How to reduce the load on Windows 10 from Windows Defender?
When using Windows 10, users may notice high CPU usage in the Task Manager by the OS Defender. This rate is especially high when Windows Defender is scanning. The process can load the system up to 50%, as this is the maximum load level allowed for this application. It should be borne in mind that this parameter can be changed at your discretion.
Microsoft provides a dedicated PowerShell application to run more complex commands that users can use to configure additional settings related to Windows Defender. One such feature is limiting CPU usage.
Limiting CPU usage by Windows Defender
By default, Windows Defender can use up to 50% of the processor’s power. This is a lot, especially when scanning occurs during other activities that require good computer performance. For example, when launching “heavy” programs or games. Fortunately, it can be changed to another value between 5% and 100%. This ensures that Windows Defender will not overload the processor even when it is running in the background.
To do this, you must first start PowerShell in administrator mode:
- Open the Windows 10 Start menu, then search for PowerShell by typing it in search.
- PowerShell-related functions appear in the list. Hover over the application itself.
- Then select “Run as administrator”.
Next, a PowerShell window will open to process the following commands.
Now enter the command:
Set-MpPreference -ScanAvgCPULoadFactor 10
The above sample data limits CPU usage by Windows Defender to a maximum of 10%.
Instead of parameter 10, you can enter any other value – it will become the maximum allowable, as a percentage, the level of CPU utilization that Windows Defender can use to scan the system. You can use a value between 5 and 100 (default is 50).
Attention! Do not use a value lower than 5. Entering parameter 0 will completely disable the limiter and allow Windows Defender to use unlimited processor load.
After entering the command, confirm it with the Enter key. The function will be accepted, and from that moment the restriction will take effect. If you want to revert to the original operation in the future, run the above command with a value of 50, which is the default Windows Defender Allowable CPU Load.
