How to End a System Idle Process

A computer is never completely idle, unless it is turned off.

When viewing the list of processes on your computer, you may notice that System Idle often takes up 90 to 99 percent of your computer resources. This may lead you to believe that the process is overwhelming your system. This is not the case. System Idle is the process that runs when your computer is doing nothing, because your computer can never really do nothing. In other words, System Idle is telling you that 90 to 99 percent of your computer is not currently performing tasks. Still, System Idle is critical to the proper functioning of your operating system.

Instructions

1. Press "Ctrl" + "Shift" + "Escape" or "Ctrl" + "Alt" + "Delete" to open the Task Manager.

2. Click the "Processes" tab and then click "Show Processes From All Users."

3. Click "Image Name" to view the list of processes in alphabetical order.

4. Right-click on "System Idle." Select "End Process" from the context menu that appears.

5. Restart your computer.

References

• Ask Leo What is the Syste Idle Process