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How to Fix System Interrupts High CPU Usage in Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

System Interrupts is a crucial part of Windows that manages communication between your hardware and software. Sometimes, it can cause high CPU usage, making your computer slow or unresponsive. This issue is common but usually fixable with some simple steps.

Understanding the cause of high CPU usage by System Interrupts helps you apply the right solutions. This guide will walk you through easy-to-follow methods to reduce or fix this problem in Windows 11.

Each step is explained clearly, even if you are new to troubleshooting Windows. Follow the instructions carefully to improve your PC’s performance.

Let’s start by checking some quick things before diving into the fixes.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Updates often include fixes for hardware and system issues.
  • Restart your computer before starting. Sometimes a simple reboot can clear temporary issues causing high CPU usage.
  • Close all running programs to ensure no other software is affecting the CPU usage during troubleshooting.
  • Have basic knowledge of using Task Manager and Device Manager in Windows 11, as they will be used in the steps.

Step 1: Check Task Manager to Confirm the Issue

Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Task Manager.”

Go to the “Processes” tab and look for “System Interrupts.” If it is using a high percentage of the CPU (usually above 10-15%), it confirms the problem.

This step is important because it helps you understand if System Interrupts is truly the cause of the slowdown.

Step 2: Disconnect External Devices

Hardware devices such as USB drives, printers, or external hard disks can sometimes cause high system interrupts.

Disconnect all external devices and observe the CPU usage. If the high CPU usage drops, reconnect devices one by one to find the problematic hardware.

This process helps isolate hardware that might be causing interrupts overload.

Step 3: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers often cause interrupt requests to pile up, increasing CPU usage.

  1. Press Win + X and select “Device Manager.”
  2. Expand categories such as “Network adapters,” “Sound, video and game controllers,” and “Universal Serial Bus controllers.”
  3. Right-click each device and choose “Update driver,” then select “Search automatically for drivers.”
  4. Repeat for all devices, especially those connected externally.

Keeping drivers updated ensures smooth communication between hardware and Windows, reducing interrupt issues.

Step 4: Disable and Re-enable Devices

If updating drivers doesn’t help, try disabling and then re-enabling devices in Device Manager.

  1. Open Device Manager again.
  2. Right-click a device (start with external devices or those you suspect) and select “Disable device.”
  3. Wait a few seconds, then right-click the device again and select “Enable device.”
  4. Check CPU usage after each device is disabled and enabled.

This can reset the device’s communication with Windows and fix interrupt conflicts.

Step 5: Run the Windows Troubleshooter for Hardware and Devices

Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can detect and fix hardware problems automatically.

  1. Open Settings by pressing Win + I.
  2. Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
  3. Find “Hardware and Devices” and click “Run.”
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any fixes suggested.

This tool helps identify hidden hardware issues causing high system interrupts.

Step 6: Check for BIOS/UEFI Firmware Updates

The BIOS or UEFI controls low-level hardware functions. An outdated BIOS may cause hardware communication problems.

Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer’s website and look for BIOS updates specifically for your model.

Important: Updating BIOS can be risky if not done correctly. Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Updating BIOS improves hardware compatibility and can reduce interrupt-related CPU spikes.

Step 7: Disable Fast Startup

Fast Startup in Windows 11 can sometimes cause hardware initialization issues leading to high CPU usage by system interrupts.

  1. Open Control Panel and go to “Power Options.”
  2. Click “Choose what the power buttons do.”
  3. Click “Change settings that are currently unavailable.”
  4. Uncheck “Turn on fast startup (recommended).”
  5. Save changes and restart your PC.

Disabling Fast Startup forces a full hardware initialization, which may fix interrupt problems.

Step 8: Scan for Malware

Sometimes malware can disguise itself as system processes and cause high CPU usage.

Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or any trusted antivirus software.

Removing malware ensures that the high CPU usage is not caused by malicious programs interfering with system interrupts.

Step 9: Advanced Option – Use LatencyMon to Diagnose Drivers

If the problem persists, LatencyMon is a free tool that analyzes driver latency and hardware interruptions.

  • Download LatencyMon from its official site.
  • Run the tool and start monitoring your system.
  • Look for drivers or devices with high latency or DPC (Deferred Procedure Call) issues.
  • Use this information to update or disable problematic drivers.

This advanced method helps pinpoint difficult-to-identify hardware or driver conflicts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is System Interrupts in Task Manager?

System Interrupts represent the communication between hardware devices and the CPU. It is a normal part of Windows but should not use high CPU all the time.

Is it safe to disable System Interrupts?

No, you cannot disable System Interrupts. It is a critical system process necessary for hardware to work properly.

Why does System Interrupts use high CPU sometimes?

High CPU usage by System Interrupts usually means hardware or driver problems causing excessive communication requests to the CPU.

Can outdated drivers cause this issue?

Yes, outdated or faulty drivers are a common cause of high CPU usage by System Interrupts.

Will restarting fix System Interrupts high CPU?

Sometimes a simple restart clears temporary hardware communication problems, but if the underlying issue persists, further steps are needed.

Is BIOS update necessary?

Only update BIOS if other steps fail and if your manufacturer recommends an update, as it can improve hardware compatibility.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and still face high CPU usage by System Interrupts, consider the following final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: Official help for Windows 11 issues can provide expert assistance.
  • Visit your PC manufacturer’s support site: For hardware-specific troubleshooting or warranty service.
  • Consider professional repair: Hardware faults like failing devices or motherboard problems might require expert repairs.
  • Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting Windows can fix deep software conflicts but make sure to back up your data first.

Conclusion

High CPU usage by System Interrupts in Windows 11 can be frustrating but is usually fixable. Start with simple checks like disconnecting devices and updating drivers, then move to more advanced options like BIOS updates or diagnostic tools.

Understanding why interrupts cause CPU spikes helps apply the correct fixes and improves your PC’s performance. Always keep your system updated and scan for malware regularly to avoid such issues.

By following this guide step-by-step, you should be able to reduce or eliminate high CPU usage caused by System Interrupts and enjoy a smoother Windows 11 experience.

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