Why is Windows Explorer Using High CPU?
Windows Explorer, also known as File Explorer, is a fundamental component of the Windows operating system. It allows users to navigate through their files and folders, manage their drives, and perform various other tasks related to file management. However, at times, Windows Explorer may consume a significant amount of CPU resources, leading to slow performance and system lag. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this issue and provide potential solutions to mitigate it.
1. Background Indexing
One of the primary reasons why Windows Explorer might be using high CPU is due to the background indexing service. Indexing is a feature that helps users find files and folders quickly by creating a database of file properties. This service runs in the background and can consume a considerable amount of CPU resources, especially when the index is being updated or rebuilt.
To check if background indexing is causing high CPU usage, follow these steps:
1. Press `Ctrl + Shift + Esc` to open the Task Manager.
2. Go to the “Details” tab.
3. Look for the “Windows Explorer” process and note its CPU usage.
4. Right-click on “Windows Explorer” and select “Go to details.”
5. In the new window, look for the “Background intelligent transfer” or “Background indexing” process and check its CPU usage.
If you find that the background indexing service is consuming a lot of CPU resources, you can disable it by following these steps:
1. Open the Control Panel and navigate to “Indexing Options.”
2. Click on “Modify” under the “Indexing” section.
3. Uncheck the boxes for the drives or file types you want to exclude from indexing.
4. Click “OK” and then “OK” again to save the changes.
2. Resource-Intensive Add-ons
Windows Explorer may also be using high CPU due to resource-intensive add-ons or extensions. These add-ons can be third-party applications that integrate with Windows Explorer to provide additional functionality, such as file previewers or quick access to cloud storage services.
To check for resource-intensive add-ons, follow these steps:
1. Open the Task Manager and go to the “Details” tab.
2. Look for any add-ons or extensions that are consuming a significant amount of CPU resources.
3. If you find any, consider disabling or uninstalling them to see if it improves CPU usage.
3. Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can also cause Windows Explorer to use high CPU. This issue can arise due to various reasons, such as a faulty installation, malware infection, or hardware failure.
To check for corrupted system files, follow these steps:
1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type `sfc /scannow` and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete. If any corrupted files are found, the system will attempt to repair them.
4. Outdated or Incompatible Drivers
Outdated or incompatible drivers can also contribute to high CPU usage by Windows Explorer. Drivers are software components that enable hardware devices to communicate with the operating system. If a driver is outdated or incompatible, it may cause performance issues.
To check for outdated or incompatible drivers, follow these steps:
1. Open the Device Manager and expand the “System devices” category.
2. Look for any devices with a yellow exclamation mark next to them, indicating a problem.
3. Right-click on the problematic device and select “Update driver.”
4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.
Conclusion
Windows Explorer using high CPU can be caused by various factors, including background indexing, resource-intensive add-ons, corrupted system files, and outdated drivers. By identifying the root cause and applying the appropriate solutions, you can improve the performance of your Windows system and ensure smooth operation of Windows Explorer.
