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Resolved Question

How to stop msmpeng in showing high cpu usage in taskmanager

Jul 3, 2016 10:35AM PDT

I can see this process with huge cpu usage and my system is slowing down like hell.

Discussion is locked

Rajni Bhardwaj has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer

Best Answer

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try them all
Jul 3, 2016 10:38AM PDT

While running a scan, it will use most of your hardware resources. Msmpeng.exe is windows defender program, if you see this while running a scan, then it is completely okay, but randomly it starts slowing down your system you can try restricting Windows Defender from scanning its directory or use alternative antivirus to check if you are hit by any malware. see this article on msmpeng.exe

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thanks for quick answer
Jul 3, 2016 10:42AM PDT

I tried excluding that directory and now scanning is using only 30-40% hope it will get back to normal after scan.

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Answer
I would not do this.
Jul 3, 2016 10:39AM PDT
https://www.google.com/search?q=How+to+stop+msmpeng finds it's the MS antimalware and there are priors on how to do this but to me it means something is off with the host PC.

Just last week I had a high CPU use desktop and it was a dying HDD. All good now.
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A scenario that can cause high CPU and more importantly
Jul 3, 2016 10:48AM PDT

High disk use which has a bigger impact on user experience.

If you are a movie collector, those many gigabyte files tend to get the scan to go into high gear and soak the i/o channels. I see someone noted excluding folders but I want to share a little why about it.

Here I see that on the first use. It finishes and then we are back to normal unless it's as in my first reply.