Blog

How to Fix Task Manager Showing Wrong CPU Usage in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Sometimes, the Task Manager in Windows 11 may show incorrect CPU usage. This can be confusing when you try to understand your computer’s performance. Fortunately, this issue is often easy to fix with a few simple steps.

In this article, we will guide you through clear and basic solutions to correct the CPU usage displayed in Task Manager. Each step is explained in detail to ensure you can follow along without prior technical knowledge.

By the end, you should have a more accurate view of your CPU activity and better control over your system’s performance monitoring.

Let’s begin by quickly checking some important prerequisites before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before trying to fix the Task Manager CPU reading, make sure of the following:

  • Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often fix bugs that cause issues like incorrect CPU readings.
  • Task Manager is running with normal permissions. Sometimes running it as administrator can help.
  • No third-party apps are interfering. Some performance monitoring tools can conflict with Task Manager.
  • Restart your PC. A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches.

Step 1: Restart Task Manager and Your Computer

Often, the Task Manager itself might glitch. Close the Task Manager completely and reopen it:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click on File in the top-left corner and select Exit to close it.
  3. Restart your computer to clear any temporary system issues.
  4. After restarting, open Task Manager again using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

This simple step refreshes Task Manager and your system, often fixing minor display problems.

Step 2: Update Windows 11

Outdated system files can cause Task Manager to show incorrect data. To update Windows:

  1. Click the Start button and select Settings (gear icon).
  2. Go to Windows Update on the left panel.
  3. Click Check for updates.
  4. If updates are available, download and install them.
  5. Restart your PC after installation completes.

Keeping Windows updated ensures you have the latest fixes and improvements that can resolve Task Manager issues.

Step 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

Corrupted system files might cause inaccurate CPU readings. The System File Checker scans and fixes these files.

  1. Press Windows + S and type cmd.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  3. In the command window, type the following and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

The scan may take several minutes. Once completed, it will automatically repair any corrupted files found.

Restart your computer and check Task Manager again for correct CPU usage.

Step 4: Disable Third-Party Performance Monitoring Tools

Some third-party apps can interfere with Task Manager’s readings. If you use apps like MSI Afterburner, CPU-Z, or custom performance widgets, try disabling them temporarily:

  1. Close any third-party monitoring software completely.
  2. Restart Task Manager and check if CPU usage readings improve.

If this fixes the issue, consider updating or uninstalling the conflicting software.

Step 5: Check for Malware or Virus Infection

Malware can cause abnormal system behavior, including incorrect CPU readings. Running a full virus scan is important:

  1. Open Windows Security by searching in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click Quick scan or Full scan for a deeper check.
  4. Follow the instructions to remove any threats found.

After cleaning your system, restart and check Task Manager again.

Step 6: Reset Performance Counters

Windows uses performance counters to track CPU and other metrics. Sometimes, these counters can become corrupted.

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator (see Step 3).
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
lodctr /R
winmgmt /resyncperf

These commands rebuild the performance counters and resynchronize the Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) service.

Restart your PC and check if Task Manager now shows accurate CPU usage.

Alternative Method: Use Resource Monitor for CPU Usage

If Task Manager still shows incorrect CPU usage, you can use the Resource Monitor for a detailed look:

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
  2. Type resmon and press Enter.
  3. Go to the CPU tab to see real-time CPU usage.

This tool sometimes provides a more reliable reading and can help identify which processes use the CPU.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does Task Manager show 100% CPU usage when my PC is idle?

This may be caused by a background process stuck in a loop, corrupted system files, or malware. Restart your PC and run a virus scan to fix this.

Can a virus cause wrong CPU usage readings?

Yes, some malware manipulates system metrics or overloads CPU resources, causing inaccurate Task Manager readings.

Is it safe to reset performance counters?

Yes, it is safe and often recommended if performance data seems inaccurate. It only resets the monitoring data, not your files.

Why is Resource Monitor more accurate than Task Manager sometimes?

Resource Monitor uses different system APIs and displays detailed information, which can be more precise for certain metrics.

Should I reinstall Windows if the problem persists?

Reinstalling Windows is a last resort. Try all troubleshooting steps first, as most issues can be fixed without reinstalling.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above methods and Task Manager still shows wrong CPU usage, consider these final options:

  • Run DISM Tool: Open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to repair Windows image files.
  • Create a new user account: Sometimes user profiles become corrupted.
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit Microsoft Support for official help.
  • Perform a clean install: Backup your data and reinstall Windows 11 if all else fails.

Conclusion

Incorrect CPU usage shown in Task Manager can be frustrating, but it’s usually fixable with simple troubleshooting. Start by restarting your PC and updating Windows. Then, scan for system file corruption and malware. Resetting performance counters often resolves deeper issues.

Using Resource Monitor is a good alternative when Task Manager fails. If all else fails, advanced tools like DISM or a clean Windows install may be necessary.

With these steps, you can regain accurate CPU monitoring and better understand how your Windows 11 PC is performing.

Leave a Reply