How to Limit CPU Usage on Windows 11 – Essential Tips and Tricks

By / September 8, 2025

Ever noticed your Windows 11 PC heating up, the fan going wild, or programs lagging like they’ve had too much coffee? High CPU usage is often the culprit. If your processor is overworked, your system slows down, apps freeze, and battery drains faster.

In this guide, I’ll show you step-by-step how to limit CPU usage on Windows 11 using practical tips, built-in tools, and a few clever tricks. Whether you’re a gamer, a multitasker, or just someone who wants a smooth experience, these methods will help you regain control.

Why Limit CPU Usage in Windows 11?

1. Prevent Overheating

High CPU load generates excess heat, shortening hardware lifespan.

2. Improve Performance

A stable CPU prevents apps from lagging or crashing.

3. Extend Battery Life

On laptops, lower CPU usage means longer uptime.

4. Reduce Noise

Fans spin harder when your CPU works overtime.

How to Check CPU Usage First

Before you fix it, check what’s eating your CPU.

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Go to the Processes tab.

  3. Check the CPU column for apps using too much power.

Method 1: Close High-CPU Apps via Task Manager

Steps:

  1. Open Task Manager.

  2. Find apps with high CPU usage.

  3. Right-click and choose End task.

This gives instant relief but is temporary.

Method 2: Limit CPU Usage with Power Options

Windows can throttle CPU performance to save energy.

Steps:

  1. Open Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Power Options.

  2. Click Change plan settings on your active plan.

  3. Select Change advanced power settings.

  4. Expand Processor power management → Maximum processor state.

  5. Set it to 80–90% instead of 100%.

  6. Click Apply > OK.

This limits CPU spikes.

Method 3: Change App Priority in Task Manager

Steps:

  1. Open Task Manager.

  2. Go to Details.

  3. Right-click the process → Set priority > Below normal.

This tells Windows to allocate less CPU to that app.

Method 4: Disable Unnecessary Startup Programs

Steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.

  2. Click Startup apps.

  3. Disable programs you don’t need at boot.

Method 5: Turn Off Background Apps

Steps:

  1. Open Settings (Win + I).

  2. Go to Apps > Installed apps.

  3. Select app → Advanced options → Set Background apps permissions to Never.

Method 6: Adjust Windows Visual Effects

Fancy animations consume CPU power.

Steps:

  1. Search Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.

  2. Select Adjust for best performance.

  3. Click Apply > OK.

Method 7: Limit CPU Usage for Specific Programs

Some programs like browsers or games can be limited manually.

Steps using Resource Monitor:

  1. Press Win + R, type resmon, and hit Enter.

  2. Go to the CPU tab.

  3. Right-click a process → Set affinity.

  4. Uncheck some CPU cores.

This restricts the app to fewer cores.

Method 8: Update Drivers and Windows

Outdated drivers can cause CPU spikes.

  • Go to Settings > Windows Update → Install updates.

  • Update GPU, chipset, and network drivers from manufacturer websites.

Method 9: Scan for Malware

Malware loves hogging your CPU.

Steps:

  1. Open Windows Security.

  2. Run a Full scan.

Use a reliable antivirus for deeper scans.

Method 10: Use Power Throttling

Windows 11 automatically manages some apps.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings > System > Power & battery.

  2. Turn on Battery saver (laptops only).

Advanced Fix: Limit CPU Usage via Group Policy (Pro Users)

Steps:

  1. Press Win + R, type gpedit.msc, hit Enter.

  2. Navigate to:

    Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > System > Processor Power Management

  3. Adjust settings to set CPU limits.

Advanced Fix: Limit CPU via Third-Party Tools

Apps like Process Lasso can:

  • Restrict CPU usage dynamically.

  • Set permanent limits.

  • Prevent runaway processes.

Signs You’ve Successfully Limited CPU Usage

  • CPU usage drops below 50–60% under normal load.

  • System runs cooler.

  • No random fan noise.

When Should You Avoid Limiting CPU Usage?

  • While gaming or editing videos (you need full power).

  • During heavy rendering tasks.

  • If your PC already runs slow due to low specs.

Conclusion

Limiting CPU usage in Windows 11 isn’t just about reducing numbers—it’s about optimizing performance, improving battery life, and keeping your system cool and quiet. From power plan tweaks to process affinity adjustments, you now know how to take control of your processor’s workload.

The key is balance—limit only what’s unnecessary while keeping essential tasks running smoothly.

FAQs

1. Will limiting CPU affect gaming performance?

Yes, if set too low. Keep it at 90–100% while gaming.

2. Can I permanently limit CPU usage for one app?

Yes, via Resource Monitor (Set affinity) or Process Lasso.

3. Is high CPU always bad?

Not always—high CPU is normal during heavy tasks but should drop afterward.

4. What causes sudden 100% CPU usage?

Background apps, malware, or buggy updates.

5. Can overheating damage my CPU?

Yes, sustained overheating shortens lifespan and may throttle performance.

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