System Interrupts 100% CPU Usage: Causes and Fixes 2025

Key Takeaways

1. System Interrupts: Manages hardware communication; high CPU usage signals underlying issues.
2. Common Causes: Outdated drivers, faulty hardware, external devices, and BIOS/UEFI settings.
3. Troubleshooting: Update drivers, disconnect peripherals, check BIOS settings, and scan for malware.
4. Maintenance: Regular updates and proper ventilation help prevent high CPU usage.

The System Interrupts is a crucial Windows process, that manages communication between computer hardware and software. Typically, this process runs in the background with minimal CPU usage. However, sometimes you may notice “System Interrupts” consistently consume 100% of the CPU, feel Windows PC slower, or freeze. A few users report, that a recent Windows update causing the System interrupts 100% CPU Usage. This article explores the common reasons behind this and provides solutions to fix system Interruptions using excessive CPU resources.

What is System Interrupts?

System Interrupts manages hardware interrupts, which are signals sent by devices like keyboard, mouse, or hard drive to the CPU, prompting it to prioritize certain tasks. Normally, System Interrupts uses minimal CPU resources, but if it’s consuming a high percentage, it indicates that a hardware component is repeatedly interrupting the CPU, which could signal an issue that need to be fixed.

Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible hardware drivers are one of the primary reasons behind this. Again failing hard drive, faulty USB device, or defective network adapter can generate continuous interrupts. Sometimes, External devices like USB drives, printers, or external hard drives can cause System Interrupts to spike if they are malfunctioning or have poor connectivity.

Update or Reinstall Hardware Drivers

As discussed, drivers related to everything from network adapters and webcams to monitors, GPUs, and mice cause this problem. Updating or reinstalling drivers is one of the very first steps to resolve high CPU usage by System Interrupts.

• Go to Device Manager by right-clicking on the Start menu.
• Expand each category, right-click on your devices, and select “Update driver.”
• Choose “Search automatically for updated driver software.” and follow on screen instructions.

If updating doesn’t work, right-click on the device in Device Manager and choose “Uninstall device.” Restart your computer, and Windows should automatically reinstall the driver.

Disconnect External Devices

Again Faulty peripherals can cause continuous hardware interrupts. Try Disconnect all external devices, such as USB drives, printers, and external hard drives, to see if the CPU usage drops.

If the CPU usage drops down, Reconnect devices one by one while monitoring CPU usage in Task Manager. If the usage spikes after reconnecting a particular device, that device is likely causing the problem.

Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes It may be a background program or service that is causing high CPU usage by System Interrupts. Performing Windows Clean boot, start your PC with only the most essential drivers and system services, and disable non essential programs and applications that launch during startup.

This can help you identify the cause of a problem by determining if background programs are causing conflicts

• Press the Windows key + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• In the System Configuration window, go to the “Services” tab and check “Hide all Microsoft services.”
• Click “Disable all,” then go to the “Startup” tab and click “Open Task Manager.”
• Disable all startup items and restart your computer.

If the issue is resolved, re-enable the services and startup items one by one to identify the culprit.

Check and Update BIOS/UEFI

The BIOS (Basic input output system) is the first piece of software your system runs when you turn on your computer, It helps your operating system to boot. An outdated or incorrectly configured BIOS/UEFI can lead to hardware communication issues, increasing System Interrupts CPU usage.

First, open the command prompt as administrator, and run the following command to, identify your BIOS version

systeminfo | findstr /I /c:bios

wmic bios get manufacturer, smbiosbiosversion

• Update BIOS/UEFI:
  • Visit your motherboard manufacturer’s website to check for BIOS updates.
  • Follow their instructions carefully to update your BIOS/UEFI. Ensure you back up your current settings before proceeding.
• Reset BIOS/UEFI Settings:
  • Enter your BIOS/UEFI settings during startup (typically by pressing F2, Del, or Esc).
  • Look for an option to reset to default settings or optimized defaults and apply the changes.

Check for Failing Hardware

Again Faulty hardware components, especially storage drives or network adapters, can cause continuous interrupts, result 100 CPU usage on Windows 11/10. Run built-in tools like Windows Memory Diagnostic for RAM or the hard drive manufacturer’s diagnostic tool to check for issues.

• Press Win + R, Type mdsched.exe and press Enter to open the Windows Memory Diagnostic tool,
• In the pop-up window, choose either “Restart now and check for problems” or “Check for problems the next time I start my computer.”
• Your computer will restart, and the memory diagnostic tool will run automatically. This may take some time.

Once the test is complete, your PC will restart, and you can view the results in the Windows Event Viewer.

• Press Windows key + R, type eventvwr.msc and ok,
• Navigate to Windows Logs > System, and look for events labelled “MemoryDiagnostics-Results” to see if any errors were found.

Running Hard Drive Diagnostic Tools

For Western Digital Drives:

• Step 1: Download and install the Western Digital Data Lifeguard Diagnostics tool from the Western Digital website.
• Step 2: Open the tool and select the drive you want to test.
• Step 3: Choose either “Quick Test” or “Extended Test” based on your preference.
• Step 4: Review the results. If the test detects errors, consider replacing the drive.

For Seagate Drives:

• Step 1: Download and install the SeaTools for Windows utility from the Seagate website.
• Step 2: Open SeaTools and select the drive you want to test.
• Step 3: Choose between “Short Drive Self Test,” “Short Generic,” or “Long Generic” tests.
• Step 4: If the test fails, it indicates a problem with the drive, and replacing it may be necessary.

For Dell Computers:

• Step 1: Restart your computer and press F12 repeatedly during boot to enter the Boot Menu.
• Step 2: Select “Diagnostics” from the menu.
• Step 3: The system will run a full hardware diagnostic, checking components like memory, CPU, and hard drives.
• Step 4: Review the results. The test will indicate any hardware that is malfunctioning.

For HP Computers:

• Step 1: Restart your computer and press Esc repeatedly during boot, then press F2 to enter the HP System Diagnostics.
• Step 2: Choose “System Tests” to perform a full test of your computer’s hardware.
• Step 3: Review the results and take note of any errors.

Disable High Definition Audio Devices

Sometimes, HD audio devices can cause high CPU usage by System Interrupts. A few users report, disabling this service helps them fix system interrupts high CPU usage problems.

• Go to Device Manager and expand “Sound, video and game controllers.”
• Right-click on the High Definition Audio Device and select “Disable device.”
• If CPU usage drops, consider updating or reinstalling the audio drivers.

Check for Windows Update

Microsoft regularly releases Windows updates, it also includes patches that can fix issues causing high CPU usage by System Interrupts. If the above options fail to fix the issue, install the latest Windows updates following steps below.

• Press the Windows key + I to open Settings
• Go to Update & Security > Windows Update and click “Check for updates.”
• Install any available updates and restart your computer.

In addition, Overheating can cause your CPU to throttle, increasing the time it takes to handle interrupts. Use software like HWMonitor or Core Temp to monitor your CPU temperature. Ensure your laptop or desktop cooling system is free of dust and that the fans are working correctly

Again Malware can interfere with hardware processes and cause high CPU usage by System Interrupts. User Windows security (Defender) or third-party antivirus program to perform a full system scan and remove any detected threats.