Skype high CPU usage at idle? What is the reason behind the unusually high amount of CPU resources? Let’s find out in this post.
Have you recently noticed Skype consuming a lot of CPU resources on your computer? If you have an outdated application or a bug is causing it, there is a reason why Skype is acting up. It is important that you take action if the Task Manager shows that Skype is utilizing unusually high CPU resources, regardless of how little you have been using it. To answer the question ‘Why is Skype using so much CPU’, we have listed down the reasons behind the most commonly faced issue. Thereafter, we have also curated the possible solutions for the different scenarios to help you fix the Skype high CPU usage issue.
Read Also: How To Fix Skype Installs Every time I open it in Windows 11/10
Let us start with the reasons first.
Why Does Skype Use So Much CPU?
Sometimes, Skype may become a resource hog. When it happens, CPU and memory consumption skyrockets. Your computer starts to run slowly, gets unresponsive, and occasionally freezes. Let’s investigate what is creating this issue.
- Enabled animations & visual effects.
- The app’s version is outdated.
- Background applications interfering.
- The app’s corrupt system files.
- System RAM is insufficient.
Now that you are well aware of the potential causes of excessive CPU utilization when using Skype, it is time to implement the solutions listed below to improve the efficiency of your computer.
Read Also: Skype Not Working On Mac – Here’s How to Fix
How to Reduce Skype’s High CPU Usage Issue?
When you launch Skype, significant CPU usage can happen because the app is checking for updates and catching up on its history. So follow these methods to fix Skype’s high CPU usage in Windows 10/11:
Fix 1: Update the Skype App
To fix ‘Skype high CPU usage’ issue, install the recent update for Skype if you aren’t using the latest version at the moment. Then observe if the excessive CPU utilization issue still persists. To check for updates for a particular application in Windows follow the steps below.
STEP 1: Open the Microsoft Store by clicking the icon from the Taskbar at the center bottom of your screen. Or you can search for the Microsoft Store by clicking on the Search icon and it. Now open it.
STEP 2:Type the name of the particular app on the search bar at the top of the page(In our case it is Skype).
STEP 3: Now if you see an Update option, click on same.
With that being said, let us look at some other fixes that can resolve the issue!
Read Also: How To Screen Record Skype With Audio On iPhone & iPad
Fix 2: Close Background Applications
Skype performance could be hampered by certain background applications and processes. Many individuals have verified that the issue was instantly resolved by turning off programs that improve system performance in general. Therefore, to reduce your CPU burden, it is crucial that you immediately remove any background running apps.
To do so follow the steps:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys together to open the Task Manager.
- In the Processes tab, Go through the list of active apps/processes in the background.
- Right-click on the app/process you want to terminate and choose End Task.
Fix 3: Adjust Visual Effects to Best Performance
Though visual effects are fantastic & work very well on computers with enough RAM, they are just a burden on those with insufficient RAM. In this situation, optimizing your PC’s visual effects settings is essential to ensure that Skype won’t consume high CPU power
- Click on the search icon and type adjust performance and open the very first suggestion.
- Now under the Visual Effects tab choose the option Adjust for best performance.
- Then click on OK and after this tap on the Apply button.
Fix 4: Free Up Some RAM
To operate Skype and other applications without any problems, you must ensure that your PC has a minimum of 4GB of RAM. Alternatively, you can consider upgrading your PC’s RAM or clearing unnecessary occupied memory to release RAM. This way Skype and other resource-demanding apps can operate smoothly and the potential CPU load difficulties can be fixed. Uninstalling bloatware and unwanted apps is another good way to free up some RAM space. For this, all you have to do is:
- Press the Windows key with the key I to open Windows settings.
- From the right side of the Settings windows tap on Apps and then on the right side click on Apps & features.
- On this following page, you will get a list of installed apps on your PC scroll through the list.
- Now tap on the three vertical dots icon in front of the app you want to uninstall and then choose ‘Uninstall.’
- Again click on Uninstall to confirm the action.
Repeat this process for every app you want to uninstall.
Fix 5: Disable Skype From Startup
Optimizing startup items is another effective way to reduce overload on your system which prevents the PC from starting up quickly. Often, certain programs automatically add themselves to the startup apps list, leading to slow boot times and other performance-related issues. If Skype has made a place in this list, make sure you disable it, along with other unwanted programs that are set to run automatically at startup. All you have to do is:
- Press the Ctrl + Shift + Esc keys altogether to open the Task Manager.
