MsMpEng.exe High Cpu Usage

MsMpEng.exe, or anti-malware service executable, is a legitimate part of the Windows system. It usually runs unnoticed in the background of the system and acts as a native security solution capable of undertaking anti-malware, anti-virus, and anti-spyware measures when needed. Unfortunately, under specific circumstances, MsMpEng.exe could start to take up an abnormal amount of system resources. More specifically, it could eat up the CPU usage, cause 100% Disk Usage issues, slow down the entire system and other annoying problems. To deal with this aspect of MsMpEng.exe try the following solutions.

Stop Windows Defender from Scanning Its Own Folder

1. In the search field on the Taskbar, type virus & threat protection and open the top result.
2. Select 'Virus & threat protection settings.'
3. Locate and click on 'Add or remove exclusions.'
4. Click on 'Add an exclusion' and select 'Folder.'
5. Copy and paste the following path where Windows Defender's folder is located into the box:

C:\Program Files\Windows Defender

6. Click 'Select Folder.'

Disable Real-Time Protection

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type taskschd.msc into the Run box and press Enter.
3. Now, first locate and double click on 'Task Schedule Library,' then 'Microsoft,' and finally 'Windows.'
4. Locate 'Windows Defender' and double-click it.
5. Right-click 'Windows Defender Scheduled Scan' and select 'Properties' from the available options.
6. While in the 'General' tab, find the 'Run with highest privileges' option and uncheck its corresponding box.
7. Select the 'Conditions' tab and make sure all boxes contained here are unchecked.
8. Select the 'Triggers' tab and pick 'New...'
9. Now, select an appropriate time for the Windows Defender scan. Pick the frequency, scan time, and date that best fit your schedule. 
10. Click 'OK' to save the scan settings.
11. Restart the computer. 

Turn off Windows Defender via Local Group Policy Editor

We should note that turning off Windows Defender could leave your computer defenseless unless you use a third-party security solution. So, proceed with caution. 

1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard.
2. Type gpedit.msc in the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. Now, locate and double-click each of the following - 'Computer Configuration, then 'Administrative Templates,' and finally 'Windows Components.'
4. Double-click Windows Defender Antivirus.
5. Double-click on 'Turn off Windows Defender Antivirus.'
6. Select the 'Enabled' option.
7. Save the changes by clicking 'Apply' and then 'OK.'
8. Restart the computer.