If you observed that the Antimalware service executable is taking up high CPU space, then do not worry as it is not uncommon. Many users have complained of confronting this problem lately.
Now it usually occurs due to its real-time feature and full scan feature. Irrespective of its causes, the problem can be resolved easily. To learn how to, take a quick look into the entire guide thoroughly.
What is Antimalware Service Executable?
Antimalware Service Executable or MsMpEng.exe is a background-running service of Windows Defender which helps to run malware or spyware scans on reaching them. It will also help to identify any harmful files and provide aid from any virus or worms within the system.
You can find it in the details tab of the Task Manager. It is important to note that the malware scanning of this software is dependant on the CPU of the system and thus CPU is the first thing that gets affected by it.
What to Do If Antimalware Service Executable is Taking High Disk Space?
To know the various techniques for resolving this problem, take a look into some of the fixes mentioned below.
Fix 1: Scan for Any Malware
There are chances that you are facing this problem due to any malware or virus attacks. Thus, it is important to scan for it using the inbuilt antimalware software of Windows called Windows Defender. Here is how you can scan for malware using Windows Defender.
- Go to Start and then Settings.
- Click on Update and Security> Windows Security> Virus and Threat Protection> Scan options.
- Again, click on Custom scan and Scan Now. Once prompted to select the file for scanning, make sure to do so.
Fix 2: Change the Schedule of Windows Defender
As mentioned, the error occurs due to the real-time protection feature of Windows Defender. Thus, to change it, you can follow the steps given below.
- Press Windows and R keys together to launch the Run box.
- Within the Run box, type “ taskschd.msc “ and hit the Enter button.
- Double-click on Task Scheduler. Go to Library>Microsoft>Windows.
- Double click on Windows Defender and then Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.
- Unmark the “Run with highest privileges” option. Go to Conditions section, and unmark all the items then click on Ok.
Fix 3: Include Antimalware Service Executable to the Exclusion List of Windows Defender
Apart from that, you can also try adding the Antimalware Service Executable to the exclusion list of Windows Defender and check if it resolves the issue for you or not. Here is how you can do so.
- Press the Windows and I keys together to launch Settings.
- Click on Update and Security and choose Windows Defender.
- Again, go to Exclusions and click on Add an Exclusion.
- Select Exclude a .exe, .com or .scr process. When prompted to enter the new exclusion name, type MsMpEng.exe and click Ok.
Fix 4: Get Rid of Bad Updates
Windows Defender has some bad updates as well and thus it needs to be removed using Command Prompt. To do so, follow the steps given below.
- First, press Windows and R keys together to invoke the Run window.
- Type cmd within it and press Shift+Ctrl+Enter for opening Command Prompt with administrative privileges. Click on Yes and enter the following command
“%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Defender\MPCMDRUN.exe” -RemoveDefinitions -All
- Press Enter.
- Again, type the following command and press the Enter button.
“%PROGRAMFILES%\Windows Defender\MPCMDRUN.exe” -SignatureUpdate
- Wait for some time so that the process can be completed successfully. Once done, check whether the problem persists or not.
Fix 5: Run an SFC Scan
Many a time, the error can occur due to any corrupted files within the system. Thus, to get rid of them try running an sfc scan by following the steps given below.
- Go to Start and type cmd within the search bar.
- Select the Command Prompt and run it as an administrator.
- Enter the password for admin. Within the Command Prompt, type sfc /scannow.
How to Disable Antimalware Service Executable On Windows 10?
If the problem persists even after following the fixes above then try turning off Windows Defender and see if it resolves the issue for you. Now, this can be done either by Local Group Policy Editor or Registry. We have provided the process for both.
Through Local Group Policy Editor
- At first, press the Windows and R keys together to invoke the Run window and then type gpedit.msc within it.
- This will open the local group policy editor for you. Go to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Defender.
- Now, within the Group policy patch, search for the “Turn off Windows Defender” option and double-click on it.
- Click on Apply>OK to disable Windows Defender successfully.
Through Registry
- Press the Windows and R keys together to bring up the Run window. Type “regedit” and click Ok. This will open the Windows Registry for you.
- Within the Registry Editor, go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.
- Double-click on the registry named DisableAntiSpyware and change the value to 1.
So these were some of the methods following which you should be able to resolve problems where antimalware service executable is taking up high CPU on your Windows 10 system.
