Step-by-Step Guide to Fix System Processes Using 100% GPU on Windows

Is your Windows computer running slowly? Does your GPU usage stay at 100% even when you're not running any demanding programs? This guide will help you identify and fix the problem.

Step 1: Check Your GPU Usage

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Click "More details" if you see a simple view.

Go to the "Performance" tab.

Look at the GPU usage. If it's consistently at or near 100%, continue with this guide.

Step 2: Identify the Problem Process

In Task Manager, go to the "Processes" tab.

Click on the "GPU" column to sort processes by GPU usage.

Look for any system processes (like System, Service Host, or Windows Explorer) using a lot of GPU.

Step 3: Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause high GPU usage. To update them:

Right-click on the Start button and select "Device Manager."

Expand "Display adapters."

Right-click on your graphics card and select "Update driver."

Choose "Search automatically for updated driver software."

If Windows doesn't find a new driver, visit your GPU manufacturer's website (NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel) to download the latest driver.

Step 4: Scan for Malware

Malware can disguise itself as system processes and use your GPU. Run a full system scan:

Open Windows Security (type "Windows Security" in the Start menu).

Go to "Virus & threat protection."

Click "Scan options."

Select "Full scan" and click "Scan now."

Step 5: Check for Windows Updates

Outdated Windows can cause various issues, including high GPU usage:

Open Settings (press Windows key + I).

Go to "Update & Security."

Click "Check for updates."

Install any available updates and restart your computer.

Step 6: Disable Visual Effects

Windows' visual effects can strain your GPU:

Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select "Properties."

Click "Advanced system settings."

In the "Performance" section, click "Settings."

Choose "Adjust for best performance" or manually uncheck effects you don't need.

Click "Apply" and "OK."

Step 7: Reset the Windows Desktop Window Manager

The Desktop Window Manager (dwm.exe) sometimes causes high GPU usage:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

Find "Windows Explorer" under the "Processes" tab.

Right-click it and select "Restart."

Step 8: Perform a Clean Boot

A clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs:

Type "msconfig" in the Start menu and open System Configuration.

Go to the "Services" tab.

Check "Hide all Microsoft services."

Click "Disable all."

Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager."

Disable all startup items.

Restart your computer.

If the problem goes away, re-enable services and startup items one by one to find the culprit.

Step 9: Reinstall Graphics Drivers

If updating didn't work, try a clean reinstall:

Download the latest drivers from your GPU manufacturer's website.

Uninstall your current graphics drivers from Control Panel.

Restart your computer.

Install the drivers you downloaded.

Step 10: Check for Hardware Issues

If you've tried everything and still have problems, your GPU might be failing:

Run a GPU stress test using software like FurMark.

Monitor temperatures using MSI Afterburner or GPU-Z.

If you see very high temperatures or artifacts, your GPU might need repair or replacement.

Remember, high GPU usage isn't always bad. If it happens only when running demanding programs, that's normal. But if system processes consistently use 100% GPU, follow these steps to fix the issue.