How to Fix High CPU Usage Caused by Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows 11

Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool (MSRT) is a helpful utility that scans your computer for malware and removes harmful software. Sometimes, it can cause high CPU usage on Windows 11, slowing down your system. This article will guide you through simple and effective steps to fix this issue.

High CPU usage by MSRT usually happens when the tool is running a scan in the background. While scanning is important for system safety, it can affect performance if it takes too much processing power.

By following the instructions below, you can reduce the CPU load caused by MSRT and keep your computer running smoothly. The steps start from easy checks and move toward more advanced solutions.

Let’s begin with some quick notes before diving into the troubleshooting steps.

Quick Note

Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often include fixes that improve system performance.
Check if any other antivirus or malware tools are running simultaneously; multiple scans can increase CPU usage.
Remember that MSRT usually runs automatically once a month during Windows Update maintenance.
If your PC is busy with other heavy tasks, MSRT’s scan might slow your system temporarily.

Step 1: Check for Windows Updates

Keeping Windows updated is important because updates can improve the performance of MSRT and fix known bugs.

Click on the Start button and select Settings.
Go to Windows Update on the left menu.
Click Check for updates. If updates are available, download and install them.
Restart your computer if prompted.

After updating, observe if the CPU usage caused by MSRT decreases.

Step 2: Wait for the Scan to Complete

MSRT runs scans in the background to detect and remove malicious software. Sometimes, it may take some time to finish.

If you notice high CPU usage, it’s often best to let the scan complete. Interrupting it may leave your PC vulnerable.

You can check if MSRT is still running by opening Task Manager:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Look for Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool under the Processes tab.
If it’s using a lot of CPU, let it run until it finishes.

Step 3: Manually Run MSRT at a Convenient Time

If MSRT’s automatic scan happens during your active hours, you can run it manually when your PC is idle.

Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
Type mrt and press Enter.
The Malicious Software Removal Tool window will open. Click Next.
Select Full scan for a thorough check, then click Next.
Wait for the scan to complete when you don’t need to use your computer intensively.

This helps avoid high CPU usage during your working hours.

Step 4: Disable MSRT Scheduled Task Temporarily

If MSRT continues to cause high CPU usage and you need immediate relief, you can temporarily disable its scheduled scan. However, do this only if you plan to run scans manually later.

Press Windows + R, type taskschd.msc, and press Enter to open Task Scheduler.
In the left pane, navigate to: Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > RemovalTools.
Find the task named Schedule Scan.
Right-click on it and select Disable.

Disabling the scheduled scan stops MSRT from running automatically, which can reduce CPU usage. Remember to re-enable it later to keep your system protected.

Step 5: Scan for Malware with a Third-Party Antivirus

If MSRT keeps running scans repeatedly, it could be due to persistent malware triggering scans.

Using a trusted third-party antivirus tool can help detect and clean infections that MSRT might miss.

Make sure to:

Download antivirus software from a reputable source.
Update its virus definitions before scanning.
Run a full system scan.
Follow the antivirus instructions to remove any detected threats.

Alternative Method: Use System Configuration to Limit MSRT CPU Usage

For advanced users, you can limit the CPU priority of MSRT to reduce its impact.

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Find Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool under the Details tab.
Right-click on mrt.exe and select Set priority.
Choose Below normal or Low.

This tells Windows to give other programs more CPU time, reducing the impact of the MSRT scan.

FAQs

Why is MSRT using so much CPU?

MSRT runs intensive scans to detect malware, which can temporarily increase CPU usage. This is normal during scanning but should reduce once the scan completes.

Can I disable MSRT permanently?

It is not recommended to disable MSRT permanently because it helps keep your PC safe. You can disable scheduled scans temporarily but remember to run scans manually.

How often does MSRT run scans?

MSRT typically runs once a month automatically, usually after Windows Update installs new updates.

Is high CPU usage by MSRT a sign of malware?

Not always. High CPU usage can be normal during scans. However, if scans run repeatedly or never finish, it could indicate malware presence.

Can updating Windows fix MSRT high CPU usage?

Yes, updates often include performance improvements and bug fixes that can reduce MSRT’s CPU usage.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and MSRT still causes high CPU usage, consider these final options:

Run the built-in Windows Security full scan for additional malware checks.
Use the System File Checker tool to repair corrupted system files by running sfc /scannow in Command Prompt as Administrator.
Visit the official Microsoft support page for MSRT: Microsoft Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Consider resetting or reinstalling Windows 11 as a last resort if your system is severely affected.

Conclusion

High CPU usage caused by the Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool on Windows 11 is usually temporary and related to background scans. By keeping your system updated, running scans at convenient times, and managing scheduled tasks, you can minimize the impact on your PC’s performance.

Remember that MSRT is an important security tool, so avoid disabling it permanently unless necessary. If issues persist, using additional antivirus software or seeking professional support may be required.

Following these simple and detailed steps will help you fix or reduce high CPU usage and keep your Windows 11 system both safe and fast.