System Interrupts 100% CPU Usage: Complete Fix Guide

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I’ve encountered numerous cases of System Interrupts causing high CPU usage. Today, I’ll share my detailed guide on resolving this frustrating issue that can severely impact your system performance.

Table of Contents
  1. Understanding System Interrupts
  2. Common Causes
  3. 10 Proven Solutions
  4. Advanced Diagnostics
  5. Prevention Tips
What are System Interrupts?

System Interrupts is a Windows process that handles hardware communication interrupts. When showing high CPU usage, it often indicates hardware or driver-related issues.

Common Triggers:

  • Faulty hardware devices
  • Outdated drivers
  • BIOS/UEFI issues
  • Power management problems
  • IRQ conflicts
  • Corrupted system files
10 Proven Solutions

1. Disable USB Root Hubs

# Open Device Manager
devmgmt.msc
→ Universal Serial Bus controllers
→ Right-click each USB Root Hub
→ Properties → Power Management
→ Uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device"

2. Update BIOS/UEFI

1. Identify your motherboard model
2. Visit manufacturer's website
3. Download latest BIOS version
4. Follow update instructions carefully

3. Check Hard Drive Health

# Check disk health
wmic diskdrive get status
chkdsk /f /r

4. Disable Fast Startup

# Open Power Options
powercfg.cpl
→ Choose what the power buttons do
→ Change settings currently unavailable
→ Uncheck "Turn on fast startup"

5. Update Device Drivers

# List drivers needing updates
Get-WmiObject Win32_PnPSignedDriver | Select-Object DeviceName, DriverVersion

6. Reset Power Plan

# Reset power scheme
powercfg -restoredefaultschemes

7. IRQ Verification

# Check IRQ assignments
wmic path Win32_IRQResource get IRQNumber, Name

8. Disable Network Adapters

# Disable and re-enable network adapters
netsh interface set interface "Network Adapter Name" disable
netsh interface set interface "Network Adapter Name" enable

9. System File Check

# Run system file checker
sfc /scannow
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

10. Hardware Diagnostic

# Run Windows Memory Diagnostic
mdsched.exe
Advanced Diagnostics

Using Windows Performance Recorder

# Launch WPR
wpr.exe -start CPU
wpr.exe -stop CPU.etl

Event Viewer Analysis

eventvwr.msc
→ System
→ Filter for "Error" and "Warning"
→ Look for hardware-related events

Latency Check

# Download LatencyMon
→ Monitor DPC and ISR activity
→ Identify problematic drivers
Hardware-Specific Checks

Sound Card Issues

1. Device Manager
2. Sound, video and game controllers
3. Disable/Update audio drivers

Storage Controllers

1. Check SATA/RAID controllers
2. Update storage drivers
3. Verify cable connections
Prevention Tips

Regular Maintenance:

  • Keep drivers updated
  • Monitor hardware health
  • Regular BIOS updates
  • Clean dust from components
  • Check power supply stability
  • Monitor temperature levels

System Optimization:

  • Disable unnecessary hardware
  • Regular Windows updates
  • Maintain system cleanliness
  • Monitor startup programs
  • Regular driver audits
FAQ

Q: Is high System Interrupts usage always bad?
A: Short spikes are normal, but sustained high usage indicates problems

Q: Can antivirus cause this issue?
A: Yes, especially if it’s scanning hardware interfaces

Q: Will a clean Windows install fix it?
A: It might help, but if it’s hardware-related, the issue will persist

Conclusion

System Interrupts high CPU usage is typically hardware or driver-related. Through systematic troubleshooting using the methods above, you can identify and resolve the root cause. If problems persist after trying these solutions, consider professional hardware diagnostics.

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