Windows 8.1 High CPU Usage

Question

Yesterday, my laptop was working fine. I shut my laptop down and I was forgetting something, so I turn it back on. My CPU was suddenly getting high. It reached for like 95-99%. I checked my task manager and there's literally nothing that affects the CPU except that I noticed there's like 3 or 4 "Microsoft Windows Backup" on my task manager that keeps appear and disappear. Is it normal or is there some kind of a virus.

I searched for the solution but there's none.

And I've been thinking, If it was a virus and if I reset my laptop. Does it effects my files such as pictures, music, games, etc.?

All my personal folders are in C: drives. So I'm worried it will wipe out my folders.

Here's an image from my task manager.

Answer 1

Hi,

If it is normal then it would only last a short time, possibly while doing a backup

in your case.

Windows hangs or Freezes

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/2681286

Ways to improve your PC's performance

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/improve-pc-performance 

Performance & Maintenance

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/performance-maintenance-help#performance-maintenance-help=windows-8&v2h=win7tab1&v3h=winvistatab1

=======================================================

Are you using a 3rd party antivirus/antispyware/security program? If so many of those

can cause startup and running problems. Uninstall 3rd party antivirus and use Windows

Defender which in Windows 8/8.1 is a full antivirus product.

Check with the System Maker Support (Motherboard Maker for custom systems), their

on-line documentation and drivers, and ask in their forums about any known issues.

Update the BIOS, low level chipset drivers, and the major on-board and separatedevice drivers (all of those can have a definite impact on boot speed and performance).

Note using Win Key + X and Win Key + W (to get to Control Panel, Run, and Settings

as needed). Win Key + D calls the desktop and the using Win Key toggles Desktop and

Start Screen.

Check Startup Programs.

Right Click in the lower left hand corner - Task Manager

Or WinKEY + X - Task Manager

Or Right Click the Taskbar - Task Manager

Check the StartUp tab.

More troubleshooting :

How to perform a clean boot to troubleshoot a problem in Windows Vista, Windows 7,

or Windows 8/8.1

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

Other programs to help :

Autoruns - Free - See what programs are configured to startup automatically

when your system boots and you login. Autoruns also shows you the full list

of Registry and file locations where applications can configure auto-start settings.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

Process Explorer - Free - Find out what files, registry keys and other objects

processes have open, which DLLs they have loaded, and more. This uniquely

powerful utility will even show you who owns each process.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

=======================================================

If needed : 

Try doing a "Refresh your PC without affecting your files" (or changing your personal

settings) or even a Restore. Be prepared to re-install the programs, Apps will remain.

And having redundant backups of your files off of the main hard drive is always a

good idea.

Windows 8 includes special methods to Refresh (keep files and settings)  or a Reset

(new install removing all).

How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

How to Refresh Windows 8 and 8.1

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2293-refresh-windows-8-a.html

How to Reset Windows 8 and 8.1

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/2302-reset-windows-8-a.html

Repair and Recovery (create a USB Recovery Drive and more)

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/repair-recovery-help#repair-recovery-help=windows-8&v1h=win8tab1

============================================

If needed :

Windows 8 and Windows 8.1 ISO - Download or Create <- also see Related Tutorials

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/18309-windows-8-windows-8-1-iso-download-create.html

Create installation media for Windows 8.1

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

Upgrade Windows wirh only a product key

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/upgrade-product-key-only

Download Windows 8.1 ISO Using your Windows 8.0 Key

http://mcakins.com/2013/10/19/download-windows-8-1-iso-using-you-windows-8-0-key/

Download Windows 8.1 iso

http://dellwindowsreinstallationguide.com/download-microsoft-windows-and-office/download-microsoft-windows/download-windows-8-1-retail-and-oem-iso/

Download the Windows 8.1 ISO using a Windows 8 key and some simple trickery

http://betanews.com/2013/11/21/download-the-windows-8-1-iso-using-a-windows-8-key-and-some-simple-trickery/

You can also make a Recovery USB drive.

How to Create a Recovery USB Flash Drive in Windows 8 and 8.1

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/5132-recovery-drive-create-usb-flash-drive-windows-8-a.html

On Nov. 15, 2013 Windows 8.1 Back-up Media will be available for purchase. Newegg and

others will be offering the disc,

Windows 8.1 'Back-up Media' disc available to buy soon

http://betanews.com/2013/11/05/windows-8-1-back-up-media-disc-available-to-buy-soon/

Hope this helps.

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Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows and Devices for IT : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.