How do i limit Windows Defender CPU usage or set an Affinity Limit

Bo Zilla Leonard 0

My system is not allowing me to set CPU Usage or an Affinity Limit for Windows Defender (msmpeng.exe). It is using all my PC resources for almost an hour every time the PC is started.

Navya 14,810 Reputation points Microsoft Vendor

2025-01-28T17:20:22.5866667+00:00
Hi @Bo Zilla Leonard

Thank you for posting this in Microsoft Q&A.

I understand that you want to set a CPU usage limit for Windows Defender.

To limit CPU usage for Windows Defender, you can use the Local Group Policy Editor.

Open the Local Group Policy Editor: Open the Microsoft Defender Antivirus settings in the Group Policy Editor (GPEDIT).

Locate the Relevant Setting: In GPEDIT, double-click on the "Specify the maximum percentage of CPU utilization during a scan" setting.

Enable the Setting: Select the Enabled option to activate the setting.

Set CPU Utilization Percentage: Choose the desired CPU usage percentage based on your requirements.

Save the Changes: Click OK to save the change.

Hope this helps. Do let us know if you any further queries.

Thanks,

Navya.

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