This however becomes a problem when it is recurrent. It may make the system heat up, delay load time and probably freeze when you are working on an important task.

Why does my computer experience Explorer.exe high CPU usage?

Generally, a computer might experience high CPU usage due to one of the following:

Running a program that requires a higher CPU requirement: Video editing and gaming software triggers a high CPU usage. These applications could be problematic if run on a computer with lesser features compared with the recommendation of the publisher. If you will be running them at all, they should be launched one at a go instead of being used simultaneously with other apps. Browser extensions and system add-ons: Browsers such as Chrome and Edge tend to consume cause high CPU usage especially if you have lots of extensions downloaded on them. Similarly, some add-ons such as those designed for Microsoft Word, Excel, etc., may also cause high CPU usage. A computer with compatible features should not have any problem handling them efficiently. Computer viruses: Different kinds of malware can chew a chunk of your CPU. As a matter of fact, viruses developed by cybercriminals like crypto miners are programmed specifically for such purposes. Startup applications: Some applications launched on the startup of the computer can be responsible for high CPU usage. This is because, even though they are not shown to be active in the taskbar, they usually continue running in the background.

Meanwhile, Windows 11 users complain that the Explorer.exe high CPU usage issue started they updated their Windows. We understand this is just one of the many reasons that can cause high CPU usage. Read along as we highlight processes that could fix the problem, irrespective of the cause.

How can I fix Explorer.exe high CPU usage in Windows 11?

1. Close the Explorer.exe file in the Task Manager

Repeat the process above for any other program that may be causing the high CPU usage. If this does not fix the issue or you are unable to open the Task Manager altogether, read on for other solutions.

2. Use the system file checker

3. Update Windows

4. Disable cloud storage

By default, Windows 11 comes with a OneDrive cloud storage. This storage helps to backup your system file in case you are attacked by ransomware. For clarity, ransomware is a type of virus used by cybercriminals to extort users. It can be unknowingly downloaded along with files online and once installed, takes over all your files such that they would be impossible to open. The attackers after this will display a message to make a certain payment before you can get a key to regain access. Even after payment. Some users have reported disabling their OneDrive account helps to fix this issue. In case you don’t know how to go about this, take a look at our guide on how to uninstall any app on Windows 11. If you are not using OneDrive but other cloud storage such as Dropbox, try to do the same and observe if it fixes the problem.

5. Check the desktop for any files with missing icon

During the creation of shortcuts, some apps may fail to create icons. Even though this looks like something that shouldn’t be a problem, it surprisingly could cause Explorer.exe high CPU usage. SPONSORED Observe your desktop screen if there is any file with a missing icon. If there are any, delete them. Check if the problem or resolved. You may also restart your PC to confirm.

6. Uninstall the latest Windows updates

It is typical of Microsoft to always release patches to solve one issue or the other observed with the usage of the Windows Operating System (OS). Sometimes, these updates may be the origin of problems for your PC. In all fairness to the company, they are only trying to help and ensure you have the best experience possible. But, just like it is with any software, glitches are inevitable. Users have noted that the KB5010414 update is the cause of their Explorer.exe high CPU usage, and it was fixed immediately after it was uninstalled.

7. Disable startup applications

8. Run a virus scan

Malware may be the reason your system is experiencing Explorer.exe high CPU usage. If you have any antivirus/antimalware software installed, it is time to get them to use. Do a deep scan to detect any virus on the system. Make use of more than one antivirus software to ensure you are not missing anything. Don’t know which antivirus software to use? There are some free antivirus apps you may want to consider, such as ESET Internet Security due to its effectiveness in protecting any Windows operating system from malware, ransomware, and phishing. ⇒ Get ESET Internet Security

9. Adjust system for best performance

If none of the methods above seemed to work, you can still try optimizing your hard drives with the defragment tool.

10. System restore

11. Optimize system hard drive

To skip the process above, you can use O&O Defrag 25 to optimize with ease. Instead of the long list of processes highlighted, you would only need to install the software and relax while it takes care of the rest. There you have it all. At this stage, we believe one of the solutions explained so far would have helped you in solving the Explorer.exe high CPU usage problem. Share your experience in the comment section, and let’s know if you were able to solve it using a different method.

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