Explorer.exe high CPU usage after latest update, Win11

Anonymous
2022-02-17T10:11:19+00:00

I am running Windows 11 Pro 64 bit version 21H2, build 22000.527.

After the latest update explorer.exe started to grab occasionally about 20% to 50% CPU power. Upon this high CPU time taskbar does not work, applications already on the desktop work though.

I have checked the desktop folder for any files missing the icon and I have also disabled OneDrive, did not help.

This problem is on almost all the time. It easies down occasionally but starts again. If I have the computer locked and log in again the problem starts immediately.

I do have some applications in desktop right button menu but they were there before the update without any problem(7-zip, WinZIP, NitroPDF etc).

This is quite annoying and prevents me working with the PC. The computer is Lenovo Thinkbook with 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-1165G7 @ 2.80GHz 2.80 GHz and 16 GB RAM.

Should I try to uninstall the latest update and is there a change that it messes up the operating system?

Windows for home | Windows 11 | Performance and system failures

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  1. Anonymous
    2022-03-30T17:26:59+00:00

    Ran an In-Place upgrade and I now see what ssgt_henry is seeing. Explorer.exe still spikes up on CPU usage but, doesn't stay there. Also doesn't hang/get stuck... just FYI

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  2. Anonymous
    2022-03-30T16:02:49+00:00

    I am now seeing moments when it goes up to 10%+ with the taskbar auto hide on. However, it does not seem to be staying high for very long or as long as it did with the other two updates. Still not perfect or completely fixed.

    It would be nice to have some type of acknowledgment from Microsoft as to whether they are looking at the issue or not.

    Because of using RDP so much for working from home, I need the Auto Hide turned on.

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  3. Anonymous
    2022-03-30T14:32:45+00:00

    My PC works ok when I do NOT hide taskbar automatically.

    When hidden automatically explorer goes to 10 - 20% and the taskbar is completely disabled. This takes couple of minutes and then everything works....untill it starts again. I may work some 15 to 30 minutes and after that I have exporer.exe peaking to 10-20% again and taskbar is disabled.

    I will continue using it without hiding the taskbar automatically and keep on waiting for a fix from MS. I also have all updates installed but the problem remains.

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  4. Anonymous
    2022-03-30T13:38:13+00:00

    JuusoKorhonen,

    Hey, I also installed the KB5011563 update. I turned on the "Automatically hide the taskbar" option. The explorer.exe did shoot up to 10%+ for about 30 seconds and then dropped. On occasions it gets up to 0.6% . Maybe this update did fix the issue.

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  5. Anonymous
    2022-03-30T06:08:13+00:00

    Is somebody @Microsoft reading this?

    It looks like same problem is detected by multiple users.

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