DaVinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software favored by many professionals and hobbyists alike. However, some Windows 11 users notice their CPU usage spikes significantly while running the program. High CPU usage can slow down your computer and affect editing performance.
Understanding how to manage and reduce DaVinci Resolve’s CPU load can help improve your overall experience. This guide will walk you through simple steps to fix high CPU usage issues on Windows 11.
Each step is designed to be easy to follow, even if you are new to video editing or computer troubleshooting. Let’s get started and make your system run smoother with DaVinci Resolve.
By the end of this article, you’ll have practical solutions to optimize your CPU performance and enjoy editing without interruptions.
Quick Note: Before You Begin
Before diving into fixes, make sure of the following:
- Your Windows 11 is fully updated. Updates can fix bugs and improve system stability.
- DaVinci Resolve is updated to the latest version. New releases often include performance improvements.
- Your PC meets the minimum system requirements for DaVinci Resolve, especially CPU and RAM.
- Close other heavy applications running in the background to give Resolve more resources.
Step 1: Adjust DaVinci Resolve’s Performance Settings
DaVinci Resolve has built-in settings that affect how it uses system resources. Tweaking these can reduce CPU usage.
- Open DaVinci Resolve.
- Click on “DaVinci Resolve” in the top menu, then select “Preferences”.
- Go to the “Memory and GPU” tab.
- Under “GPU Processing Mode”, make sure your dedicated GPU is selected (if available) instead of CPU.
- Adjust the “GPU Selection” to the correct graphics card rather than integrated graphics.
- Reduce the cache size if it’s set very high, as excessive caching can increase CPU load.
- Click “Save” and restart DaVinci Resolve.
Why this matters: Using your GPU for processing instead of the CPU offloads work and balances system resource usage, which lowers the CPU burden.
Step 2: Manage Background Processes on Windows 11
Having many applications running at the same time can cause your CPU to max out. Closing unnecessary programs helps free up CPU power for DaVinci Resolve.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Click on the Processes tab.
- Look for programs consuming high CPU percentages other than DaVinci Resolve.
- Select any non-essential programs and click “End Task”.
- Be careful not to close vital Windows processes.
Why this matters: Freeing up CPU resources means DaVinci Resolve can run more efficiently without competition from other software.
Step 3: Optimize Windows Power Settings
Windows power plans can affect CPU performance. The default “Balanced” mode may limit CPU power to save energy, causing higher CPU usage spikes.
- Press Windows + S and search for “Power & sleep settings”.
- Click “Additional power settings” on the right.
- Select the “High performance” power plan. If it’s not visible, click “Show additional plans”.
- Close the window and restart DaVinci Resolve.
Why this matters: High performance mode ensures your CPU runs at full capacity when needed, reducing lag and CPU spikes during editing.
Step 4: Update Graphics Drivers
Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers can cause DaVinci Resolve to rely more heavily on the CPU, increasing its usage.
- Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
- Expand the Display adapters section.
- Right-click your GPU and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow any prompts.
- Alternatively, visit your GPU manufacturer’s website (NVIDIA, AMD, Intel) for the latest drivers.
- Restart your computer after updating.
Why this matters: Updated drivers improve compatibility and performance, allowing Resolve to use GPU resources efficiently instead of the CPU.
Step 5: Lower Timeline Resolution and Playback Quality
If your project is very high resolution or effects-heavy, your CPU may work harder to keep up. Lowering playback quality can reduce strain.
- Open your DaVinci Resolve project.
- At the top of the timeline window, find the Playback Resolution dropdown.
- Select a lower resolution like 1/2 or 1/4.
- Also, disable unnecessary effects or reduce timelines with many clips.
Why this matters: Reducing playback resolution lets DaVinci Resolve preview your work more smoothly without pushing the CPU to its limits.
Step 6: Advanced Option – Use Proxy Files
Proxy files are lower-resolution copies of your footage. Editing proxies uses less CPU power and speeds up your workflow.
- Right-click your media clips in the Media Pool.
- Select Generate Proxy Media.
- Choose a low-resolution format for proxies.
- Switch your timeline to use proxy media during editing.
- You can switch back to original media for final export.
Why this matters: Editing proxies reduces strain on your CPU and GPU by working with lighter files, improving playback and reducing CPU spikes.
FAQs
Why is DaVinci Resolve using so much CPU on Windows 11?
DaVinci Resolve is resource-intensive by nature. High CPU usage can be caused by using CPU for processing instead of GPU, multiple background apps, or high playback resolution.
Can I fix high CPU usage by upgrading my hardware?
Yes, upgrading your CPU or adding more RAM can help. However, optimizing settings and drivers often resolves many issues without immediate hardware upgrades.
Is it normal for DaVinci Resolve to use a lot of CPU?
Some CPU usage is normal while editing or rendering. However, very high or constant 100% CPU usage indicates a problem or inefficient settings.
Should I disable antivirus while using DaVinci Resolve?
Temporarily disabling antivirus can help if it’s interfering, but always ensure you are protected. Add DaVinci Resolve to antivirus exceptions instead.
Does Windows 11 affect DaVinci Resolve’s CPU usage?
Windows 11 can run DaVinci Resolve well, but system updates and power settings affect CPU performance. Ensuring Windows is updated and configured properly helps.
When Nothing Works
If you have tried all the steps above and still face high CPU usage, consider these final options:
- Reinstall DaVinci Resolve: Corrupted installations can cause performance issues.
- Check for Windows updates: System updates may fix compatibility problems.
- Visit Blackmagic Design’s official support: The manufacturer offers detailed help and forums at blackmagicdesign.com/support.
- Consider professional hardware upgrade advice: If your PC is old or underpowered, upgrading components like CPU, RAM, or GPU may be necessary.
Conclusion
High CPU usage in DaVinci Resolve on Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually fixable with simple adjustments. Start by ensuring your software and drivers are updated, then tweak Resolve’s settings to use your GPU effectively. Managing background tasks and optimizing power plans also help your system run smoother.
Lowering playback resolution or using proxy files allows your CPU to breathe during complex edits. If needed, explore advanced options or seek official support.
Following these steps will improve your editing experience and reduce CPU load, making DaVinci Resolve more responsive and your workflow more efficient.