Antimalware service file is a part of Windows Security that runs in the background.
But sometimes, when an antimalware service executable uses too much CPU, it can hurt Windows 10 systems.
In this guide, I’ll explain what an antimalware service file is, why it uses so much CPU, and how you can make sure your Windows 10 computer doesn’t use too much CPU.
What is Antimalware Service Executable?
Antimalware service file is a Windows Security process that protects you from malware in real time.
Antimalware service application, which is also called msmpeng.exe, runs in the background so that it can scan files and programs from time to time.
When a virus or other harmful attack is found by an antimalware service executable, it deletes or puts it in a quarantine area.
How to Stop Antimalware Service Executable from using too Much CPU
Antimalware service file uses a lot of CPU because it runs all the time in the background.
It runs in the background and regularly checks programs and files for anything malicious. If it finds something, it takes the right steps.
Also, the antimalware service executable uses too much CPU because it checks its own folder, C: Program FilesWindows Defender.
So, one way to make an antimalware service file use less CPU is to stop it from scanning its own folder.
How to Stop Antimalware Service Executable from using too Much CPU
You can stop antimalware service executable from using too much CPU by rescheduling Windows Security scans and stopping it from checking its own folder.
Rescheduling scans won’t make them happen all the time, and real-time protection will stop working if the executable can’t check its own folder.
Solution 1: Prevent Antimalware Service Executable from Scanning its Own Folder
Step 1: Press the WIN key on your keyboard and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
Step 2: Click on “Update and Security” from the menu tiles.
Step 3: Select “Windows Security”, then click on “Virus and threat protection”.
Step 4: The Windows Security app will open up. Under “Virus & threat protection settings”, click on the link that says “Manage Settings”.
Step 5: Scroll down to “Exclusions” and select the “Add or remove exclusions” link.
Step 6: On the next page, click on “Add an exclusion”, then select “Folder”.
Step 7: Paste “C:\Program Files\Windows Defender ” into the editor and click on “Select Folder”.
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Step 8: Immediately after you click on “Select Folder”, a massive modal will appear – make sure you click “Yes”.
The folder selected will now be added to exclusions and will not be scanned.
Solution 2: Disable Realtime Protection and Reschedule Scans
Step 1: Press WIN + R (Windows key then the letter R) to open the Run Dialogue.
Step 2: Type “taskschd.msc” and click “OK”. This will open up the Task Scheduler app.
Step 3: Expand the “Task Scheduler tab”, “Microsoft”, and “Windows”.
Step 4: Scroll down and select “Windows Defender”.
Step 5: Right-click on “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan” and select “Properties”.
Step 6: Uncheck “Run with highest privileges” in the general tab.
Step 7: Go to the Conditions tab and uncheck everything there.
Step 8: Switch to the Triggers tab and click “New”.
Step 9: Schedule the time you want Windows Defender to run scans. Choose the frequency, date, and time, then click “OK”. Click “OK” again.
Step 10: Restart your computer. With this, the antimalware service executable should not eat up too many CPUs again
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Final Thoughts
The security that the antimalware service executable provides is without a doubt important. This defense stops malware attacks, so you can use your Windows 10 computer with peace of mind.
If you try the two methods in this piece to make antimalware service executable use less CPU and nothing seems to change, you might want to try turning off Windows Security for good.
But make sure you get another antivirus program so that attacks won’t be able to hurt your machine.
