[Fixed] Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage Issue

Antimalware service executable is a Windows Security process that runs in the background. However, things get complicated when it negatively impacts computer performance and CPU usage goes up to 99%. Suppose you are also concerned about this process, which is part of Windows Security (formerly Windows Defender) and is responsible for real-time protection against malware. In that case, this post will help you understand the causes and explain ways to manage and decrease the impact on your computer’s efficiency.

What is Antimalware Service Executable, And What Is The High CPU Usage Issue?

If you encounter high CPU usage related to the Antimalware Service Executable on Windows 10, it’s due to the process named msmpeng.exe. This process is visible in Task Manager and can cause CPU spikes, but it is not a virus or malicious software. Instead, msmpeng.exe is an essential component of Windows Security’s suite of protection services, collectively known as Antimalware Service Executable.

Since the Antimalware Service Executable is a legitimate Windows service, you cannot fix this issue using Windows Troubleshooter or third-party tools. Some Experts have identified a file named mpenginedb.db as the main culprit. However, this file is not a virus or malware but a system file used by Windows Defender that contains a database of identifiers, causing Windows Defender to enter a continuous scanning loop. Persistent scanning unnecessarily consumes system resources, leading to high CPU usage. 

Why Is the Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) Using So Much Disk Space?

The MsMpEng.exe process, part of Windows Defender, can be quite resource-intensive. Normally, it should operate without significantly affecting disk usage. However, if you see a warning about high disk usage, it indicates a problem. This issue often results in increased CPU usage and overall strain on your computer’s resources, leading to decreased performance.

Several factors might contribute to this problem on Windows 10 PCs, including:

– Corruption in Windows Defender files

– High frequency of MsMpEng.exe tasks

– Conflicts with another antivirus program

– Malware infections

– Problematic Windows update

How To Fix Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage Issue?

PC experts have suggested that the only effective solution for resolving the issue is to delete the Mpengine.db file. However, since this system file is integral to Windows 10, it cannot be removed normally. To remove this file, follow these steps:

Step 1: Press Win + S to open the Windows Search box. Type Windows Security. Click on the relevant result under best match.

Step 2: Click on Virus and Threat Protection and then click on Manage Settings.

Step 3: Turn off the toggle button under each heading to disable all the Windows Security options.

Step 4: Close all the windows and press Win + L to lock your Windows PC.
Step 5: Press and hold the Shift button on your keyboard, then click the Power button in the bottom right corner to choose Restart.
Step 6: Windows will restart and boot in WinRE mode. Select Troubleshoot, followed by Advanced Options, and then choose Startup Settings, followed by Restart. Press and hold the “4” key on your keyboard to restart the PC in safe mode.
Step 7: Once the Windows boots in the safe mode, press Win + S to open Windows Search and type Registry.
Step 8: Click the “Run As Administrator” option, and the Windows Registry Editor will open.

Step 9: Copy and paste the following path in the address bar of the Windows Registry.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender

Step 10: Right-click on Windows Defender in the left panel and choose New>DWORD (32-bit) value. A new key will be created. Rename it “DisableAntiSpyware.” Click on the OK button.

Step 11: Double-click on the key created and change the Value from 0 to 1.
Step 12: Exit the Registry and reboot the PC.
Step 13: After the PC restarts, Press Win + X to open the Power menu and choose Terminal (admin). The Windows PowerShell will open in administrator mode.
Step 14: Copy and paste the following command with the Enter key.

Remove-Item ‘C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows Defender\Scans\mpenginedb.db’

Once the Mpengine.db file has been removed from your PC, the Issue will be fixed. Follow steps 1 – 3 to enable all the toggle buttons in Windows Security.

Other Methods…….

Some experts recommend a few other methods to help resolve the Antimalware Service Executable High CPU Usage Issue. However, it is recommended that you try the above methods first and follow these steps only if the first method does not fix your issue.

Method 1: Disable Real-Time Protection

You can disable real-time protection from Windows Security and check if the issue is fixed. Here are the steps:

Step 1: Press Windows + S and type “Windows Security.” Click on the relevant result.
Step 2: Click on the Virus & Threat Protection button and then click on Manage Settings.

Step 3: Slide the toggle button under Real-time protection towards the left to turn it off.

Now you can check if the Antimalware Service Executable High CPU usage issue persists.

If it does, move to Method 3; if it doesn’t, follow the steps under Method 2. In any case, enable the toggle button under Real-time protection.

Read Also: 4 Ways to Lower PC Doctor Module High CPU Usage

Method 2: Add The Antimalware Service Executable Folder to the Exclusion List

Step 1: Press Win + I to open the Windows Settings and click on the “Privacy & Security” tab in the left panel.
Step 2: Click on the Windows Security option in the right section.
Step 3: Next, click on the Virus & Threat Protection option.
Step 4: Click on the Manage Settings link.
Step 5: Scroll down until you locate the Add or Remove Exclusions link and click on it.

Step 6: Click the Add an Exclusion button and choose Folder to open a File Explorer window.
Step 7: Navigate to C:\Program Files\Windows Defender in the File Explorer.

Step 8: Click the Ok button to add this folder to the Exclusion list.

Method 3: Alter The Windows Security Schedule

Step 1: Press Win + R to open the Run box and type “taskschd.msc” followed by the Enter key.
Step 2: A new window will open. In the left panel, click on Task Scheduler Library, followed by Microsoft > Windows.
Step 3: Next, scroll down the options under Windows and click on Windows Defender.
Step 4: On the right side, double-click on “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.”

Step 5: A new box will open here; uncheck the box next to “Run with highest privileges.”

Step 6: Click on the Conditions tab, uncheck all the checkboxes, and click OK button.

Step 7: Click on the Triggers tab and click on the New button.
Step 8: Select the frequency, scan time, and date of the Windows Security scan and click OK.

Step 9: Restart your PC.

Bonus Tip: Use T9 Antivirus

If the Windows Security App continues to cause more issues, then we recommend you disable it as explained above and use a third-party antivirus known as T9 Antivirus. This real-time antivirus is one of the best antivirus/antimalware apps available in the software market that provides additional features as well like:

Ad Blocker

The T9 antivirus includes an ad blocker module that allows users to install an extension to prevent ads while browsing the internet.

PC Optimizer and Shredder

PC Optimizer tool helps eliminate junk and temporary files from your computer. In contrast, Shredder will help to permanently erase personal files and data, ensuring they are unrecoverable even by file recovery software.

Startup Manager

This module enhances your PC’s boot speed by removing unnecessary programs that start automatically when your computer powers on.

Web Protection

T9 antivirus establishes a secure channel to safeguard incoming and outgoing traffic from your PC.

Firewall Protection

T9 antivirus provides additional security for your PC through its firewall protection feature.

Have You Fixed the Issue?

These steps address this error and the associated msmpeng high CPU usage issue in Windows 10. While resolving the Antimalware Service Executable issue might seem lengthy and complex, you can complete it by carefully reading the instructions and following each step without skipping any. If you continue to experience difficulties and cannot resolve the issue, please comment below, and we will provide the best possible solution.