- Now click on the Startup option from the top.
- Here you will find all the startup apps along with their status and impact on your PC.
- Go through the list and select the app with the high startup impact on the PC and right-click on it. Now choose Disable.
Repeat this process for every high startup impact app you want to disable.
Fix 6: Modify Power Settings
These in-built settings let you determine what’s important to you. For instance, what exactly your needs are – – getting the best battery life, the best performance, or a balance between the two?
- Pree the Windows key with the key R to open the RUN dialog box.
- Now type control and click on OK.
- Find and tap on Power Options.
- Under Show additional plans tap on Balanced (Recommended).
- Now Restart your PC.
Fix 7: Reinstall the Skype App
If neither of the aforementioned options works for you, you can go with this workaround. You can avoid problems with the application files as well as other faults that can be causing high CPU usage by installing the latest version of Skype. To Reinstall the app follow the steps below:
- Press the Windows key with the key I to open Settings.
- Now from the left side of the window tap on Apps.
- Now tap on Apps & features to open it. Here you will find all the installed apps on your PC/Laptop.
- Scroll down and find Skype. Now tap the three vertical dots icon against it and choose Uninstall.
- Again tap on Uninstall to confirm the action.
- Now restart your laptop/PC.
- Open the Microsoft Store as told earlier in the General Tip section.
- To reinstall Skype, type Skype into the search bar and select Get.
Now, you can start anew and get rid of the Skype high CPU usage problem.
Fix 8: Contact Sype Support
If you are still facing the issue then you should contact Skype Support immediately to solve this Skype high CPU usage in Windows 10/11.
Read Also: How To Fix High CPU Usage In Google Chrome in Windows
To Wrap This Up
So, this is how you stop Skype high CPU usage in Windows 10. I hope now you have come to know the reasons behind this as well as the solutions for the same. Give these methods a try and tell us which one worked for you in the comments below. Also if you know some other methods to fix the issue then don’t hesitate to tell us.
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Next Read: How To Fix And Disable OneDrive High CPU Usage On Windows 10
Skype may sometimes turn into a computer resource vampire. When that happens, CPU and memory usage goes through the roof. Your computer becomes sluggish and unresponsive, and it may even freeze at times. Let’s explore what’s causing this problem and how you can fix it.
Contents
- 1 Troubleshooting Skype High CPU Usage on PC
- 1.1 Close Background Apps
- 1.2 Set Visual Effects to Best Performance
- 1.3 Reinstall Skype
- 1.4 Conclusion
Troubleshooting Skype High CPU Usage on PC
Keep in mind that high CPU consumption may occur during the initial launch. The app is trying to catch up on history and check for updates. By the way, if you’re not running the newest Skype version, install the latest update and check if the high CPU usage problem persists.
Close Background Apps
Some of the programs running in the background may interfere with Skype. Several users confirmed that disabling programs that enhance the overall system performance solved the problem.
For example, it seems that Waves MaxxAudio and Killer Control Center often turn Skype into a resource-hogging program. This is because system enhancement programs change how your apps and system behave to improve audio or video performance.
On the other hand, if another app uses your mic and camera, that could force Skype to compete for resources with that program.
- Launch the Task Manager and click on the Processes tab.
- Then right-click on the apps and processes you want to close and select End task.
- Check if Skype uses less CPU power now.
Set Visual Effects to Best Performance
Visual effects and animations may sometimes put a strain on your computer hardware. Adjust your settings for the best performance and check if Skype still uses too much CPU power.
- Type ‘adjust performance‘ in the Windows Search bar. Double-click on the first result.
- Then click on the Visual Effects tab.
- Check the Adjust for the best performance checkbox.
- Restart Skype and check the CPU usage reports.
Reinstall Skype
If the issue persists, try installing a fresh copy of Skype. Go to Control Panel, select Uninstall a program and select Skype. Alternatively, you can remove Skype from Apps & Settings.
Once the program is uninstalled, restart your computer. Then download and install Skype again.
Conclusion
If Skype has to compete with other programs for system resources, that could lead to high CPU usage issues. Disable background programs, update your Skype app and check the results. Hit the comments below and let us know if you managed to troubleshoot this problem.
