Clean Boot Before Processor Intensive Work

Step-by-Step Guide to Perform a Clean Boot

1. Open System Configuration:
   • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
   • Type msconfig and press Enter.
2. General Tab:
   • In the System Configuration window, go to the “General” tab.
   • Select “Selective startup”.
   • Uncheck “Load startup items”. Ensure “Load system services” and “Use original boot configuration” are checked.
3. Services Tab:
   • Go to the “Services” tab.
   • Check the box for “Hide all Microsoft services” at the bottom.
   • Click “Disable all”. This will disable all non-Microsoft services.
4. Startup Tab:
   • Go to the “Startup” tab.
   • Click on “Open Task Manager”.
   • In Task Manager, go to the “Startup” tab.
   • Disable all startup items. You can right-click each item and select “Disable”.
5. Restart Your Computer:
   • Close Task Manager and go back to the System Configuration window.
   • Click “OK” and then restart your computer.

After the Clean Boot

1. Observe System Performance:
   • After the computer restarts, observe if the high CPU usage issue persists.
2. Identify Problematic Services/Startup Items:
   • If the CPU usage is normal, start enabling services and startup items one by one (or in small groups) to identify the culprit.
   • Each time you enable a service or startup item, restart your computer and check for the issue.
3. Restore Normal Boot:
   • Once you’ve identified the problematic service or startup item, you can either keep it disabled or look for updates/alternatives.
   • To restore your computer to a normal startup, open System Configuration again, go to the “General” tab, select “Normal startup”, and click “OK”. Then, restart your computer.