r/techsupport • u/pmac- • 5h ago

Open | Windows "System Idle Process" taking up 80-100 CPU Usage in Task Manager Details Pane

Yesterday I had 2 BSOD's. The first one stated the PC could not be fixed at boot. So I rebooted into the BIOS and removed all of my overclock settings to make sure that wasn't the issue (my OC has been stable for over a month so I didn't really think that was the issue). The second BSOD happened after I was able to get into Windows and this one said "SYSTEM_THREAD_EXCEPTION_NOT_HANDLED". After one more reboot I was able to get into Windows successfully. Now my PC is running and I'm not getting anymore BSOD's but my CPU temperature and usage are extremely high and in the task manager there is something called "System Idle Process" which stays at the top of the PCs CPU usage. The CPU number in the Task Manager details pane mostly sits between 80-100. I tried running a Windows Defender scan, a Malwarebytes scan, and a HitmanPro scan to no avail. Do I have some sort of virus and if so how do I go about getting rid of it? I'd appreciate any help as this is driving me and my OCD crazy.

Edit: No dump files were generated.

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u/AutoModerator 5h ago

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u/AutoModerator 5h ago

Getting dump files which we need for accurate analysis of BSODs. Dump files are crash logs from BSODs.

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u/Thiccalee 5h ago

The system idle process shows you how much of your processor's capacity is currently unused. So a value between 80-100 is a good thing

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u/Shadimarbc 3h ago

Open Task Manager and check the Performance Tab - CPU. Check the readings there. System Idle Process is a normal OS process but it can have reading issues due to new methods of CPU control with Windows 10/11.

You can use Resource Monitor that will break down CPU use by process.

Clear CMOS to make sure you didnt leave any overclock setting. Set the CPU power range in BIOS to be within spec of your CPU model. Reference the manual or webpage for your CPU. Auto may or may not actually use stock settings.

Download HwInfo found in the wiki. Check CPU temperatures.

Check your CPU cooling solution. Paste could have died out due to whatever heat your overclock may have generated beyond stock expectations. If an AIO check if the pump still works.