In this tutorial, we will learn how to Fix “Antimalware Service Executable” High CPU Usage in Windows PC (2023)
Antimalware Service Executable is a crucial element of Microsoft Defender which provides the system’s ultimate safeguard from virus and malware attacks.
A severe component of Microsoft Defender runs in the background of Microsoft Defender. You can locate the file of this executable app as MsMpEng.exe.
Everything about the new generation Microsoft Defender and its component are good until it chews all CPU power. Here’s a look at what is Antimalware Service Executable and why it is running on a high CPU.
What is Antimalware Service Executable and How Does it Work
In 2006, Microsoft Defender first came out as antivirus software for Windows 7 and other editions. Formerly it is also known as Windows Defender in Windows 10. Therefore, it becomes a ritual to provide this antivirus app in every edition of Windows to defend your system from viruses and malware as today’s Microsoft Defender.
There is no way left by Microsoft to make an excuse for the matter of security. Even if you are deactivated Windows Defender, the system will ensure activation. Moreover, the adaptability of Microsoft Defender with Windows 11 is simply remarkable.
All thanks to Antimalware Service Executable, which runs behind the Microsoft defender that solely works to protect the system from unwanted threats.
The key role of the Antimalware Service Executable is installing antivirus definition updates to scan for unsafe files and software. To summarize, Antimalware Service Executable is part of Microsoft defender and plays a centric role in monitoring threats and vulnerable security hazards.
You can see its progress in Task Manager. It is situated as Antimalware Service Executable in the processes tab and MsMpEng.exe is the name in the details tab.
If you want to check the status of current threats and virus protection status on Microsoft Defender. Here you need to follow this path:
- Press Windows > Settings > Privacy and Security.
- Then click on Windows Security.
- Now Open Windows Security.
- Here you will get Virus & Threats Protection.
Why Does It Take High CPU Usage
It is as simple as calculating two plus two. It scans all your files and software in the background to monitor any suspicious malware or virus threats.
However, it does not scan only your files and software but also its files. Therefore, it eats up all CPU to provide comprehensive details. When it runs on a high CPU, you may face apps crash, lags, hang, and other issues.
In this contrast, it is perfectly fine to take CPU or another resource to provide a complete virus scanning. Inconveniently, you can’t use your system when all CPU energy goes into Microsoft Defender. One of the best practices is scheduling the scanning process to accomplish everything systematically.
Is It Possible to Disable Antimalware Service Executable?
An antivirus tool is always good for us and the system, especially a powerful free tool like Microsoft Defender. Even though it sucks all CPU power at a time, it is important to keep it until you haven’t opted for other antivirus tools.
There is no way to disable it permanently. Yes, you can give some rest for sometimes to it. Microsoft Defender is very smart and has to be in reality to protect the system.
Even if you turn it off, after a while, Microsoft Defender will kick off its usual rhythm if it is unable able find any other antivirus tools installed on your system.
However, the misconception around its disable has a hype on the internet; you can’t disable it, and even stopping for a while won’t help, as I stated before. The only way to get rid of it is to install other antivirus tools.
When you use other antivirus apps apart from Microsoft Defender. Microsoft Defender will automatically stop its service. The system will show you this “You’re using other antivirus providers” under Windows security.
If you are considering using Microsoft Defender along with a third-party antivirus tool, Windows still allows us to do. Just enable its periodic scanning toggle whenever you think you might need it to scan. Technically, you will get another layer of security.
Microsoft Defender is a precious tool to have on the system. As it has grown stronger and more powerful. It may consume CPU and other resources, but always worth keeping it.
Should I Stop Antimalware Service Executable
As long as security is concerned, I recommend you not stop its service. Because over the years, Windows Defender remarkably enhanced its capability and proficiency to protect your system.
Moreover, it comes with the operating mechanism itself. Another big talking point is that you get this powerful tool for free. Unless you switch to other third-party software, you should rely on it.
summarize
Here are some steps you can take to fix the issue:
- Update Windows: Make sure your Windows operating system is up-to-date with the latest updates and patches. Microsoft regularly releases updates that fix bugs and issues, including issues with Windows Defender.
- Perform a virus scan: Run a full virus scan using Windows Defender to ensure that there are no malware or viruses on your computer. If Windows Defender finds any threats, it will remove them automatically.
- Exclude Windows Defender from scanning specific folders: If you have any large files or folders that you frequently use, you can exclude them from Windows Defender scans to reduce the workload of the Antimalware Service Executable. To do this, open Windows Security from the Start menu, click on “Virus & threat protection”, and then click on “Manage settings” under “Virus & threat protection settings”. Scroll down to the “Exclusions” section, and click on “Add or remove exclusions”. Then, click on “Add an exclusion” and select the file or folder you want to exclude.
- Disable Windows Defender: If none of the above steps work, you can temporarily disable Windows Defender to see if it resolves the issue. However, it’s important to note that disabling Windows Defender can leave your computer vulnerable to malware and viruses. To disable Windows Defender, open Windows Security from the Start menu, click on “Virus & threat protection”, and then click on “Manage settings” under “Virus & threat protection settings”. Toggle off the “Real-time protection” option.
- Use a third-party antivirus software: If the issue persists, you may want to consider using a third-party antivirus software instead of Windows Defender. There are many reputable antivirus software options available, such as Avast, Norton, and McAfee, that can provide comprehensive protection for your computer.
Conclusion
I think you have got fair information about what is antimalware service executable and why it is running on a high CPU. We cover all the popular queries related to it. Still have a question on your mind, don’t hesitate to ask in the comment.
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