Windows 10: "System" process eating CPU, 20H2

Hi all, I've started noticing that the "System" ntoskrnl.exe process is constantly running a 7-10% CPU in task manager it will drop to 4% if i unplug my laptop, but still there. No matter if I leave my PC sitting there for hours doing nothing or if I use it, the System process will always be there doing SOMETHING, but I could not find any way to know WHAT IT'S DOING.


This is really annoying since that process makes my CPU stay at max frequency all the time for apparently no reason. Usually this happened in the first minutes after boot, then the process would go and stay at 0% CPU utilization. I have all the latest updates installed, all drivers up to date. Even Office is completely up to date. I have already run SFC, DISM, Defender complete scan, Malwarebytes but nothing has changed. Nothing has been changed on my PC from before this behaviour appeared. I think this "System" process behaviour was not present when I had just updated to 20H2.


I hope someone can help me, this thing literally makes no sense.

:)

 

System and compressed memory eating CPU cycles

As the title says, there is this thing called "System and compressed memory" which is just eating my CPU alive. It usually stays at around 5~6%, then alt-tab and it goes to 10~15%, and just goes bouncing all over the place (and it seems that using the computer
just makes it worse).

So I have 2 questions:

• What is it ACTUALLY doing to require so much processing power?
• How do I get rid of it for good? Task manager told me the "ntoskrnl" file is the orign of the process, and I'm almost to the point og deleting it to see if solves the issue, regardless of it breaking my OS....

I've already tried a few solutions online, such as disabling the page file or "updating drivers" to no success.....

 

System and compressed memory eating CPU cycles

Hi Imakuni,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community and being part of Windows 10.

I understand your concern about CPU usage by System and compressed memory process. We will help you with this issue.

We appreciate your effort and time spent in resolving the issue.

I would like to inform that Ntoskrnl.exe
is a critical process in the boot-up cycle of your computer.

This issue might have occurred due to malware infection/ outdated drivers/
Runtime Broker. Try the below troubleshooting steps and check if it helps.

Step 1: I suggest you to run a virus scan on your device and check if it helps.

Refer: Security & privacy
(Run Windows Defender scan)

Note: Data or files which are infected by malware might be beyond cleaning and have to be deleted entirely to maintain the integrity of your system, which means there might be a potential for data loss.

Step 2: Turn off the "Show me tips about Windows"

Please do the below steps to do the same.

• Press Start button, click on Settings.
• In the Settings, select the System>Notifications and actions> turn off the "Show me tips about Windows".
• Restart the computer.

Step 3: Also, try to install the pending updates on your device.

Steps:

• Connect to the internet.
• Press Windows key and type updates.
• Click on Check for updates.
• Under Windows Updates, click on Check for updates.
• Try to install the updates being shown.

Hope it helps. Try the above and update us the status of this issue for further assistance.

 

System and compressed memory background process persistently consuming high CPU resources

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community.

Please answer these questions to get more clarity on this issue:

1. Did you make any changes to your computer prior to this issue?

2. Which anti-virus program is installed on the PC?

High CPU usage occurs for various reasons, for example: virus/malware infections, out-of-date drivers, anti-virus programs or other third-party programs, etc;

Method 1: Windows has a built-in troubleshooter to check and fix issues with system. I would suggest you to run this troubleshooter to check if the issue is with your System
Maintenance.

Refer these steps:

• Press Windows key +X, select Control panel

• Change the view by option on the top right to Large icons
• Click on troubleshooting and click on the view all option on the left panel

• Run the System Maintenance troubleshooter

Method 2: Check if the issue resolves in
Safe Mode.

Refer this article to boot to safe mode:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/change-startup-settings-in-windows-10#v1h=tab01

Steps to reduce the CPU usage.

1-Press "Ctrl," "Shift," and "Esc" on your keyboard. This brings up the task manager without any intermediary screen.

2-Click the "Processes" button on the task manager.

3-Click the "CPU" column header until the arrow next to the label points down.

4-Right-click a program you recognize that uses a high percentage of the CPU and click "End Process." Click "End Process" to reconfirm. This eases up on the CPU's load. Use this step if you're not using a process or if the process has stopped responding. Do
not use this procedure for windows processes.

Hope this helps. If the issue remains unresolved, please get back to us and we would be happy to help.

Thanks.