Windows explorer taking up high cpu usage

Dear cianfitzsimons,in this case I recommend that you try the following;

Go to Task Manager and click on Processes;

Locate the Windows Explorer process and right-click on it;

Select end task;

If the screen is completely black, press together the keys: Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager;

Click File > Run New Task;

Type: explorer.exe check the option "Create this task with administrative privileges" and click OK;

Run the system file checker;

Press the Windows + X keys, select Command Prompt (Admin), copy and paste the commands below and press enter after each command.

Sfc /ScanNow

Dism /Online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth

Wait for the process to finish and restart the pc;

Check if the behavior persists;

I hope I helped, even more!

Thanks for the help but I've tried all these methods before and none have helped.

Dear cianfitzsimons,in this case I believe the best solution is to install Windows again from scratch and fully format the drive during installation;

Steps for creating Windows 10 installation media;

You will need a USB stick with more than 4GB;

Download the tool according to the installed Windows 10 architecture. On here: https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=691209

Run the downloaded setup and click Create installation media for another computer;

Select the Language, then select the edition and architecture according to the installed Windows 10;

Connect the Pen Drive;

Click Next;

Select the USB Flash Drive option and click Next;

Click Finish;

Keep the flash drive connected to the PC and restart;

Start from the pendrive (Usually key F8 or F12, it will depend on the manufacturer);

The installation window will appear;

Follow the instructions until you reach "What kind of installation do you want?";

Select the Custom option;

Select the main drive and click Format;

Select the main drive and click Next to start the installation;

Note: It is recommended that you back up your personal files before performing this procedure;

Hope it works, see you soon!

Thanks again,

I ran the Commands and it seems like everything is good.

But when I tried to do the Task Manager fixes I ran into a few problems.

I would click end task and the desktop would go black as usual (In this state its only the desktop that goes black and it still lets me access current open windows but if I was to try and open a new Task Manager window with Ctrl + shift + Esc it wouldn't work). The "Windows Explorer" process would also remain open after clicking end task.

So using the already open I clicked file > run new task;

Typed in explorer.exe checked the option "Create this task with administrative privileges" and clicked OK. I tried this twice and both times task manager became unresponsive and the desktop remained black.

Thanks for all the help so far,

hope to hear from you soon!

Hello cianfitzsimons, welcome to the Microsoft community, I'll be happy to help you today;

I understand that the Windows Explorer process is consuming a lot of CPU in Windows 10;

Initially I recommend you to try all the methods provided in the link below:

https://windowsreport.com/high-cpu-usage-explor...

Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft sites. The pages appear to provide accurate and secure information. Watch out for ads on websites that may advertise products that are often classified as PUPs (Potentially Unwanted Goods). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the websites before deciding to download and install it.

Hope it works, see you soon!