10 Fixes for (WUAUSERV) Windows Update Process High CPU Usage Error

Are you having trouble with Windows Update Service (wuauserv) consuming high CPU resources? This common Windows error can be extremely frustrating; however, help is available.

In this article, we will provide you with 10 fixes to help resolve this issue. It should get your system back to running smoothly. You can stop the WUAUSERV process from consuming too much CPU with a few simple steps. Also, you will get your system back in working order.

Why is my CPU usage 100% Windows 10?

Your CPU usage may be 100% due to a variety of reasons. Examples may include several reasons that we have been able to identify with commitment.

The reasons responsible for CPU usage totaling 100% include the following:

Background programs: Some background programs that consume your CPU resources could run. Examples are anti-virus software or other system services.
Malware: If you have installed a malicious program on your computer, it can use up your CPU resources. It can cause your CPU usage to be 100%.
Overheating: If your computer is overheating, it can cause your CPU to run at 100%. It is so because it tries to cool itself down.
Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause your computer to run slower, resulting in high CPU usage.
Insufficient Memory: If your computer does not have enough RAM, it will use the hard drive to store temporary files. This can cause your CPU to run at 100%.
Too Many Programs Running: If too many programs run simultaneously, your computer can become overloaded. It can also cause your CPU to run at 100%.

How do I limit Windows Update CPU usage?

1. Disable P2P update distribution

1.1 Disable P2P update distribution on Windows 10

Press the Windows + I keys together to launch the Settings window.
Then open the Update & Security option.
Choose Windows Update next and then select Advanced options.
Afterward, find Delivery Optimization and click it.
Then look for the toggle switch below Allow downloads from other PCs and turn it off.
Finally restart your PC.

1.2 Disable P2P update distribution on Windows 11

Firstly, open the Settings app by clicking on the Windows icon on the taskbar and click Settings icon.
Click on Windows Update on the left pane and select Advanced options on the right.
Then find and click on Delivery Optimization.
After that, toggle off the Allow off downloads for other PCs switch.

2. Pause Windows update

2.1 Pause Windows update on Windows 10

Press the Windows + I keys together to launch the Settings window.
Then open the Update & Security option.
After that, select Windows Update and find Pause updates for 7 days and click on it.
Finally, restart PC.

2.2 Pause Windows update on Windows 11

Firstly, open the Settings app by clicking on the Windows icon on the taskbar and click Settings icon.
Then click on Windows update.
Finally, choose Pause updates select the duration of pause from the drop-down menu next to it.
After that, restart your system.

3. Update Windows Drivers

Begin by opening Settings by pressing Windows and I keys together and click on Update & Recovery.
Then check for updates under Windows Updates.
If one is available, click on Check Updates and follow the instructions to update it.
Finally, restart the PC to complete the process.

4. Run SFC scan

Begin by pressing the Windows key, enter cmd in the text entry, and select Run as administrator.
Now enter the following code and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
You must wait until the process is complete, as it may take a while.
The solution will automatically be applied when found.
Now, close the Command Prompt and restart your PC.

5. Scan the system

Start by clicking the Search icon on the taskbar and enter command prompt in the text entry.
Now, right-click on Command prompt and select Run as administrator.
To continue, click on Yes on the next prompt.
Now, you will enter the command below and press the Enter key:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
When the process is complete, you should enter the following command and press the Enter key to run an SFC scan:
sfc /scannow
Finally, it would be best to restart your computer to implement repairs.

6. Run the system troubleshooter

6.1 Run the system troubleshooter on Windows 10

Press the Windows + I keys together to launch the Settings window.
Then open the Update & Security option.
Click on the Troubleshoot option on the left and then select Additional troubleshooters.
Select Windows Update and expand it, then click the Run the troubleshooter button.
After the procedure completes, right-click on the Taskbar option and launch Task Manager.
Observe changes in wuauserv service behavior.

6.2 Run Windows troubleshooter on Windows 11

Firstly, open the Settings app by clicking on the Windows icon on the taskbar and click Settings icon.
Secondly, click on System and under Troubleshoot click on Other troubleshooters.
Next to Windows Update, click Run.

7. Restart Windows update service

Press the Windows + S buttons to open the Search bar and enter cmd. Click on the Command prompt app.
After that, the Command prompt should open.
Enter the following commands in the command line and press Enter after each.
net stop wuauserv
net stop bits
net stop cryptsvc
Ren %systemroot%SoftwareDistributionSoftwareDistribution.bak
Ren %systemroot%system32catroot2catroot2.bak
net start wuauserv
net start bits
net start cryptsvc
Finally, end Command Prompt and go to Task Manager again to observe that the abnormal use of resources of the Windows Update service is decreased.

8. Update Windows

First, open Settings by pressing Windows and I keys together and click on Update & Recovery.
Then check for updates under Windows Updates.
If one is available, click on Check Updates and follow the instructions to update it.
Finally, restart the PC to complete the process.

9. Restart your PC

Surely, restarting your computer is an essential step in keeping your system running smoothly. Also, it can help clear temporary files, free up memory and CPU resources, reset network connections, and update the system software.

It can also resolve many software and hardware issues. In addition, restarting your computer can help you stay secure by applying software vendors’ latest security patches and updates.

When you notice that none of the fixes above work, occasionally try to restart your computer. It might just solve all your import problems.

10. Contact Microsoft support

Writing Microsoft support is important if you are experiencing an issue with Windows update high CPU usage on Windows 10 and 11. Doing so will allow the Microsoft Support team to investigate the issue and provide you with a resolution.

This may include either step to resolve the issue, or they may provide an update or patch to fix the issue. In any case, Microsoft Support can assist in troubleshooting the issue and also getting your Windows update high CPU usage performing properly again.

In conclusion, Windows Update High CPU usage can be a frustrating issue. Fortunately, a few steps can be taken to reduce the CPU usage caused by Windows Updates.

This may include disabling certain services and any of the fixes mentioned above to fix any issues accordingly. With determination, you can get your system working at peak performance in no time.