How to Stop CPU Hiccups

You may run into CPU hiccups when processes run on your system in the background. When multiple processes run, they all share the system's memory, causing your system to struggle to keep up. Compounding this issue is the fact that many programs start when you turn on your computer, whether you need them or not. By taking an inventory of the programs and processes running on your computer, and by cutting the unnecessary ones, you can minimize the number of annoying computer freezes you encounter.

Instructions

Using Task Manager

1. Right-click the task bar at the bottom of the screen and then click "Task Manager."

2. Click the "Processes" tab and then click the "CPU" tab within the Processes category to group the processes from most CPU-taxing to least.

3. Click any nonessential process and then click "End Process." Click "Yes" to kill the process.

4. Close Task Manager.

Using Microsoft Configuration Utility

1. Click "Start," type "msconfig" into the search box at the bottom of the menu and then click "msconfig" when it appears in the search results.

2. Click the tab entitled "Startup."

3. Click the check box to the left of any program that you do not need to start when your computer does. Click "OK." Click "Exit without restart."

Optimizing the Hard Drive

1. Click "Start" and then "Control Panel."

2. Click within the search box in the upper-right corner of the Control Panel and type "disk defrag."

3. Click the "Disk Defragmenter" link that appears.

4. Click the drive letter of your hard drive to select it and then click the "Analyze disk" button.

5. Click the "Defragment disk" button when prompted to begin the process.

Tips & Warnings

• It won't slow down your system at all to keep Task Manager running. If you refer to it often, you can spot trouble processes as soon as they arise and kill them if they are not needed.

• It's a good idea to defrag your hard drive at night or at a time when your computer will not be used. The process typically takes several hours to complete.

• Defragmenting your hard drive on a regular basis will help keep your CPU running at an optimal level. When the files on the hard drive are fragmented, the computer must work harder and longer to find them.

• Malware can also cause CPU spikes and hiccups. In addition to a trustworthy antivirus program, install and run an anti-spyware program, such as the free Malwarebytes or Spybot Search & Destroy on your system.

• CPU hiccups can also occur when you are using software that requires more CPU power and memory than your computer has. If this is the case, the program in question will show up in Task Manager as being the biggest CPU hog and the largest consumer of memory.

References

• Microsoft Support; How to Use and Troubleshoot Issues With Windows Task Manager; July 2, 2010
• NetSquirrel: How to use MSCONFIG; Patrck Crispen
• Microsoft Windows: Improve Performance by Defragmenting Your Hard Disk