Windows comes with a built-in anti-virus programme called Windows Defender. It uses the Antimalware service executable to defend the computer against malicious software. In the task manager’s information list, this process is identified by the MsMpEng.exe extension.
It works in the background to protect your computer from viruses and hackers. MsMpEng.exe functions by scanning all new files and detecting whether or not they are infected. Such faulty files are removed or quarantined so that they do not affect the computer.
It also keeps a constant eye on the computer to ensure that all Trojan infections are removed. MsMpEng.exe, on the other hand, has a reputation for hogging CPU resources. If you ignore it, it could become a serious problem. It may result in insufficient CPU processing and memory space.
You’ve come to the proper place if you’re in this scenario. This post will look at the main causes of excessive CPU consumption and offer a few solutions to the problem. Let’s get this article started without wasting any more time.
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What Is The Purpose Of MsMpEng.exe Using So Much CPU?
MsMpEng.exe takes up a lot of CPU space due to a variety of factors. The Windows Defender programme operates continuously and protects the computer in real time.
It also does scheduled checks on all of the files on the PC. MsMpEng.exe puts a lot of burden on the CPU because of these frequent scans. Apart from that, it’s possible that the Windows Defender is searching its own folder.
Another factor for excessive CPU usage is a lack of hardware resources. MsMpEng.exe is a programme that removes viruses. As a result, this problem could be caused by adware or spyware concealed someplace on your computer.
High CPU utilisation can be caused by a variety of factors, including faulty system files, obsolete versions of Windows Defender, auto-scan, and software conflicts. Whatever the cause, there are only a few options for dealing with the situation.
Of course, you can disable Windows Defender and install a free or paid third-party anti-virus. However, before jumping to any conclusions, it is recommended that you try out the approaches described.
Method 1: Disable Directory Scanning In Windows
Step 1: Go to Settings, Update & Security, then Windows Security, or search for ‘Windows Security’ in your taskbar and open it.
Step 2: Select ‘Virus and threat protection’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Locate and select the Manage Settings option.
Step 4: Locate the Exclusions section and select ‘Add exclusion.’
Step 5: You’ll be given the choice of selecting folders. Select this location – c:Program Files – from the list. Windows Defender is a programme that protects your computer
The app’s directory will be placed in the exclusion folder, and Windows Defender will no longer scan it.
Method 2: Set A CPU Usage Limit
Step 1: Select ‘Task manager’ from the right-click menu on the taskbar. Alternatively, press the shortcut ctrl + alt + delete and pick ‘Task manager’ from the menu.
Step 2: Go to the ‘Details’ section of the task manager.
Step 3: Locate MsMpEng.exe by scrolling down. Then, with a right click, select ‘Set affinity.’
Step 4: If you receive a ‘access denied’ message, follow these steps. Select ‘Properties’ from the context menu of MsMpEng.exe. You’ll find the ‘Edit’ option under the ‘Security’ page. Simply press the button. Give the administrator complete control in the box below. Try setting affinity once more.
Step 5: Select the cores you want this service to use once the affinity box is open.
As a result, the MsMpEng.exe process’s power will be reduced, and the process’s CPU use will be reduced.
Method 3: Enable Safe Mode On Your Computer
For Microsoft Windows 10 –
Step 1: Go to the Settings menu.
Step 2: Open the ‘Recovery’ page under ‘Update and security.’
Step 3: Select ‘Restart Now’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: After your computer restarts, you’ll be presented with a screen that prompts you to select an option. Choose ‘Troubleshoot’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Select ‘Advanced settings’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 6: Select ‘Restart’ from the ‘Startup settings’ menu.
Step 7: Press the ‘F4’ key on your keyboard to restart your computer in safe mode.
For Microsoft Windows 7 –
Step 1: Restart your computer.
Step 2: Press ‘F8’ before you see the Windows logo.
Step 3: The Advanced Options menu in Windows will appear. Select ‘Safe Mode with Networking’ from the drop-down menu.
Method 4: Get Rid Of Adware
One of the most common causes of high CPU consumption is MsMpEng.exe. The Internet is a huge place filled with adware, spyware, and other diseases. They have the potential to affect your computer’s performance in any way. MsMpEng.exe could have been hacked by these malware.
