For everyone who has suffered through the Antimalware Service Executable Process taking up a high CPU usage on Windows 10, you are not alone within the lot.
Several Windows 10 users have reported the same problem. Bear in mind that you don’t need any technician or computer specialist to fix the Error.
In fact, the sole idea behind this article is to make you aware of the different tips and tricks that you can use to fix the Antimalware Service Executable Process.
What Exactly is Antimalware Service Executable?
The majority of us are well versed with Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus software for Windows 10.
Within Windows Defender, one of the background running software is Antimalware Service Executable.
One can actually find the same, named MsMpEng.exe, in the file manager. This can also be found in the details tab of Task Manager.
The purpose of Antimalware Service Executable is to constantly check for malware and spyware when you are trying to access any certain file type.
It can easily detect any file that has malicious intent in them. The process can also run in the background of your operating system.
But, one of the biggest downsides to the application is that it heavily relies upon your computer’s CPU to execute the process.
This is one of the reasons, the CPU usage of your computer drastically increases when the process is running in the background.
Down below is a list of some of the ways in which the problem can be fixed:
Changing Windows Defender’s Scheduling Options
The high memory usage that the majority of the users experience from Antimalware Service Executable is during the time of a full scan.
One of the most common ways around the same is to schedule the scan during the time when you are less likely to use your computer.
So, in order to schedule your scan, make sure to follow the steps down below:
- Open the start menu and look for “Task Scheduler” and click on the first result you can find.
- Look for the navigation pane on the left side and double-click on the “Task Scheduler Library.” Continue to expand the folders until you find the following destination:
Library/Microsoft/Windows/Windows Defender
- After opening the Windows Defender Folder, makes sure to double-click on the “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan” option that you can find in the middle pane.
- After clicking on the conditions tab, uncheck all the options, and hit OK. This process will help you to clear all the scheduled scans within the Defender.
- But, in order to protect your computer, it is very important to schedule new scans. But this time, it shall be done in such a way that it won’t create a hindrance to your workflow. Once again, double-click on the Windows Defender Scheduled Scan, look for the “Triggers” tab, and add new.
- While creating the new scan schedule, make sure to select a time that suits your preference.
- Once you are done with the process, you can also repeat the same process for the other three services, namely; Windows Defender Cache Maintenance, Windows Defender Verification, and Windows Defender Cleanup. You can find all three of them in the same folder mentioned above.
Add Antimalware Service Executable in Windows Defender’s Exclusion List
One would be surprised to know that during each scan, Windows Defender checks every single file within the system.
That means, including itself where it can run into an eternal loop.
So, in order to restrict the process from happening, make sure to add the problem to Windows Defender’s exclusion list.
It can be done using the following processes:
- Press CTRL + SHIFT + ESC keys at the same time to open the Windows Task Manager
- Within all the list of processes that are available within the list, look for Antimalware Service Executable and open its file location
- Within the address bar, you will be able to find the complete path of the Antimalware Service Executable. Copy the same for later use
- Head over to the start menu and search for “Windows Defender.” Click on the very first result which will open Windows Defender Security Center
- Within the Virus and Threat Protection section, click on the settings menu
- This will lead you to the “Exclusions” tab. Click on “Add and Remove Exclusion.” Within the same, select add exclusions and paste the folder path you had copied earlier. This will add Antimalware Service Executable to the exclusion list
Disabling Windows Defender
While disabling Windows Defender may not be the best option, but if the prior two fixes don’t solve the problem, consider the same as the last resort.
Bear in mind that disabling your Windows Defender means you are leaving your computer prone to virus attacks.
So, make sure to install another anti-malware software. To disable your Windows Defender, go through the steps down below:
- Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialogue box
- Type regedit and hit enter. This will open the registry editor
- Within the navigation panel, double-click on the folders and navigate to
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender
- After you find the registry entry named as DisableAntiSpyware, make sure to set its value to 1 from 0.
Check for Malware Infestations
Sometimes the problem is never with Windows Defender all alone but with any malware or virus infestation that disrupts your computer’s entire performance.
So, the first and foremost question might arise, why Windows Defender couldn’t detect the virus?
And the answer to the question is that there are several viruses that you bypass Windows Defender.
So, under such circumstances, it is fairly important to look for other alternatives and mainstream anti-malware software that can provide you with extra security. Checking your computer for malware infestation can help you to solve the issue.
Is Your System Still Running Low?
Chances are even after trying out all the methods mentioned above; you find your system having a hard time managing the CPU.
Under such circumstances, make sure that you have all of your drivers updated. There are two different ways in which you can update your computer driver.
- Manual Driver Update: Make sure to head over to the official page of your device manufacturer and look for the recent drivers available for your hardware.
- Automatic Driver Update: You can also take assistance from Windows 10’s built-in feature, where it lets you update your driver manually.
Last but not least, if nothing works out, make sure to give your Windows a fresh install, and continue with all the steps mentioned above. Once you get everything right, you are always good to go.
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