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How to Fix High CPU Usage in CSGO on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Playing CSGO on Windows 11 is a lot of fun, but high CPU usage can make your gameplay laggy and frustrating. If you notice your computer slowing down or heating up when playing, it might be due to excessive CPU usage. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to fix this issue.

This guide will walk you through simple steps to reduce CPU load while playing CSGO. You don’t need to be tech-savvy to follow these instructions.

By the end, you’ll understand why your CPU works so hard and how to optimize your system for smoother gaming. Let’s get started!

These fixes are suitable for most Windows 11 users and will improve your overall gaming experience.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is fully updated. System updates often include important performance improvements.
  • Check that your CSGO game is updated to the latest version via Steam.
  • Close all unnecessary background programs before playing. Running many apps can increase CPU load.
  • Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for CSGO.

Step 1: Adjust In-Game Settings

One of the simplest ways to reduce CPU usage is by changing your game settings. High graphics or performance settings can heavily tax your CPU.

  1. Open CSGO and go to Settings.
  2. Navigate to the Video Settings tab.
  3. Lower the Resolution to a level your CPU can handle comfortably.
  4. Set Texture Detail, Shadow Quality, and Effect Detail to Low or Medium.
  5. Disable any unnecessary effects like Anti-Aliasing or Motion Blur.

These changes reduce the workload on your CPU and can help improve frame rates and reduce overheating.

Step 2: Set CSGO Priority in Task Manager

Sometimes Windows may not prioritize the game properly. You can manually set CSGO to a higher priority so it gets better CPU attention.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Details tab and find csgo.exe in the list.
  3. Right-click on csgo.exe, hover over Set priority, and choose Above normal.
  4. Confirm any prompts that appear.

This doesn’t increase CPU usage but helps Windows allocate resources better for the game.

Step 3: Disable Windows Game Mode and Background Apps

Windows Game Mode is designed to improve gaming but can sometimes cause issues, including high CPU usage.

  1. Click the Start button and open Settings.
  2. Go to Gaming > Game Mode.
  3. Turn off the toggle for Game Mode.
  4. Next, go to Privacy > Background apps and disable apps you don’t need running while gaming.

Disabling unnecessary background processes lets your CPU focus on running CSGO smoothly.

Step 4: Update or Reinstall Graphics Drivers

Outdated or faulty graphics drivers can cause your CPU to work harder than needed. Keeping drivers updated ensures better compatibility and performance.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Display adapters section.
  3. Right-click your graphics card and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

If updating doesn’t help, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) and download the latest driver manually.

Step 5: Limit CPU Usage via Launch Options (Advanced)

This method is more advanced but can help if CSGO uses too many CPU cores inefficiently.

  1. Open Steam and go to your Library.
  2. Right-click CSGO and select Properties.
  3. In the General tab, click Set Launch Options.
  4. Enter the following command to limit CPU cores (example: use 4 cores):
-threads 4

Adjust the number depending on your CPU cores. This tells the game how many threads to use, which can reduce CPU strain.

Step 6: Scan for Malware and Optimize System

Malware or unnecessary startup programs can increase CPU usage without you noticing.

  • Run a full system scan with Windows Defender or any reputable antivirus.
  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  • Go to the Startup tab and disable programs that you don’t need to start with Windows.

Reducing startup apps frees CPU resources for gaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does CSGO use so much CPU?

CSGO is a CPU-intensive game because it requires real-time calculations for game physics, player movements, and AI. If your CPU is older or overloaded, it may struggle to keep up.

Is high CPU usage normal during gaming?

Yes, some CPU usage is normal. However, very high usage (near 100%) can cause lag and overheating, indicating a problem.

Can overheating cause high CPU usage?

Yes, if your CPU overheats, it can throttle performance, causing high CPU usage spikes and poor game performance.

Should I upgrade my CPU if problems continue?

If your CPU consistently maxes out during gaming, upgrading to a more powerful processor may be the best long-term solution.

Does running CSGO on SSD improve CPU usage?

Running on an SSD improves load times but doesn’t directly reduce CPU usage. However, faster data access can improve overall performance.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still face high CPU usage while playing CSGO, consider the following:

  • Reinstall CSGO: Sometimes game files can become corrupted, causing performance issues.
  • Check for Windows updates: Beta or pending updates can cause system instability.
  • Use official support: Visit the Steam Support or Valve’s official forums for help.
  • Consider hardware upgrades: If your CPU is outdated, upgrading RAM or CPU can help.

Conclusion

High CPU usage in CSGO on Windows 11 can disrupt your gaming experience, but it’s often fixable with simple tweaks. Start by adjusting your in-game settings and prioritizing the game process. Disable unnecessary background apps and keep your drivers updated to maintain smooth performance.

For advanced users, limiting CPU threads and scanning for malware can further reduce CPU load. If problems persist, don’t hesitate to seek official help or consider hardware upgrades.

By following these easy steps, you can enjoy CSGO with better performance and less frustration.

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