Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage causesSummary6 Fixes to Anti Malware Service Executable High CPU Usage 2021Method 1. Reschedule the work of Windows Defender Method 2. Put Antimalware Service Executable into Windows Defender exclusion list Method 3. Shut down Windows Defender to kill Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage in Windows 10 Method 4. Check if MsMpEng.exe process is legitMethod 6. Remove Corrupted Windows Defender Definitions
MsMpEng.Exe program silently works in the background, and the main reason it uses so many resources is that it continuously scans programs and files due to real-time protection feature in Windows Defender. To put it simply, it works all the time to identify dangerous downloads and prevent them from infiltrating your computer, say, when you are browsing the Internet and visiting untrustworthy websites. You might also notice that this Antimalware Service Executable High CPU, memory, RAM or even network usage slows down your computer during a full system scan. In such case, we suggest remaining patient until the scan finishes because then the CPU usage should drop back to normal. Usually, it is an entirely safe process, however, in case it is consuming too much CPU power, you might want to check out these tips on how to disable antimalware service executable high memory usage on Windows 10 caused by MsMpEng.Exe. You can do it as a temporary fix (in case you need to perform specific tasks without experiencing computer lags) or permanently, if you’re using another security product for your OS.
Summary
This article was originally published on September 10, 2018, and updated on February 1st, 2021.
Method 2. Put Antimalware Service Executable into Windows Defender exclusion list
Here is another tip to reduce high memory usage caused by antimalware service executable MsMpEng.exe. As a result, the discussed process should be consuming a little less CPU power.
Method 3. Shut down Windows Defender to kill Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage in Windows 10
Before you use this method to fix MsMpEng.exe high CPU Usage, please be aware of the fact that you will be disabling Windows’ inbuilt security system. Please note that you should never leave your computer unsecured and if you decide to disable Windows Defender, consider installing a robust antivirus solution first. However, keep in mind that most of the security software still slow down computers, so try to find a lightweight one. You can check software reviews on our site if you’d like to. Please note that if you try to Antimalware Service Executable end task, most likely you’ll receive an error message saying: “The operation could not be completed” and the task won’t be stopping. Therefore, you’ll need to use different methods to disable this task. Now, let’s get to the point and find out how to disable Windows Defender. There are several ways to do it.
Method 3.1. Disable Windows Defender via Registry value
Method 3.2. Disable WD via Local Group Policy Editor.
Method 4. Check if MsMpEng.exe process is legit
There is a slight possibility that your computer has been infected with malware that imposes the real Antimalware Service Executable. In that case, you should download an antivirus software and run a system scan with it. You might want to do it in Safe Mode with Networking. In case an antivirus identifies some suspicious software, you will remove antimalware service executable virus shortly. However, there is no need to remove the real MsMpEng.exe. It is a legitimate file, and it is entirely safe.
Method 6. Remove Corrupted Windows Defender Definitions
Windows Defender isn’t perfect. Its virus definition library can get slightly corrupted and as a consequence, it can start identifying secure files as dangerous. To remove wrong WD malware definition updates, complete these steps. In case you have found another solution on how to fix high CPU usage caused by Antimalware Service Executable, please share it with us in the comment section below. In addition, if after fixing MsMpEng.exe issue you still experience system slowdowns, we strongly recommend reading these tips on speeding up Windows.
