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.
How to Fix Skype High CPU Usage in Windows 10
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- Outdated version of the app.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.
