The “System and Compressed Memory” process is an essential part of the Windows operating system introduced to optimize RAM usage. It compresses unused data in memory instead of writing it to the disk, which reduces the amount of data stored in physical RAM and speeds up access times. While it typically operates in the background without causing any issues, it can occasionally consume an unusually high amount of CPU resources, leading to performance slowdowns. This article explores common reasons why System and Compressed Memory cause high CPU usage, and how to resolve the issue.
memory compression is a feature that gives your RAM more breathing room to prevent it from becoming full rather quickly.
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What is System and Compressed Memory Process?
The “System and Compressed Memory” process is a Windows feature introduced to optimize RAM usage. The memory compression feature dynamically reduces the size of data before writing it to RAM. This allows your computer to store more files in physical memory than it normally would, reducing the need for page files.
If you’re seeing “System and Compressed Memory” using a high amount of CPU on your computer, it typically indicates that your system is actively compressing large amounts of RAM data, which can put a strain on your CPU. This often happens when your physical RAM is nearly full, and Windows is trying to free up space by compressing data in memory. Here are some of the common causes of high CPU usage in Windows 11/10.
- Resource-Intensive Applications: Running demanding programs like video editing software, games, or heavy browser tabs can quickly fill up RAM, triggering more memory compression.
- Outdated Drivers: System or graphics drivers that are outdated can lead to inefficient memory management, causing higher CPU usage.
- Misconfigured Virtual Memory Settings: Incorrect paging file settings can lead to inefficient memory compression.
- Third-Party Applications: Certain programs can conflict with the process, leading to high resource usage.
- Malware or Viruses: Malicious software can actively consume system resources, including RAM, leading to increased memory compression and high CPU usage.
- Corrupt System Files: Damaged system files can disrupt the normal operation of Windows features.
- Disk Fragmentation: Fragmented disk files can slow down memory management and compression tasks
Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Virtual memory acts as an extension of your physical RAM. Misconfigured settings can cause inefficiencies, leading to high CPU usage by the System and Compressed Memory process.
- Press Windows + R, type
sysdm.cpl
, and hit Enter. - Go to the Advanced tab and click Settings under Performance.
- Switch to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual Memory.
- Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
- Select your system drive (usually C:), choose System managed size, and click Set.
- Restart your PC to apply the changes.
Disable Superfetch and SysMain
Superfetch (SysMain in newer Windows versions) preloads frequently used applications into memory. While useful, it can occasionally conflict with the System and Compressed Memory process.
- Press Windows + R, type
services.msc
, and hit Enter. - Locate Superfetch or SysMain in the list.
- Right-click on the service and select Properties.
- Set the Startup type to Disabled and click OK.
- Restart your PC and check if the CPU usage improves.
Check for Windows Updates
Microsoft frequently releases updates to fix known issues and improve system performance.
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Navigate to Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any available updates.
- Restart your PC to apply the updates.
Repair Corrupt System Files
Corrupt system files can cause processes like System and Compressed Memory to behave abnormally. Run built-in tools like sfc utility and DISM restore health command to scan and repair corrupt system files.
- First Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type command sfc /scannow and press enterkey to scan and repair corrupted system files.
- Next run command dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth to scan and repair the Windows image and resolve deeper corruption issues.
- Once the scanning is complete, 100% restart your PC and check if the High CPU usage problem is resolved.
Optimize Windows Visual Effects for Best Performance
According to some answers from the Microsoft forum, many users have resolved the System and Compressed Memory high CPU usage problem by optimizing Windows’ visual effects for best performance. This solution is mostly applicable to fix 100% memory usage problems because all virtual effects consume more memory. Let’s check with disable the Windows Visual effects for best performance. To do so, follow the instructions below:
- Right-click on “This PC” and choose “Properties“.
- Select “Advanced system settings” from the left panel.
- Click on the “Settings…” button in the Performance section.
- Select the “Adjust for best performance” option, and click on “Apply” and then “OK” button.
- Click on the “Apply” and then the “OK” button again in the System Properties window.
- Restart your computer and check whether the problem remains Or follow the next solution.
Disable Third-Party Software
Third-party applications, especially optimization tools or antivirus programs, can conflict with the System and Compressed Memory process.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary applications.
- Restart your PC and monitor CPU usage.
In addition, a clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and startup programs, help you identify conflicts causing high CPU usage.