Getting rid of adware from your computer is not tough. Get a good anti-virus or anti-adware programme and scan your computer. The scan takes only a few minutes and provides you with an overview of your computer’s current state. If there is any adware or malware, it will be removed automatically.
You can increase the efficiency of processes, reduce CPU load, and secure your computer this way. However, as a precaution, make a backup of your files. It’s impossible to predict when a powerful infection may harm your files.
Method 5: Windows Defender
Step 1: Type task scheduler into the search bar.
Step 2: Launch the application.
Step 3: Locate and choose ‘Windows defender’ from the task scheduler library.
Step 4: Look for Windows Defender scheduled scan in the right-hand box. It should be double-clicked.
Step 5: Select ‘Conditions’ from the next menu. Now you’ll notice that the options to start this task only when the computer is free, start this task only when the machine is on AC power, and start only when the following network connection is accessible are all deactivated.
Step 6: Make a backup of the changes you’ve made.
Step 7: In the properties tab, navigate to the ‘Triggers’ section.
Step 8: Select ‘New’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 9: Select a month and a date for the scan. If a month seems too long, you can choose weekly instead.
Step 10: When you’re finished, go back and repeat the process for the additional Windows Defender jobs.
This solution is a little time-consuming, but it has a good possibility of resolving the issue of high CPU consumption. The MsMpEng.exe process will not start because the defender will not scan.
As a result, the CPU will deliver a consistent performance. Though scanning on the planned day may put a strain on the CPU, it will be resolved in a reasonable amount of time.
Solution 6: Disable Windows Defender
This is exclusively for individuals who have Windows Pro or Enterprise. If you don’t have that, you can disable the defender with the next method.
Step 1: Hold down the Windows key and the R key at the same time.
Step 2: Go to the command prompt and type gpedit.msc.
Step 3: Locate ‘Computer configuration’ on the left side.
Step 4: Next, select ‘Administrative templates’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 5: Next, select ‘Windows components.’
Step 6: Last but not least, go to ‘Windows defender antivirus’.
Step 7: Select the ‘Turn off Windows Defender antivirus’ option and double-click it.
Step 8: Select ‘Enabled’ in the new window that appears, then hit Apply and OK.
With the help of a registry editor —
Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to bring up the Run dialogue box.
Step 2: Look for regedit on the internet.
Step 3: In the registry editor, navigate to this location –
Step 4: Double-click the DisableAntiSpyware Dword after that. Right-click and create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value folder if it isn’t already present. Open it and rename it to DisableAntiSpyware.
Step 5: Modify the value data to 1 and save it. After that, save your changes.
This is a sure-fire approach to kill MsMpEng.exe and relieve the CPU’s load. However, to secure your PC from attacks, you should install another anti-virus programme.
Method 7: Disable Suspension Of Samples
Typically, Windows will transmit the problems, along with any corrupted extensions or files, to Microsoft for investigation. This could be the cause of MsMpEng.exe’s high CPU consumption. So, try disabling it and see what happens.
Step 1: Go to the settings menu and select ‘Updates and security.’
Step 2: Select ‘Windows security’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 3: Select ‘Virus and Protection’ from the drop-down menu.
Step 4: Under the virus and threat protection settings, go to ‘Manage settings.’
Step 5: Go to ‘Automatic sample submission’ and toggle the on/off switch.
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Conclusion
When the app that safeguards your computer slows down, it feels like a betrayal. Windows Defender, on the other hand, is an excellent anti-virus application. On normal days, it shouldn’t cause you any issues.
However, if the CPU consumption is significant as a result of it, the methods listed above should assist. MsMpEng.exe isn’t a malicious programme. It plays a critical role in protecting your computer from various cyber-attacks.
You don’t have to get rid of it; instead, use the methods to stop it from working. If nothing else works, disable the defence and replace it with a new anti-virus.
Note: Never leave your computer unprotected with anti-virus software. Within minutes of using the internet, you’ll be bombarded with viral attacks.
