If the Task Manager shows that your Windows Update process is devouring a significant amount of CPU, Disk, Memory or Power on Windows 11/10, then this article will help you resolve the problem. This situation can occur if the Windows Update cache or its components have become corrupted.
Resolve Windows Update intense CPU, Disk, Memory utilization
When you execute Windows Update, various associated processes such as Service Host Windows Update, System, Service Host (svchost.exe) Update Orchestrator Service, Wuauserv, etc, may exhibit high CPU, Disk, Memory, or Power consumption. If you encounter this issue, follow these recommendations:
- Clear Windows Update cache directories
- Execute System File Checker
- Run FixWU Utility
- Eliminate the BITS queue
- Deactivate Delivery Optimization
- Restore Windows Update Components to default
- Fix Windows Update using DISM
- Perform Windows Update in Clean Boot State
Now, let’s examine these suggestions in detail.
1] Clear Windows Update cache directories
Windows Update cache files are stored in two directories, and you need to delete their contents. So clear the contents of the following two directories:
TIP: Our portable freeware FixWin enables you to reset this and most other Windows settings or functions with a single click.
SIDE NOTE: Please refrain from deleting or renaming the Catroot folder. The Catroot2 folder is automatically recreated by Windows, but the Catroot folder is not recreated if the Catroot folder is renamed.
2] Execute System File Checker
Execute System File Checker to replace potentially corrupted system files.
3] Run FixWU Utility
Utilize our Fix WU tool and verify its effectiveness. It re-registers all the dll, ocx, and ax files necessary for the proper functioning of Windows Updates.
Read: Service Host Network Service High network utilization
4] Eliminate the BITS queue
Clear the BITS queue of any ongoing jobs. To do this, type the following command in an elevated CMD window and press Enter:
bitsadmin.exe /reset /allusers
5] Deactivate Delivery Optimization
To disable Delivery Optimization in Windows 11:
- Access Windows 11 Settings
- Open the Windows Update section
- Click on Advanced options
- Navigate to Delivery Optimization under Advanced options
- Uncheck the box next to Allow downloads from other PCs.
Read: Service Host Delivery Optimization High Network, Disk or CPU utilization
6] Restore Windows Update Components to default
Utilize the Reset Windows Update Tool (From a 3rd-party) and see if it assists you. This PowerShell script will aid in resetting the Windows Update Client.
If you prefer to manually restore each Windows Update component to default, refer to this article.
7] Fix Windows Update using DISM
You can fix corrupted Windows Update system files by employing the DISM Tool. The Dism.exe tool can be used in various scenarios, and one of them is repairing corrupted Windows Update files.
Note that if you wish to repair corrupted Windows Update System Files, you need to execute a different command. Running the usual /RestoreHealth command may not necessarily yield positive results.
DISM will substitute potentially corrupted or missing system files with good ones. However, if your Windows Update client is already broken, you will be prompted to utilize a running Windows installation as the repair source or a Windows side-by-side folder from a network share as the source of the files.
In this case, you must execute the following command instead:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:RepairSourceWindows /LimitAccess
Remember to substitute the C:RepairSourceWindows placeholder with the location of your repair source.
8] Perform Windows Update in Clean Boot State
Boot in Clean Boot State, execute Windows Update, and assess whether this resolves the issue. By doing so, you will eliminate any issues caused by third-party processes running in the background.
Related: How to resolve wuauserv high CPU utilization in Windows
Why is my CPU utilization high after Windows 11 update?
Your CPU utilization may be high following a Windows Update if your Windows Update components or cache are corrupted. Moreover, background apps running in the background might be consuming excessive CPU resources. This overconsumption is likely the cause behind the high CPU usage in Windows 11.
How can I resolve high CPU usage on Windows?
To resolve high CPU usage on Windows, open the Task Manager and identify any non-system processes that are consuming an excessive amount of CPU resources. You can then attempt to terminate these processes or update the corresponding software. Additionally, scanning for malware, disabling unnecessary startup programs, and ensuring that your Windows is up to date can help reduce CPU usage and enhance performance.