CPU, the Central Processing Unit performs the basic functions of the computer. This system utility is also known as the processor or microprocessor of the system. CPU usage indicates the processing power of a working PC. In case your system is trying to perform more than it can, it is indicated as high CPU usage. 100% CPU usage means your computer is doing more work than its capacity. There are certain programs that can lead to your CPU working more than it should and Skype is one of them. Although Skype is a useful tool, it can slow down your system and hog the memory usage of your CPU. If your computer has been responding slowly and freezes a lot, then our guide on Skype high CPU usage Windows 10 will help you a lot. In the doc today, we will be discussing different ways in which you can fix Sype using too much CPU. Along with it, you will also be made aware of the reasons behind Skype for business high CPU usage. Let us, therefore, begin with fixing Skype and making sure that your CPU usage is within the limit.
Table of Contents
Continue reading to know about the troubleshooting methods to solve Skype using too much CPU on Windows 10 problem in detail.
What Leads to Skype High CPU Usage Windows 10?
Usually, high CPU consumption occurs when a program starts or an app launches in the system. This happens due to the app trying to catch up with the history. While using Skype specifically, if you have noticed your system lagging, then the following reasons can trigger this issue:
- Low RAM of the system.
- Interference of background apps.
- Strain by visual effects and animation on the system.
- Outdated version of the app.
- Corrupt system files of the app.
How to Fix Skype Using Too Much CPU
Now that you are aware of the reasons that might cause Skype to result in high CPU usage, it is time to fix the sluggish performance of your PC with the help of the following provided methods. You can try these tested methods as they are stated to get optimum results.
Method 1: Free Up RAM Space
Skype app installed in your system demands sufficient RAM, for instance, at least 2GB RAM for an undisturbed experience. In case your system runs on less than 2GB RAM, it can result in Skype for business high CPU usage. Hence, you must ensure to have at least 4GB RAM on your computer to run Skype and other programs without any issues. You can try upgrading your system RAM or freeing it up to make space for useful apps like Skype to run smoothly and resolve loading issues with the CPU. You can learn about How to free up RAM on your Windows 10 computer with the help of our guide too.
Method 2: Close Background Apps
Another reason that we have discussed above is background apps that may interfere with Skype. There are many programs that can turn Skype into the resource-hogging application. These programs are usually system enhancement tools that can change the behavior of other apps towards your PC ultimately leading to Skype high CPU usage Windows 10, in the case of Skype. Hence, it is essential that you close such background apps from your computer right away to ease off your CPU load. You can learn all about How to Disable Background Apps in Windows 10 with the help of our informative guide.
Also Read: Fix Skype Can’t Access Sound Card in Windows 10
Method 3: Set Visual Effects to Best Performance
While visual effects are great for systems with sufficient RAM, they are a load on others who have low RAM. In this case, it becomes crucial to set visual effects and animation to the best performance on your PC to ensure Skype using too much CPU issue is resolved. You can adjust visual effects settings on your Windows PC using the steps given below:
1. Press Windows + E keys together to launch File Explorer on your computer.
2. Next, right-click on This PC and click on Properties in its menu.
3. In the About window, click on Advanced system settings.
4. Next, in the System Properties window, click on Settings… under the Advanced tab.
5. Finally, in the Visual Effects tab, select the Adjust for best performance option and click on OK.
Method 4: Update Skype App
New updates for apps are released timely that includes source code better than the previous version of the app. The same is the case of Skype, in which the older version of the application is unable to execute the advanced CPU of your desktop and is therefore resulting in Skype for business high CPU usage. In this case, you must install the latest version available for Skype using the steps listed below:
1. Open the Microsoft Store from the Start Menu of your Windows PC.
2. Next, click on Library in Microsoft Store.
3. Now, click on Get updates in Library.
In case there is an update available for Skype, it will be installed automatically on your system. Once it is installed, you can try launching the new version of Skype and check your CPU usage.
Also Read: Fix Skype Error with Playback Device on Windows 10
Method 5: Reinstall Skype App
The last method that you can attempt to resolve Skype high CPU usage Windows 10 involves reinstalling the application. You can opt for this solution if none of the methods provided above are of any help. Installing the fresh copy of Skype will help you wave off issues with the app files and other errors that might be resulting in a high CPU load. To reinstall Skype on your computer, follow the instructions given below:
1. Open Settings on your Windows PC by pressing Windows + I keys simultaneously.
2. From the options available, click on Apps.
3. Now, in Apps & features, click on Skype and select Uninstall.
4. Again, click on Uninstall to confirm it.
5. Once done, restart the PC.
6. Now, open Microsoft Store from the search bar.
7. Search Skype in it and click on Get to install it again.
Also Read: Fix Skype Camera Not Working on Windows 10
Method 6: Contact Skype Support
Lastly you can try to contact Skype support to solve Skype for business high CPU usage issue.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How can I make Skype use less CPU on my PC?
