Encountering Antimalware Service Executable High Memory issues on your Windows 11 or Windows 10 system? You’re not alone. Many users report that the Antimalware Service Executable, a core component of Windows Defender, consumes excessive memory, leading to system slowdowns and frustration.
This comprehensive guide will delve into what Antimalware Service Executable is, why it might be causing high memory usage, and most importantly, provide you with five effective methods to resolve this issue. We aim to provide you with actionable steps to regain control of your system’s resources and ensure smooth performance. Furthermore, we’ll introduce a useful tool to optimize your disk partitions, potentially further enhancing your computer’s efficiency.
| Solutions for Antimalware Service Executable High Memory | Step-by-step Guides |
|---|---|
| Solution 1. Temporarily Disable Real-Time Protection | Turn off real-time scanning to temporarily alleviate high memory usage…See Full Steps |
| Solution 2. Adjust Windows Defender’s Scheduling | Modify Windows Defender’s scan schedule to reduce resource contention…See Full Steps |
| Solution 3. Add Antimalware Service Executable to Exclusion List | Prevent Windows Defender from scanning its own process to minimize overhead…See Full Steps |
| Solution 4. Disable Windows Defender (Registry Method) | Completely disable Windows Defender via the Registry Editor (use with caution)…See Full Steps |
| Solution 5. Update Device Drivers | Ensure your system drivers are up-to-date to rule out driver-related conflicts…See Full Steps |
Related Reading: Troubleshooting 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10
Understanding Antimalware Service Executable and High Memory Usage
The Antimalware Service Executable, also known as Msmpeng.exe, is a fundamental process of Windows Defender (now Microsoft Defender Antivirus), the built-in security solution in Windows operating systems. You can typically find this process running in the Task Manager, under the Details tab.
Its primary function is to provide real-time protection against malware and other threats. This involves constantly scanning files and processes as you access them, performing background system scans for malicious software, downloading and installing antivirus definition updates, and executing various other tasks essential for a robust security application.
This continuous scanning activity can be resource-intensive, particularly on your computer’s CPU and memory. Consequently, you might observe Antimalware Service Executable high CPU usage, high disk usage, high RAM usage, and even increased network bandwidth consumption. These resource spikes can become more pronounced after Windows updates or during periods of heavy system activity. Let’s explore how to address the antimalware service executable high memory Windows 10 and Windows 11 issues in the following sections.
Explore EaseUS Partition Master Free, a user-friendly disk management tool designed for both beginners and experienced users to efficiently manage partitions and optimize disk space.
5 Practical Solutions to Stop Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage
If you’re experiencing Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage on your Windows system, don’t be alarmed. We have compiled five straightforward methods to help you effectively manage this issue. Carefully review each solution and follow the step-by-step instructions to resolve the high memory/CPU usage caused by the Windows Antimalware Service Executable.
Solution 1. Temporarily Disable Real-Time Protection Solution 2. Adjust Windows Defender’s Scheduling Solution 3. Add Antimalware Service Executable to Windows Defender’s Exclusion List Solution 4. Disable Windows Defender in Registry Solution 5. Update all Available Device Drivers
For a visual guide covering Solution 1 and Solution 3, this helpful video from A2MTech demonstrates how to disable antimalware service executable high memory/CPU/Disk on Windows 10.
If you find this video informative, please share it with others who might be facing similar issues.
Solution 1. Temporarily Disable Real-Time Protection
The real-time protection feature is often the primary contributor to Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage. This feature constantly monitors your system, scanning files and processes in real-time, regardless of your current activity. This proactive scanning, while crucial for security, can consume significant CPU and memory resources, leading to performance bottlenecks.
Disabling real-time protection can be a quick way to check if it’s the culprit behind the high memory usage. However, it’s essential to understand that this leaves your computer vulnerable to threats. Therefore, this method should only be considered a temporary diagnostic step, not a permanent solution.
Step 1. Open the Settings app by clicking the “Start” menu and selecting “Settings” (gear icon), or by pressing the Windows key + I.
Step 2. Navigate to “Update & Security”.
Step 3. Select “Windows Security” from the left-hand menu, and then click on “Virus & threat protection”.
Step 4. Under “Virus & threat protection settings,” click on “Manage settings.”
Step 5. Toggle the “Real-time protection” switch to the “Off” position.
Turning off real-time protection in Windows Security settings to troubleshoot Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage.
After disabling real-time protection, monitor your system’s memory usage in Task Manager. If the Antimalware Service Executable high memory issue subsides, it confirms that real-time protection is a contributing factor. Remember to re-enable real-time protection as soon as you’ve finished troubleshooting or when you are done with resource-intensive tasks.
Solution 2. Adjust Windows Defender’s Scheduling Options
Modifying Windows Defender’s scan schedule can be an effective approach to mitigate Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage. By adjusting when and how frequently scans are performed, you can reduce resource contention during peak usage times. This method focuses on optimizing the real-time protection feature’s impact on system performance.
