This browser is no longer supported.
Upgrade to Microsoft Edge to take advantage of the latest features, security updates, and technical support.
![](data:image/svg+xml, %3Csvg xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg' height='64' class='font-weight-bold' style='font: 600 30.11764705882353px "SegoeUI", Arial' width='64'%3E%3Ccircle fill='hsl(128, 8%, 22%)' cx='32' cy='32' r='32' /%3E%3Ctext x='50%25' y='55%25' dominant-baseline='middle' text-anchor='middle' fill='%23FFF' %3EA%3C/text%3E%3C/svg%3E)
One of the most annoying habits in Windows 8 is, that the built-in "Antimalware Service Executable" (part of "Windows Defender") starts hogging my device's CPU with 60-70% (and 100% disk) for extended periods EACH AND EVERY time after I wake it up.
I wouldn't mind if it starts doing its business IN THE BACKGROUND but when I wake my device up from standby it's usually to get something done NOW and thus I find it increasingly unacceptable, that the system is always taken over by Window's defender exactly then and for up to several minutes! If I don't find a solution soon to throttle this beast, then I will disable Defender altogether!
What I noticed is, that this process seems to be actually triggered not by the system waking up, but by the network adapter becoming active. And actually, this happens each and every time ANY network adapter gets active! E.g. if my system has NO network connection at all and I plugin the network cable the Antimalware Service Executable starts. When - after it has settled again - I additionally enable Bluetooth then the Antimalware Service Executable starts its hogging business again. And if I then additionally enable the WLAN a few minutes later, it will AGAIN start to consume CPU!
So: can one decouple this? Running a scan ONCE after (re-)starting it is definitely enough, especially if Defender hasn't downloaded any new signatures since the last run! And, second, can one make Defender convince to strictly run in the background ONLY?
Michael
[Moved from Windows]
Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.
The mentioned workaround didn't work for me, Antimalware kept hogging my cpu, leading to performance drops and lags. Switched antimalware off altogether. Works like a charm! The Antimalware Service Executable is the only malware I've had on my computer anyway... dysfunctional peice of $#!+.
Follow these steps:
a. Press Windows key + W and type administrative tools.
b. Select Administrative Tools and select Task Scheduler.
c. Follow this path in the left hand pane. Task Scheduler Library/Microsoft/Windows/Windows defender
d. Uncheck all the boxes under Idle, Power and Network.
Oh no! The boxes are all grayed out and cannot be changed even though I'm on an Administrator account. :(
Microsoft is the most frustrating corporation ever!!
I have the same problem!!! I have read every post on this thread 10 times or more.
I can't stop it from pulling 70% cpu, and causing everything to be slow like windows 98!!
Between this and search filter host, I have about had it with windows all together.
I am in another thread and can't get java to work on windows 7, so no weather radar for me!!!
I will NEVER spend 1 more penny on anything Microsoft!!!
I have owned every operating system since windows 95.
I am beginning to think the only cure is to take both of these to the Pawn Shop.
Windows XP was the only operating system that Microsoft has ever released that worked!!
I was ripped off by Windows ME and Vista. I haven't had a job in 3 years due to heart trouble.
I hope Bill Gates Enjoys my money for **** that don't work. He should give me some money!!!
Maybe he just likes torchering Disabled American Veterans like me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was in my doctors office today waiting and 4 other people were complaining about
windows 8 8.1. ! guy said he just bought a MAC after years of aggravation. He said it was
the best move he has ever made. It's Not just me!!! I ask why does Bill Gates do this, Release
****. I can't buy a new computer on my budget right now, I can hardly afford food!!!
And Bill gates is giving away money, MY MONEY!!!!! I am so mad right now, I am seeing stars!!
GOOD Night,
Tim Robins.
P.S. I gave away my gun to prevent me from committing suicide due to this ****!!!!!
I have Had IT!!! 2 computers less than 2 years old, and neither 1 Works Right!!!
And of course Microsoft stopped supporting XP, BECAUSE IT WORKED!!!!!
This cannot, "ungrey" boxes..this cannot be accomplished if you log in using a live.com account. You must modify your account by typing "your" in superkey +W and follow the obvious or create another account and bypass the, "log in using Live" or use Schtasks command line.
I have admin rights on my Win8 pc, and in the Task Scheduler **Library/Microsoft/Windows/Windows defender,**the condition "Power" has a checkmark but it is greyed out so I cannot remove the checkmark. how to "ungrey" this condition ?
Click properties on the right hand side of the window.
