you have added the Antimalware Service Executable process in the exclusion list.
Conclusion
The Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage issue has been causing frustration for many Windows Defender users. This process, which is a crucial part of Windows Defender, can consume excessive CPU usage and slow down the computer. However, there are several solutions available to fix this issue, including disabling Windows Defender through Registry Editor or Command Prompt, using Group Policy Editor, installing third-party antivirus software, or adding the process to the exclusion list of Windows Defender. By following these solutions, users can easily get rid of the Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage issue and improve the performance of their Windows 10 computer.
That's it for this article, Do not forget to share your experience with the 'Antimalware Service Executable' High CPU Usage Issue with us.
Thank You For Visiting!!!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is Antimalware Service Executable a virus?
The answer is no. As long as the Windows Defender is enabled on your Windows 10 computer this process will keep running in the background. Also, there are no viruses found pretending to imitate the Msmpeng.exe process. The Windows Defender to which this process is added is in itself an antivirus software thus the Msmpeng.exe process cannot be a virus.
2: Why is the Msmpeng.exe process using so much CPU or Hard Disk?
The Msmpeng.exe process continuously scans folders/files, connections, appliand cations for malware which is the most common reason for the Antimalware Service Executable High disk usage. It also uses a large amount of the hard disk and CPU as it installs regular updates with information about the new malware.
3: Why does the 'Antimalware Service Executable' use high CPU usage?
The 'Antimalware Service Executable' use high CPU usage because it's scanning a large number of files or if it's conflicting with other programs. This can result in a slow or unresponsive computer.
4: Is it safe to disable the 'Antimalware Service Executable'?
No, it is not safe to Disable the 'Antimalware Service Executable' as it can leave your computer vulnerable to malware. It's recommended to only disable it temporarily to troubleshoot high CPU usage issues and to enable it again after resolving the issue.
