The Antimalware Service Executable or MsMpEng.exe, now known as Microsoft Defender antivirus, is a component of Windows secuirty and a default background process run by Windows. It protects your system from malware, viruses and other common security threats. But this service may sometimes slow down your system and can impact computers negatively by using too much CPU. It mostly happens during full system scans or when new updates are installed. This article will guide you about Antimalware Service Executable, why it uses CPU a lot and how to stop it from using too much CPU.
What is Antimalware Service Executable?
Is Antimalware Service Executable a virus? This is the most common question that users tackle. But no, Antimalware Service Executable is not a virus. It is typically a Windows security process which executes real-time protection against malware and other security threats. It runs in the background and performs regular scans of files and programs. It ensures that threats are proactively identified and treated. Due to its functions and running continuously in the background, it consumes a significant amount of CPU and disk resources which can negatively impact system performance.
Why does Antimalware Service Executable use a lot of CPU?
There are multiple reasons why Antimalware Service Executable utilises a lot of CPU and disk resources including the following:
- Real-time Protection: Antimalware Service Executable performs real-time scans for continuous protection. It consumes a lot of CPU and disk usage.
- Excessive Activity: Some files or programs may get scanned repeatedly throughout the day. This excessive activity consumes a lot of CPU usage.
- Full System Scans: When Antimalware Service Executable runs in the background, it regularly performs a full system scan for threat detection. It leads to excessive CPU and disk usage.
- Frequent Updates: Windows Defender checks for updates regularly and if there are frequent updates, Antimalware Service Executable checks, downloads and installs using spiked CPU usage.
- Software Issues: If there is any third-party security software installed in the system, it may interfere with Antimalware Service Executable and create conflicts. This software issue can cause high CPU and disk usage.
- Outdated Virus Definitions: If Antimalware Service Executable gets outdated, the system may find it difficult to process them. This results in high CPU and disk usage.
How to Stop Antimalware Service Executable from Using Too Much CPU?
There are certain methods that can be used to solve the issue of Antimalware Service Executable high CPU usage. These actions can also help in managing or stopping Antimalware Service Executable process and disk usage.
Method 1: Perform a Clean Boot
Performing a clean boot process can help in identifying if any background application or program is causing the issue of high CPU usage. Follow these steps to perform the clean boot:
- Open the Run Dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
- Type ‘msconfig’ and click enter and it will open System Configuration
- Navigate to ‘Services’ and check the box- ‘Hide all Microsoft services’
- Click on- ‘Disable all’
- Now, go to the ‘Startup’ tab and click on ‘Open Task Manager.’
- Disable all the startup programs. To do this, right-click on each program and select ‘Disable.’
- Now close the ‘Task Manager’ and navigate back to the System Configuration.
- Click on ‘Apply’ and then click on ‘Ok’
- Restart the system and see if the CPU usage has reduced.
- If it solves the problem, enable the services one by one to identify the program that actually has the issue.
Method 2: Adjust Windows Defender’s Scheduled Scan Time
The Antimalware Service Executable scheduled scans can also lead to high CPU usage. Adjust the schedule using these steps:
- Open the Run Dialog box by pressing the Windows key + R.
- Type ‘taskschd.msc’ and click enter. It will open the Task Scheduler.
- Navigate to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender.
- Look for ‘Windows Defender Scheduled Scan’ and double click it.
- Now under the ‘General’ tab, uncheck the option that says ‘Run with highest privileges’
- Go to the ‘Conditions’ tab and uncheck all options.
- Lastly, click on ‘OK’ to save the changes.
Method 3: Add Exclusions for High-Usage Files or Folders
Sometimes, Antimalware Service Executable scans its own folders and files which increases CPU and disk usage. To exclude this:
- Press ‘Windows key + S and search for ‘Windows Security’
- Under ‘Virus & threat protection’, click on ‘Virus & threat protection settings’
- Now under ‘Exclusions’, click on ‘Add or remove exclusions’
- From the dropdown options, click on ‘Process’.
- Now click on ‘’Add an exclusion’ and type ‘MsMpEng.exe’ and then click on ‘Add’.
Method 4: Disable Windows Defender Antivirus
This method is recommended when reliable third-party security software is installed on your system. Follow these steps to disable Antimalware Service Executable from running:
- Press ‘Windows key + S and search for ‘Windows Security’
- Under ‘Virus & threat protection’, click on ‘Virus & threat protection settings’ and then click on ‘Manage Settings’
- Now disable ‘Real-Time Protection’
Please note that disabling Windows Defender Antivirus can leave your system vulnerable to malware and cyber-attacks. Choose this option only when a strong and reliable third party antivirus program is running on your computer.
Final Thoughts
The Antimalware Service Executable or Microsoft Defender antivirus is a crucial security component of Windows but it can significantly impact the system and slow down its performance. As mentioned above, there are certain measures that can reduce the disk and CPU usage by Antimalware Service Executable. If the issue with system performance persists even after using all the methods, try resetting Windows Defender or consider shifting to a third-party antivirus. It is also advisable to partner with a managed service provider like Tristar Tech Solutions that can identify your operating system requirements and suggest appropriate measures to deal with malware and other security threats.
FAQ-
1. Is it OK to disable AntiMalware Service Executable?
AntiMalware Service Executable is a core process of Windows Defender (now called Microsoft Defender), responsible for real-time protection against malware. While it is possible to disable it, doing so leaves your system vulnerable to viruses and other threats.
If you notice high CPU usage, consider excluding certain files/folders from Defender scans rather than fully disabling it. If you prefer, you can use a third-party antivirus instead, which will automatically disable Windows Defender.
2. Why is Windows Defender taking up 100% CPU?
Windows Defender may use high CPU due to:
- Real-time protection scanning every new file/process
- Full system scans running in the background
- Conflict with third-party antivirus software
- Windows updates triggering re-scans
Fixes:
Limit CPU usage for Defender scans: Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
3. Is AntiMalware Service Executable better than traditional antivirus?
Windows Defender is built into Windows, lightweight, and free, providing solid protection against common threats. However:
- It lacks advanced security features found in premium antivirus software (e.g., behavior-based detection, anti-ransomware shields, VPNs).
- It may slow down PCs during scans, whereas third-party antiviruses often optimize performance.
- It provides good basic protection, but if you frequently download files from the internet or need extra security, a dedicated antivirus like Bitdefender, Norton, or Malwarebytes may be a better choice.
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