Why is explorer.exe Running So High?
Have you ever noticed that your computer’s performance seems to degrade over time, with applications running slower and slower? One common culprit behind this issue is the explorer.exe process, which is responsible for managing the graphical user interface of your Windows operating system. If you’ve noticed that explorer.exe is using a significant amount of CPU or memory resources, you may be wondering why is explorer.exe running so high. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind this issue and provide some solutions to help you improve your system’s performance.
There are several reasons why explorer.exe might be running high on your system. Here are some of the most common causes:
1. Background Applications: Many applications run in the background and may consume resources without your knowledge. These applications can cause explorer.exe to use more resources, leading to slower performance. To identify which applications are using excessive resources, you can use the Task Manager to monitor the CPU and memory usage of each process.
2. Corrupted System Files: Sometimes, corrupted system files can cause explorer.exe to run high. This can happen due to malware infections, software updates, or hardware failures. To fix this issue, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files.
3. Outdated Drivers: Outdated or incompatible drivers can also cause explorer.exe to use more resources. To ensure that your drivers are up-to-date, you can visit the manufacturer’s website or use a third-party driver update tool.
4. Startup Programs: Having too many startup programs can slow down your system, including explorer.exe. To reduce the number of startup programs, you can use the Task Manager or the System Configuration utility to disable unnecessary applications from launching at startup.
5. Resource-Intensive Themes: Custom themes or high-resolution wallpapers can consume more CPU and memory resources. If you’ve recently changed your theme or wallpaper, try reverting to the default settings to see if it improves performance.
Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue of explorer.exe running high:
1. Use Task Manager to identify and close unnecessary background applications.
2. Run the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and repair corrupted system files.
3. Update your drivers to ensure compatibility and performance optimization.
4. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager or System Configuration.
5. Revert to default system settings, such as themes and wallpapers, if you recently made changes.
By following these steps, you should be able to reduce the high CPU or memory usage of explorer.exe and improve your system’s performance. If the issue persists, it may be worth seeking assistance from a professional or consulting the official Microsoft support forums for further guidance.
