In Windows 11, Microsoft has done some very good optimization to make it more fluent to use. But still, there are some Microsoft services that use system resources more extensively. One of them is Antimalware Service Executable or also known as the MsMpEng.exe process. Because it consumes a significant amount of system resources (high CPU, Disk, and Memory), it sometimes slows down Windows. Additionally, you may notice an increase in your CPU’s fan speed. This service consumes a lot of power when it’s running in the background.
Now questions arise, what is the purpose of this service? Is “Antimalware Service Executable” is malware?. Well no, it is not malware, but an integral part of Windows.
What is Antimalware Service Executable?.
As you might know, Windows comes with an Anti-Malware program called Windows Defender. Or known as Windows Security in new Windows 11. And, Antimalware Service Executable is part of it. This process protects computers against harmful malware. MsMpEng.exe process runs in the background to constantly monitor your system. Usually, this process runs when no third-party antivirus program is installed on your system.
Why Antimalware Service Executable is using High RAM and High Memory?.
Windows Security App offers real-time virus & threat protection. It is enabled by default to keep your PC secure. This feature basically prevents malware from installing on the PC. Also, it constantly scans files, connections, and applications. This clearly indicates why the “Antimalware Service Executable” process is constantly running in the background.
Also, Windows Security comes with four different scan options. Quick, Full, Custom, and Windows Defender Offline Scan. When you start Windows or wake your PC from sleep, Windows security performs a quick scan. And that’s why, for a few minutes, Antimalware Service Executable High CPU and Memory Usage issue occurs.
Also, it schedules a full scan to run daily. The full scan feature basically scans all your computer files. In addition, if there are too many files in the Windows drive then this process will get longer. And, you might experience lagging, hanging, or delayed response from your system. However, a full scan should be done once in a while, every day is not recommended. If you’re getting CPU Over Temperature Error on the ASUS motherboard. Then, do check out my article on it to fix it.
Should you Disable Antimalware Service Executable/Windows Security?.
As I explained above, Antimalware Service Executable is a crucial part of Windows to keep you secure from malware. So, in my opinion, you should not disable it. Alternatively, when this process runs and starts using system resources. At that time, you can open the Windows Security app and see if is performing a scan. If so, then you can just wait for it to get complete.
Moreover, since MsMpEng.exe is integrated with Windows Defender or Security, disabling it will leave your system vulnerable. Overall, if you’re not facing any major performance issue, then it is not recommended to disable the service at all.
Although, there are some ways to disable Windows Defender to fix the high CPU usage issues. Alternatively, you can also schedule Windows defender, whatever you prefer.
Solutions: Antimalware Service Executable High CPU and Memory Usage
Solution 1: Turn Off Real-Time Protection
Most antivirus programs work only when you manually scan your system files to find malware. However, real-time protection works to detect and stop malware before it reaches your device. And, because of it, Antimalware Service Executable High CPU usage problem occurs. However, turning real-time protection off is a temporary solution. Because it will automatically turn back on when you restart Windows. But still, if you find out that it is using system resources even when you’re working offline. Then, turning it off will definitely help.
- Click on the search icon in Windows 11 and then type Windows Security. The app will appear in search results. Click on Open.
Alternatively, you can click on the Windows security icon from the system tray. You will see a shield icon in the system tray, click on it.
- Once the Security app gets open, click on “Virus & threat protection”.
- Now first make sure that no scan is running. If yes, then because of the files scan, high CPU, disk, and memory usage issues are occurring.
- You will now see a “manage settings” option under the “Virus & threat protection settings” section. Do click on it.
- You will now see that Real-time protection is turned on. Click on the toggle switch to disable it.
- UAC window will appear, click on Yes to confirm.
- Open Task Manager and you will find that the Antimalware Service will stop using system resources immediately. Although, it is a temporary solution as I mentioned. So, you can try other solutions as well.
Solution 2: Set Priority Level to Low
If Antimalware Service Executable is using most of your system resources. Then you must change its priority. It is possible to set in Windows which applications are allowed to use system resources and which are not.
- Right-Click on the Windows 11 Start button and then click on Task Manager.
- Now, locate the Antimalware Service Executable process and do right-click on it and then click on “Go to Details”.
- Details window will get opened and you will see MsMpEng.exe is highlighted.
- Right-Click on MsMpEng.exe and then hover the mouse pointer over set priority and set it to low.
Important: If you’re not able to set priority to low due to some permissions issue. Then, you can use the same method to set priority to high for the app that you want to use mainly.
Solution 3: Change Windows Security Scan Schedule
If Windows Security starts using your CPU while you are trying to accomplish an important task. Then, you can schedule it for a time when it won’t interrupt your work. Windows includes an app called task scheduler that lets you set a custom time for apps to run. And, with it, you can schedule a specific time to run scans.
- Click on the search icon in Windows 11, and type Task Scheduler in it. Task Scheduler App will appear in search results, click on Open.
- Now, from the left pane, do double-click on the “Task Scheduler Library” to expand it.
- Now, navigate to Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender.
- Now, in the middle section, you will find the “Windows Defender Scheduled Scans”. Right-click on it and then click on Properties.
- Windows Defender Scheduled Scan Properties Window will appear. Click on the Triggers tab.
- If you find any preset triggers to run the scan. You can select it from here and delete it. Else, click on New.
- New trigger window will get open. First, select “On a schedule” in the Begin the task window.
- Select the Weekly option so that scans don’t run daily. After that, select the day on which you use your computer less. Also, do select a time when you keep your PC on.
- Click on OK to apply the trigger.
- That’s it, Windows will now run a Defender scan only at the selected day and time of the week.
Solution 4: Disable Windows Defender
If temporarily disabling Windows defender doesn’t resolve the issue. Then, you can permanently disable Windows defender using Registry Editor. Before you start just do understand that Registry Editor is a very powerful tool. With it, you can view, edit, or even create different values in the database. This means you can control all of your computer settings.
Although, it is not recommended to disable Windows Security/defender app unless a good antivirus or antimalware software is installed. If you’re using antivirus software better than Windows defender then definitely, you can go for it.
- First, press the Windows + R key to open Run Window. Once the run window gets open. Type Regedit in it and do press enter. Alternatively, you can search for Registry Editor in Windows.
- Once Registry Editor gets open. Copy the following address and paste it in the Registry Editor address bar.
Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows Defender- Now from the left pane, right-click on the “‘Windows Defender” folder. You will now see a “DisableAntiSpyware” service.
- Do double-click on it.
- After that, in value data, replace 0 with the 1, and, click on ok.
- That’s it, now restart your computer to apply changes.
- If you want to turn on Windows defender again. Then open registry editor again and just change the value to 0 again.
That’s it, the Antimalware Service Executable High CPU problem will now be resolved. Just make sure you have an antivirus program if you’re disabling it permanently.