Step 1. Press Windows key + R simultaneously to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Type taskschd.msc in the Run dialog box and press Enter to open the Task Scheduler.
Step 3. In the Task Scheduler window, navigate through the left-hand pane to “Task Scheduler Library” > “Microsoft” > “Windows”.
Step 4. Locate and expand the “Windows Defender” folder.
Step 5. Find and double-click on “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan”.
Navigating to Windows Defender Scheduled Scan within Task Scheduler to adjust scan settings.
Step 6. In the “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan Properties” window, go to the “General” tab. Uncheck the “Run with highest privileges” option.
Unchecking “Run with highest privileges” in Windows Defender Scheduled Scan properties to limit resource usage.
Step 7. Switch to the “Conditions” tab. Uncheck all the options listed under the “Conditions” section.
Unchecking all conditions under the “Conditions” tab in Task Scheduler to customize scan triggers.
Step 8. Click “OK” to save the changes.
By adjusting these scheduling options, you can prevent Windows Defender from initiating scans during critical times or with unnecessarily high privileges, potentially reducing Antimalware Service Executable high memory and CPU usage. Monitor your system performance after applying these changes to assess their effectiveness.
Solution 3. Add Antimalware Service Executable to Windows Defender’s Exclusion List
Adding the Antimalware Service Executable process itself to the Windows Defender exclusion list might seem counterintuitive, but it can sometimes help reduce Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage. The idea behind this is to prevent Windows Defender from scanning its own process, which can sometimes lead to a loop and excessive resource consumption.
Step 1. Open the Settings app by pressing Windows logo key + I.
Step 2. Click on “Update & Security”.
Step 3. Select “Windows Security” from the left-hand menu.
Step 4. Click on “Virus & threat protection”.
Step 5. Under “Virus & threat protection settings,” click on “Manage settings.”
Step 6. Scroll down to “Exclusions” and click on “Add an exclusion”.
Accessing the Exclusions settings within Windows Defender to add process exclusions.
Step 7. Choose “Exclude a .exe, .com or .scr process”.
Selecting the option to exclude an executable process from Windows Defender scans.
Step 8. Type MsMpEng.exe in the process name field and click “OK”.
By adding MsMpEng.exe to the exclusion list, you instruct Windows Defender to bypass scanning its own executable. Observe if this reduces the Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage on your system. While this can be a solution, be mindful that excluding security processes might slightly reduce the overall security coverage.
For enhanced protection alongside Windows Defender or as an alternative, consider utilizing third-party antivirus software. TotalAV is a reputable option known for its comprehensive malware detection and real-time protection capabilities.
TOTALAV
TotalAV provides award-winning antivirus and security software, offering robust real-time protection against viruses, malware, and online threats.
Get Protected Now – Antivirus Protection Enabled
Solution 4. Disable Windows Defender in Registry Editor
Disabling Windows Defender entirely via the Registry Editor is a more drastic measure to address Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage. This method should be used with caution and only if other solutions have proven ineffective. Disabling Windows Defender significantly reduces your system’s security and should only be considered if you have a robust alternative security solution in place.
Step 1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
Step 2. Type regedit in the Run dialog box and click “OK” to open the Registry Editor.
Step 3. In the Registry Editor, navigate through the folder hierarchy in the left-hand pane to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindows Defender.
Step 4. Check if a registry entry named DisableAntiSpyware exists. If it does, double-click on it and set its “Value data” to 1.
Modifying the DisableAntiSpyware registry entry to disable Windows Defender.
Step 5. If the DisableAntiSpyware entry does not exist, you need to create it. Right-click in the right-hand pane of the Registry Editor, select “New” > “DWORD (32-bit) Value”. Name the new entry DisableAntiSpyware. Double-click on the newly created entry and set its “Value data” to 1.
Step 6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
Disabling Windows Defender through the Registry Editor will prevent the Antimalware Service Executable from running, effectively eliminating the high memory usage. However, remember that this leaves your system without its primary built-in security protection. Only proceed with this method if you are confident in your alternative security measures.
Solution 5. Update All Available Device Drivers
Outdated or corrupted device drivers can sometimes contribute to system instability and unexpected resource usage, potentially exacerbating Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage. Ensuring that all your device drivers are up to date is a general system maintenance practice that can resolve various performance issues.
You can manually update your device drivers through the Device Manager or by downloading the latest drivers from the device manufacturer’s website. When updating manually, always download drivers that are specifically compatible with your version of Windows.
Enjoy a Smooth System Without Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Issues
Windows Defender is a valuable and free security tool that safeguards your computer from various threats. However, its resource-intensive nature can sometimes lead to Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage. By implementing the methods outlined in this article, you should be able to effectively manage this issue and ensure your system runs smoothly without compromising security (when using temporary solutions).
Bonus Tip: Free Partition Management for Enhanced Performance on Windows 11/10/8/7
Optimizing your disk partitions is a crucial aspect of maintaining peak computer performance. Efficient disk management can contribute to faster boot times, quicker application loading, and overall improved system responsiveness. EaseUS Partition Master Free offers a user-friendly and comprehensive solution for managing your hard drive partitions in Windows 11/10/8/7.
