What is Antimalware Service Executable? How to turn it off? Why Does High CPU Cause Disk Usage?
Antimalware Service Executable is a Windows Security component that runs in the background. But sometimes Antimalware Service Executable can negatively affect Windows 10 computers by using too much CPU. In this guide, I will show you what the executable Antimalware Service Executable is, why it is using so much CPU and how you can optimize your Windows 10 computer to make sure it is not using too much CPU.
What is Antimalware Service Executable File?
Antimalware Service Executable is a Windows Security process that performs real-time protection against malware.
The Antimalware Service Executable executable, also known as msmpeng.exe, runs in the background so it can spoof files and programs from time to time.
When an anti-malware service executable detects a virus or other malicious attacks, it deletes or quarantines them.
Why is Antimalware Service Executable using so much CPU?
The main reason why the Antimalware Service Executable executable uses a lot of CPU is because it is constantly running in the background.
While running in the background, it actively scans for programs and files and takes appropriate actions when it detects something malicious.
Also, the Antimalware Service Executable executable has its own folder – C:\Program Files\Windows Defender.
Therefore, stopping the executable Antimalware Service Executable from scanning its own folder is one way to make it use less CPU.
How To Stop The Malware Service To Prevent The Executable From Using Too Much CPU
The 2 main ways to stop the Antimalware Service Executable executable from using too much CPU are to reschedule Windows Security scans and prevent it from scanning its own folder.
Rescheduling scans doesn't make scans happen all the time, and preventing the executable from scanning its own folder disables real-time protection.
Solution 1: Prevent Executable Antimalware Service Executable From Scanning Its Own Folder
My name is 1 : Press the WIN key on your keyboard and select the gear icon to open the Settings app.
My name is 2 : Click on the “Update and Security” option from the menu boxes.
My name is 3 : Select “Windows Security”, then click “Virus & threat protection”.
My name is 4 : The Windows Security application will open. Under “Virus and threat protection settings”, click on the link that says “Manage Settings”.
My name is 5 : Go to “Exclusions” and select the “Add or remove exceptions” link.
My name is 6 : On the next page, click “Add exclusion”, then select “Folder”.
My name is 7 : Paste “ ” in the editor C:\Program Files\Windows Defender and click “Select Folder”.
My name is 8 : Immediately after clicking “Select Folder”, a large modal will appear – make sure to click “Yes”.
The selected folder will now be added to the exceptions and will not be scanned.
Solution 2: Disable Real-Time Protection and Reschedule Scans
My name is 1 : WIN Press (Windows key) to open Run Dialogue.
My name is 2 : Type “taskschd.msc” and click “OK”. This will open the Task Scheduler app.
My name is 3 : Expand “Task Scheduler tab”, “Microsoft” and “Windows”.
My name is 4 : Scroll down and select “Windows Defender”.
My name is 5 : Right-click on “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan” and select “Properties”.
My name is 6 : On the General tab, uncheck “Run with highest privileges”.
My name is 7 Go to the : Conditions tab and uncheck everything there.
My name is 8 : Switch to the Triggers tab and click “New”.
My name is 9 : Schedule when you want Windows Defender to run scans. Choose the frequency, date and time, then click “OK”. Click “OK” again.
My name is 10 : Restart your computer. With that, Antimalware Service Executable shouldn't consume too much CPU again.
Final Thoughts
The protection offered by the executable Antimalware Service Executable is undeniably important. This protection prevents malware attacks so you can feel safe while using your Windows 10 computer.
If you try to make Antimalware Service Executable executable with the 2 methods described in this article and it consumes less CPU, there doesn't seem to be any progress, then you should try permanently disabling your Windows Security program.
However, be sure to get another antivirus program so that your computer is not at the mercy of attacks.
Thank you for reading.