Ans. You can make sure that Skype doesn’t lead to more CPU usage by ensuring that your CPU has at least 4GB of RAM. You can also try upgrading or clearing your RAM memory as provided in Method 1 above.
Q2. Why is the CPU load high on my Windows 10 PC?
Ans. High CPU usage in your Windows 10 PC can be related to a faulty power supply which can result in automatic under-volt of your CPU to preserve power. An undervolted CPU uses only a fraction of its full power and therefore 100% CPU usage.
Q3. Is Skype known to use a lot of RAM?
Ans. When freshly installed, Skype has a typical 100MB footprint which is quite less. With the increase in a number of contacts and data in the application, its consumption can become more. Skype at least needs 2GB of RAM to work smoothly.
Q4. Why is my CPU usage suddenly high?
Ans. The sudden increase in CPU usage can be due to video games on a PC, video editing or video streaming application, multiple browser tabs, and can also be due to performing a virus scan.
Q5. Why does Skype use a lot of power?
Ans. Usually, system enhancement programs change how other apps and programs behave to improve video or audio performance. Also, if other apps on your system use a mic or camera, Skype can compete with them for resources resulting in the consumption of a lot of power.
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We hope that our doc on Skype high CPU usage Windows 10 was successful in guiding you well about the reasons that lead to the high CPU load and different methods that can help you in fixing this issue well. If so, let us know which method was the most helpful in your case. Also, you can drop your queries or suggestion below in the comments section for us.
Skype is one of the best apps to send messages, make calls, and share files online across the globe. Microsoft owns this app and it is available for free to all users. You can also add credit and make international calls from most devices running different operating systems.
However, some users have been complaining about Skype’s high CPU usage in Windows 10/11. This blog will help Skype users to reduce CPU high usage and CPU load that is caused by the Skype app.
What Causes Skype’s High CPU Usage In Windows 10/11?
Just like any other app, Skype is designed not to consume a lot of system resources. However, if you observe that you have CPU high usage and CPU load then, this could be because of the following reasons.
Malware. One of the main reasons for high CPU usage in Windows 10/11 is malware infection. Threat actors can send disguised malware files to your PC that may attach to legitimate software and consume resources.
Malfunctioning Services. If the Skype-related Windows services are malfunctioning then this can result in Skype’s high CPU usage.
RAM issues. If you have less RAM or your RAM has developed errors then you can observe high CPU usage in Windows 10 related to all apps including Skype.
Outdated Version. It is important to update your Windows OS and all the apps including Skype. Older versions of any software lead to CPU high usage and increase the CPU load of your PC.
Corrupt System Files. As Skype is a Microsoft app, it relies on the Windows system files to function. If your Windows system files are corrupt then this can lead to high CPU usage in Windows 10/11.
Expert-Recommend Troubleshooting Methods From Microsoft And Reddit Forums
Method 1: Reboot PC
The first troubleshooting step for most major problems is to reboot your PC. A simple restart will fix many issues. Just restart your PC and check if Skype is still consuming more resources or not.
Method 2: Update Skype
One of the most prominent issues of high CPU usage in Windows 10/11 is outdated apps. It is recommended that you first update Windows OS which might include a Skype update and then update Skype individually. Here are the steps:
Update Windows:
Step 1: Press Win + I to open Windows Settings.
Step 2: Click on the last tab in the left panel named Windows Updates.
Step 3: Now click on the Check for Updates button in the right pane.
Step 4: Click on the Download and Install link under each update and let the process complete.
Step 5: Reboot the PC and check.
Update Skype:
Step 1: Click on the Windows key and type Microsoft Store.
Step 2: Click on the relevant result and the Microsoft Store will open.
Step 3: Click on the Library icon in the left bottom corner.
Step 4: Click on the Get updates button in the top right corner and let the update process continue.
Step 5: Restart your PC.
Method 3: Scan For Malware
The next method to fix Skype’s high CPU usage is to scan your PC for Malware. You can use either Microsoft Defender or any third-party application to check and remove any viruses and malware from your system. If you ask us, then we recommend T9 antivirus which is a real-time antivirus that prevents malware from entering your system in the first place.
Method 4: Check PC RAM
Skype requires at least 4 GB RAM to function. So if you have less than 4 GB then we recommend you upgrade your RAM.
