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

High CPU usage in Safe Mode on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you expect the system to run smoothly with minimal processes. Safe Mode is designed to help troubleshoot issues by running only essential programs. However, sometimes CPU usage can still spike, causing slow performance.

This guide will walk you through simple and detailed steps to identify and fix high CPU usage while in Safe Mode. No advanced knowledge is required, and each step is explained clearly.

By following this guide, you can restore your system’s responsiveness and make Safe Mode work as intended. Let’s get started with some quick checks before diving into fixes.

Understanding why Safe Mode might show high CPU usage helps you avoid further problems and maintain your PC’s health.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

Before making changes, it’s important to ensure a few things are in place:

  • Confirm you’re actually in Safe Mode: Sometimes users think they are in Safe Mode but are not. To check, press Win + R, type msinfo32, and look for “Safe Mode” under System Summary.
  • Close unnecessary apps: Even in Safe Mode, some apps might run in the background. Close anything you don’t need.
  • Have your Windows updated: Sometimes updates fix bugs causing high CPU usage.
  • Backup important data: It’s always safe to backup before making system changes.

Step 1: Check Task Manager for CPU Usage Details

The first step is to identify which process is causing the high CPU usage. This helps target the problem correctly.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Click the Processes tab.
  3. Click on the CPU column header to sort processes by CPU usage.
  4. Look for any process that is using a large percentage of CPU.

If you see a particular program or service using too much CPU, note its name. This information will guide you in the next steps.

Step 2: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Even in Safe Mode, some startup programs can run and cause high CPU usage. Disabling them can reduce CPU load.

  1. In Task Manager, go to the Startup tab.
  2. Review the list of programs enabled at startup.
  3. Right-click on any program you don’t need and select Disable.
  4. Restart your computer to enter Safe Mode again and check CPU usage.

This step is important because fewer programs running means less CPU work.

Step 3: Run a Full Virus and Malware Scan

Malware can cause high CPU usage by running hidden processes. Even Safe Mode can be affected.

  1. Open Windows Security by searching in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click Scan options.
  4. Select Full scan and click Scan now.

Running this scan ensures that no harmful applications are causing CPU spikes.

Step 4: Update or Roll Back Device Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers can cause high CPU usage, even in Safe Mode.

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark, indicating issues.
  3. Right-click on the device and select Update driver.
  4. Follow the instructions to search automatically for updates.
  5. If a recent driver update caused the issue, right-click the device and choose Properties > Driver tab > Roll Back Driver.

Keeping drivers updated or rolling back faulty ones can solve CPU-related problems.

Step 5: Check Windows Services and Disable Unnecessary Ones

Some Windows services might be running unnecessarily in Safe Mode, consuming CPU resources.

  1. Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
  2. Look for services that are not critical but are running.
  3. Right-click on the service and select Properties.
  4. Change the Startup type to Manual or Disabled if you are sure it’s not essential.
  5. Click Stop to halt the service immediately.

Be cautious here; do not disable essential Windows services like Windows Update or Security Center.

Step 6: Perform a System File Check (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can cause abnormal CPU usage. The SFC scan repairs these files.

  1. Press Win + S, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the command window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  3. Wait for the scan to complete. It will automatically fix detected issues.
  4. Restart your PC and check CPU usage again.

This helps ensure system stability and better performance.

Alternative Advanced Method: Use Resource Monitor

If Task Manager doesn’t give enough detail, Resource Monitor provides deeper insight.

  1. Press Win + R, type resmon, and press Enter.
  2. Go to the CPU tab.
  3. Look at the Processes and Services sections to identify high CPU consumers.
  4. Use this data to pinpoint specific problems beyond what Task Manager shows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why is CPU usage high even in Safe Mode?

Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, but if a system file is corrupted, malware is present, or a driver is faulty, CPU usage can spike.

Can malware run in Safe Mode?

Yes, some malware can run even in Safe Mode. That’s why running a full virus scan is important.

Is it safe to disable Windows services?

Disabling non-essential services can help reduce CPU usage, but be careful not to disable critical system services which may cause instability.

How long does the SFC scan take?

The System File Check scan usually takes 10-20 minutes depending on system speed.

What if I can’t open Task Manager or Command Prompt?

Try restarting your computer normally and then boot into Safe Mode again. If issues persist, consider using Windows Recovery options.

When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options

If none of the above steps reduce high CPU usage in Safe Mode, consider these options:

  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous point when things worked well. Search for “Create a restore point” and use System Restore.
  • Reset Windows 11: Use the “Reset this PC” feature to reinstall Windows while keeping your files.
  • Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support website for help and advanced troubleshooting.

These steps are more drastic and should be used only if basic troubleshooting fails.

Conclusion

High CPU usage in Safe Mode on Windows 11 can be caused by various issues such as unnecessary startup programs, malware, faulty drivers, or corrupted system files. By carefully checking Task Manager, disabling unnecessary programs and services, running virus scans, updating drivers, and performing system file checks, you can resolve most CPU usage problems.

Remember to proceed step-by-step, starting with the simplest solutions and moving to more advanced fixes. If all else fails, consider system restore or reset options to bring your PC back to normal.

With patience and the right approach, you can make Safe Mode function properly and diagnose deeper issues on your Windows 11 computer.

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