CPU usage spiking

[yeti585]

I was about to get off my computer so I closed my firefox window, made sure my three desktop icons were in order, and went for the start button. Earlier in the day I installed the desktop gadget "All CPU usage". I glanced at it and my CPU usage spiked from 4% to 27%. I opened up Task Manager and closed the unneeded processes that may be causing these spikes, but they didn't stop. So, my problem is that my CPU usage is spiking while I'm not doing anything.

 

[mad825]

You can view the CPU usage by each process within the task manger/resource monitor otherwise it's likely that you've got malicious programs in disguise or hidden.

 

[ohnoitsabear]

First, try rebooting your computer and seeing if the problem persists. I have no idea if this will actually work, but its easy enough to do that you might as well.

If that doesn't work, or the problem keeps coming back, you should check for malicious software using the programs of your choice (I recommend using both Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes, as you can usually catch all malicious software with these).

Finally, if that doesn't work, try updating your drivers, specifically cpu and chipset drivers, from the website of the manufacturer of your cpu and motherboard, respecivally. This is always the best place to get drivers, as you can know for sure that they are the most up to date.

If none of this works, then I have no idea what the problem could be.

 

[yeti585]

whatever happened righted itself this morning. I'm not exactly sure what went wrong but it's no longer happening.