If you have 4 GB of RAM and are still facing Skype for business high CPU usage issues then you can terminate other background apps. As they are consuming resources and closing them will free up RAM to help Skype run properly.
Also Read:How to Delete Undeletable Files & Folders in Windows 11/10/8/7?
Method 5: Alter The Visual Effects Settings.
To fix the “Skype using too much CPU” error, we need to adjust the settings of Visual Effects on your PC to Best Performance. Here are the steps to do that:
Step 1: Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
Step 2: Locate This PC and right-click on it to view the context menu. Click on Properties.
Step 3: A new About window will open.
Step 4: Click on Advanced System Settings.
Step 5: Now click on the Advanced tab and then click on Settings under Performance.
Step 6: Further, in the new box that opens, click on the Visual Effects tab and then choose Adjust For Best Performance.
Method 6: Remove Skype Cache And Reset Skype
Every app stores some temporary files on your PC to run faster rather than downloading them from the server. Sometimes these stored files also known as cache get corrupted and can result in Skype using too much CPU. Therefore, it is necessary to clean temporary files from your PC. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Exit the Skype App.
Step 2: Press the Windows key and type Add or Remove Programs. Click on the relevant result.
Step 3: A list of installed apps will appear on your screen. Type Skype in the search box.
Step 4: Look for the Skype app and click on the three dots next to it to reveal the context menu.
Step 5: Choose Advanced options and scroll down to locate the Reset section.
Step 6: Click on the Reset button and follow the instructions.
Also Read: How To Fix The Downloads Folder Not Responding On Windows
Method 7: Make Changes To Skype’s Settings
Another method to fix Skype using too much CPU is to make a few changes in the Skype settings.
Step 1: Launch Skype, click on the three dots and choose Settings (Ctrl +,).
Step 2: Click on the Appearance tab in the left panel.
Step 3: Locate Enable compact list mode and turn the toggle button towards the right.
Step 4: Next click on the Notification tab in the left panel and disable all the notifications that you do not need to reduce the CPU load and CPU high usage.
Method 8: Reinstall Skype
Another method to fix Skype using too much CPU is to uninstall the app completely and reinstall it. Here are the steps:
Step 1: Press the Windows key type Add or Remove Programs and click on the relevant result.
Step 2: Type Skype in the search bar and locate it in the results that appear below.
Step 3: Click on the three dots next to it and choose Uninstall option.
Step 4: Follow the onscreen instructions to remove the app from your system.
Step 5: After the app has been uninstalled, reboot your PC.
Step 6: Now, press the Windows key and type Microsoft Store.
Step 7: Click on the relevant result to launch the Store App.
Step 8: Type Skype in the search bar and choose the relevant result.
Step 9: Install the app by clicking on the Install button.
Also Read: Troubleshooting 101: Fixing the ‘Your PC Did Not Start Correctly’ Error
Method 9: Skype Support
If none of the above techniques work then we advise you to connect with Skype support to help with Skype for business high CPU usage issues. You can also read the FAQs and access other online support articles to help with this issue. Do let us know how you fixed this issue in the comments section below.
Is Skype’s High CPU Usage Issue Fixed?
The above-mentioned troubleshooting methods have been compiled from various Microsoft and Reddit forums. This is a complete troubleshooting guide for CPU high usage and CPU load caused by the Skype app. Do write to us about how you solved this error in the comments section below.
Quick Reaction:
Развернутый заголовок
Skype: при входе на свой аккаунт с любой машины — грузит процессор на 100% и виснет.
Есть идеи что это может быть?
Тестировалось на таких ОС: Windows XP (SP2/SP3), Windows 7 (Sp1)
Во время тести использовалось 3 разные машины, на одной из них специально менялся Windows и тесты проводилисо по новой на чистой винде.
Результат все время аналогичен:
Качаю скайп с оф. сайта => Устанавливаю => Вхожу в акк друга(все норм работает) => Выхожу => Вхожу на свой акк => Процесс «Skype.exe» грузит процессор на 100%, при этом окно Skype (Не отвечает).
Причем, даже когда ставлю приоритет «Низкий», то ничего не меняется.(скрин ниже)
Вопрос на засыпку:
Как ты думаешь, что это может быть и как с этим справиться?
P.S.
На официальном сайте поддержки пользователей Skype решил больше не писать, потому-что сайт поддержки просто тебя проигнорирует!