Windows 10: Windows Defender SmartScreen cpu usage

My computer has been running slow and I noticed that Windows Defender SmartScreen is using 45-55% of my cpu capacity. I have Windows 10 and Norton anti-virus on the computer. I looked in the forums and it sounds like this should be off when running another anti-virus program. Should happen automatically according to one thread, but it is definitely running. Went into Security & Maintenance where it shows to turn it off manually, but the “Change Windows SmartScreen settings” option is not on the left side to click. Using “End task” in Task Manager but it keeps coming back. Do I need this when I have Norton installed? If not, where can I turn it off?

:)

 

How to reduce Windows Defender and Google Chrome CPU Usage to the minimum?

Hi.

My PC runs slow.

When I click on Task Manager, I always see a High CPU usage from Windows Defender and Google Chrome.

Any suggestion to reduce Windows Defender and Google Chrome CPU Usage to the minimum?

Thanks

Francesco

 

Turn off automatic driver update and SmartScreen causing high disk and memory usage

Hi,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

I understand it can be quite frustrating when the computer does not work the way you want it to. I certainly appreciate the steps that you have tried. We can perform a couple of steps and see if we can resolve the issue.​

You can turn off the automatic installation of drivers from the Device installation settings and check if that helps. To turn off automatic installation please follow the steps mentioned below:

1. Type Change Device installation settings
   in the search bar and open it.
   
2. Click on No.
   
3. Click on Save Changes.
   

Regarding SmartScreen causing high Disk and Memory usage, you can turn off the SmartScreen from Windows Security and check if that helps. To turn off SmartScreen, please follow the steps mentioned below:

Note: SmartScreen automatically scans applications, files, downloads, and websites, blocking known dangerous content. We recommend leaving SmartScreen enabled, as it provides an additional layer of security that helps to protect the PC.

1. Press and hold Windows + I key on the keyboard.
   
2. Click on Update & Security.
   
3. Click on Windows Security.
   
4. Click on Windows Defender Security Center.
   
5. Click on App & browser control.
   
6. Select off under Check apps and files, SmartScreen for Microsoft Edge
   and SmartScreen for Microsoft Store apps.
   

Hope it helps.

Please reply with the status of the issue, we will be glad to help you further.

Nikhar Khare

Microsoft Community - Moderator

 

Windows Defender SmartScreen won't let me download ANYTHING.

Hello,

Thank you for writing to Microsoft Community Forums.

Please provide some additional information, so that we can assist you better.

1. Which browser you are using to download the application?
   
2. What is the complete error message appears on your computer screen when you click on download?
   
   

We can try and perform few steps and see if it helps.

Step 1: You can refer the Microsoft article related

Windows Defender SmartScreen under the section
how can I download files reported as unsafe by Windows Defender SmartScreen in Internet Explorer 10 or Microsoft Edge.

Step 2: Try to disable SmartScreen.

1. Press Windows + S on your keyboard.
   
2. Click on Internet Options.
   
3. When the Internet Properties window opens, go to the
   Security tab and click Custom level.
   
4. Locate the Miscellaneous section. Now, locate Use
   SmartScreen Filter option and set it to disable. Click OK to save changes.
   
5. You can disable SmartScreen by going to the
   advanced tab and unchecking the Enable SmartScreen Filter option. After doing that, click
   Apply and OK to save changes.
   
6. Restart your computer to effect the settings.
   

Hope it helps.

Let us know if you got the help you needed by clicking ‘Yes or No’.

Harish

Microsoft Community – Moderator