How to Fix Battlefield 1 High CPU Usage on Windows 11: Effective Steps to Solve i5 Performance Issues

Battlefield 1 is a popular game enjoyed by many, but some Windows 11 users with Intel i5 processors have reported high CPU usage while playing. This can cause performance issues, such as stuttering and slow gameplay. Fortunately, there are several effective steps to address this problem.

High CPU usage means your processor is working harder than it should, which can lead to overheating and reduced game performance. Fixing this involves optimizing both your system settings and game configuration.

This guide will help you understand and solve high CPU usage issues in Battlefield 1 on Windows 11, especially if you have an i5 CPU. Each step is explained clearly to ensure you can follow along easily.

By following these instructions, you will improve your gaming experience and reduce unnecessary strain on your computer.

Quick Note: Before You Start

Make sure your Windows 11 is fully updated. Updates often include important performance fixes.
Check that your graphics and CPU drivers are the latest versions from the manufacturer’s website.
Close unnecessary background programs before launching Battlefield 1 to free up CPU resources.
Ensure your PC meets the minimum system requirements for Battlefield 1 to avoid hardware bottlenecks.

Step 1: Adjust In-Game Settings

Lowering some game settings can significantly reduce CPU load.

Reduce Graphics Quality: Set texture quality, shadows, and effects to medium or low. This reduces the amount of processing needed.
Disable V-Sync: Turning off vertical sync can reduce CPU strain, although it may cause screen tearing.
Limit Frame Rate: Cap the frame rate to 60 FPS or use the “Adaptive” setting to prevent the CPU from working unnecessarily hard.

These changes help balance the load between your CPU and GPU, preventing the CPU from becoming a bottleneck.

Step 2: Optimize Windows Power Settings

Windows 11 power options can affect CPU performance. Using the correct power plan ensures your processor runs efficiently during gaming.

Open Settings > System > Power & battery.
Click on Power mode and select Best performance or Ultimate performance if available.
This setting prevents Windows from throttling CPU speed to save energy, which can cause high CPU usage spikes during gaming.

Step 3: Update CPU and GPU Drivers

Outdated drivers can cause inefficient hardware use, leading to high CPU usage.

Visit Intel’s official website to download the latest drivers for your i5 processor.
Go to your GPU manufacturer’s site (NVIDIA or AMD) and install the newest graphics drivers.
Restart your PC after installing updates to apply changes.

Keeping drivers up-to-date ensures compatibility and optimal performance for games like Battlefield 1.

Step 4: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Some programs run in the background and consume CPU resources without your knowledge.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
Go to the Startup tab and disable programs that you don’t need immediately after booting.
This frees CPU cycles for Battlefield 1 and other essential processes.

Step 5: Use Game Mode and GPU Scheduling

Windows 11 includes features designed to improve gaming performance.

Enable Game Mode: Go to Settings > Gaming > Game Mode and turn it on. This prioritizes gaming resources.
Enable Hardware-accelerated GPU scheduling: Navigate to Settings > System > Display > Graphics settings and turn on this option if your GPU supports it.

These features help reduce CPU load by offloading some tasks to the GPU.

Step 6: Monitor CPU Usage and Temperatures

It’s important to ensure your CPU is not overheating or being overused by other applications.

Use tools like Task Manager or third-party apps like HWMonitor to check CPU usage while playing.
If temperatures are too high (usually over 80°C), consider cleaning your PC or improving cooling.

Overheating can cause the CPU to throttle, which ironically increases CPU load and reduces performance.

Alternative Method: Adjust CPU Affinity

Sometimes Battlefield 1 may not use all CPU cores efficiently. You can manually set CPU affinity to improve performance:

Open Task Manager while Battlefield 1 is running.
Find the Battlefield 1 process under the Details tab.
Right-click it, select Set affinity, and ensure all CPU cores are selected.

This allows the game to access multiple cores, reducing excessive load on any single core.

FAQs

Why is Battlefield 1 using so much CPU on my i5?

Battlefield 1 is a demanding game that requires balancing CPU and GPU. High CPU usage may occur due to outdated drivers, background programs, or high in-game settings.

Will upgrading my CPU fix high usage?

Upgrading can help, but optimizing settings and system performance often resolves the issue without hardware changes.

Is it safe to disable startup programs?

Yes, as long as you don’t disable essential programs like antivirus or system utilities, disabling unnecessary startup apps is safe and recommended.

Can overheating cause high CPU usage?

Yes, when a CPU overheats, it throttles performance and may show higher usage as it struggles to maintain speed.

Should I use third-party software to limit CPU usage?

Generally, it’s best to fix the root cause rather than limit CPU usage artificially, which might cause instability or poor performance.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still experience high CPU usage, consider the following:

Verify the integrity of Battlefield 1 game files through your game launcher (Origin or Steam).
Reinstall Battlefield 1 to fix any corrupted files.
Contact EA Support or visit official Battlefield forums for specialized help.
Consider upgrading hardware if your i5 CPU is an older generation or below recommended specs.

Conclusion

High CPU usage in Battlefield 1 on Windows 11 with an i5 processor can be frustrating but is often fixable. By adjusting game settings, updating drivers, optimizing Windows power plans, and managing background processes, you can reduce CPU load and enjoy smoother gameplay.

Remember to monitor your system’s temperature and usage regularly to avoid future issues. Following these detailed, easy-to-understand steps will help you get the most out of Battlefield 1 without unnecessary CPU strain.