Free Download EaseUS Partition Master Free
Compatible with Windows 11/10/8/7 100% Secure Download
EaseUS Partition Master Free provides a range of features, including:
- Resizing and moving partitions (the Pro version enables direct space allocation from D drive to C drive), creating, formatting, deleting, and merging partitions.
- Securely wiping all data from a hard disk to prevent data leaks and ensure privacy.
The following steps illustrate how to resize and move partitions safely and effortlessly using this popular partition management software.
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master and examine the partition layout in the “Partition Manager” section to identify free space.
- If unallocated space is already present on your hard drive, proceed to Step 3 to create a new partition.
- If no unallocated space is available, continue to Step 2 to shrink an existing partition.
Step 2. Shrink an existing partition to create unallocated space.
Right-click on a target drive partition with ample free space and select “Resize/Move”.
Selecting “Resize/Move” on a partition in EaseUS Partition Master to adjust partition size.
Drag either handle of the partition slider leftwards or rightwards to reduce the partition size and generate unallocated space. The “Partition Size” area visually displays the amount of space being reduced. Click “OK”.
Dragging the partition handle to shrink the partition and create unallocated space.
Click the “Execute Task” button and then “Apply” to commit the changes.
Applying the partition resizing operation in EaseUS Partition Master.
After execution, unallocated space will appear on the disk, allowing you to proceed with creating a new partition in the next step.
Step 3. Create a new partition using the unallocated space.
Right-click on the unallocated space and select “Create”.
Selecting “Create” on unallocated space to initiate partition creation.
Customize partition settings, such as partition size, drive letter, label, file system (NTFS, FAT32, EXT2/3/4, exFAT), and other advanced options. Click “OK”.
Configuring partition settings like size, file system, and drive letter during partition creation.
Finally, click “Execute Task” and “Apply” to finalize the partition creation using the unallocated space. Repeat these steps to create additional partitions as needed.
Completing the partition creation process by applying the pending operations.
Download EaseUS Partition Master Free
Windows 11/10/8/7 Compatible Secure Download
Frequently Asked Questions About Antimalware Service Executable High Memory/CPU/RAM
Here are answers to common questions concerning antimalware service executable high memory usage and related issues.
Why Does Antimalware Service Executable Use So Much Memory?
The primary reason for Antimalware Service Executable high CPU and memory usage is its real-time protection feature. This feature is designed to continuously scan files, network connections, and applications in real-time. Whenever you access files, download software, or browse the internet, Antimalware Service Executable diligently scans everything to detect potential threats. This proactive, real-time scanning process, while vital for security, can be resource-intensive and lead to high memory and CPU utilization.
Is It Safe to Disable Antimalware Service Executable?
While disabling real-time protection or Windows Defender can temporarily resolve Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage, it’s generally not recommended as a permanent solution. Disabling these security features leaves your computer vulnerable to malware and virus infections. If you are experiencing high resource usage, it’s better to explore alternative solutions like adjusting scan schedules or adding exclusions rather than completely disabling your primary security protection.
How to Limit Antimalware Service Executable’s Disk Usage?
To limit Antimalware Service Executable’s disk usage, you can adjust its scheduled scan settings within Task Scheduler.
- Open Task Scheduler from the Start Menu.
- Navigate to “Task Scheduler Library” > “Microsoft” > “Windows” > “Windows Defender”.
- Double-click on “Windows Defender Scheduled Scan”.
- In the “Conditions” tab, uncheck options like “Start the task only if the computer is idle” to control when scans are initiated and potentially reduce disk usage during active computer use.
Why is My Disk Usage at 100%?
Consistently high disk usage (100%) indicates that your hard drive is constantly working at its maximum capacity, which can significantly slow down your computer. While Antimalware Service Executable can contribute to disk usage, especially during scans, 100% disk usage often points to other underlying issues.
To troubleshoot and fix Windows 10 100% disk usage:
- Restart your system: A simple restart can often resolve temporary software glitches causing high disk usage.
- Check antivirus software: As discussed, Antimalware Service Executable or other antivirus programs can be a cause.
- Update Windows 10: Ensure your operating system is up to date with the latest patches and fixes.
- Check for disk errors: Use the built-in error-checking tool to scan for and repair disk errors.
- Stop the Superfetch service: In some cases, the Superfetch service can contribute to high disk usage.
- Clean up junk files and running memory: Remove temporary files and unnecessary programs to free up disk space and memory.
- Reset virtual memory and increase RAM: Adjust virtual memory settings or consider upgrading your RAM.
- Perform a clean boot: A clean boot can help identify if third-party software is causing conflicts.
- Upgrade to a larger/faster hard drive (SSD): If your hard drive is old or nearing capacity, upgrading to an SSD can significantly improve performance and reduce disk usage bottlenecks.
