Windows 10: Windows Defender (msmpeng.exe) huge memory usage + commit size making PC unsuable until restart

How to turn off msmpeng.exe permanently without pro/education edition?

:)

 

Windows Defender (msmpeng.exe) huge memory usage + commit size making PC unsuable until restart

Sometime relatively recently, I started getting random out of memory messages and application crashes. I discovered that Windows Defender (msmpeng.exe) is using huge amounts of ram. Task Manager showed > 3GB in use, and the commit size a whopping 19GB. My
PC pretty much becomes unusable at this point until I restart it.

Is there any advice how to fix this? Is there a way to restart Windows Defender without restarting the PC? Should I just disable Windows Defender?

 

Windows Defender (msmpeng.exe) huge memory usage + commit size making PC unsuable until restart

Hi,

We acknowledge that you're having issues with MsMpEng.exe using too much memory. This is normally caused by some process conflicting with Windows Defender's real-time protection which is due to a third-party antivirus program. For us to effectively assist
you, kindly provide us the information we need below:

• Have you made any significant changes to your computer that could have triggered the issue?
• What are the exact error messages you're receiving?
• Are you using any third-party antivirus programs?

Meanwhile, we suggest checking the post of GreginMich from this
thread to read through the explanation and steps that can possibly resolve your concern.

Let us know if there are other concerns.

 

Windows Defender (msmpeng.exe) huge memory usage + commit size making PC unsuable until restart

Hi,

Not sure if I'm seeing the same problem, though if my PC is left idle for a while, Windows Defender will utilize all available memory and seemingly load one of my CPU cores at 100%. It doesn't relinquish this memory or CPU time when I am using the PC and
the only way to resolve the problem is a reboot.

I'm considering a reinstall of Windows as a potential solution, though I'd prefer not to have to waste my time like that obviously if there is a simpler solution.