Windows 7....high CPU usage while on internet

Question

In the last few days, I have been having high (100%) CPU usage only while using the internet.  Google Chrome, Firefox, and IE all cause the problem.  I have tried to change the startup menu, but nothing has helped.  Usage goes down to less than 20% when internet is closed.  Any suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi,

1. Did you make any changes on the computer prior to the issue?
2. What type of connection do you have (wired or wireless)?

**Method 1:**I would suggest you to run SFC scan to check for missing or corrupted system files.

Run System File Checker (SFC) scan to fix any corrupt system files. To do this, follow the steps mentioned in the link :

How to use the System File Checker tool to troubleshoot missing or corrupted system files on Windows Vista or on Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929833

**Method 2:**You may perform a clean boot and check if any software conflict is causing the issue.

How to troubleshoot a problem by performing a clean boot in Windows Vista or in Windows 7

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

 Note: After troubleshooting, make sure to put the computer to start as usual as mentioned in Step 7 in the above Knowledge Base article.

**Method 3:**You may also run a Microsoft safety scanner to make sure computer is free from virus infection:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Disclaimer:

If you run the virus scan the program that is infected with virus will get deleted. So you have to reinstall the program. Also if the files and folders are affected with virus then they might even get deleted

**Method 4:**I would also like to inform that usage of CPU depends on other factors as well like the programs and processes running on the computer. Refer the links:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/View-CPU-utilization-and-other-performance-information

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/See-details-about-your-computers-performance-using-Task-Manager

For reference:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Optimize-Windows-7-for-better-performance

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Ways-to-improve-your-computers-performance

Answer 2

I am running wireless through a router.  I had not had any issues prior to this.  I did remove Chrome, but still have problems running on Firefox and IE.  I don't know enough about things running in the background to feel secure in digging to deeply.  I restored back to a date in which I knew there were no issues, but still the same problem.  I will do the things that you have shown, and will get back with you on whether or not it is fixed.  Thanks so much for your help!