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Worried that your PC is burning itself out by running the System Idle Process? Don't worry, it's a normal part of WindowsWindows Task Manager is a brilliant way to see what's going on with your computer, but it's also a little scary to see what's eating up your system resources. In particular, you may notice that there's a task called System Idle Process, which can be taking anything up to 99 percent of your CPU's time. So, what's going on, is your computer affected by malware, or is it just burning itself out for no reason? It's nothing to worry aboutThe simple answer is, none of the above. The System Idle Process is, as the name suggests, just a measure of how much free processor time your computer currently has. So, if System Idle Process is taking up 99 percent of your CPU's time, this means that your CPU is only using one percent of its processing capability to run actual tasks. So, why do this instead of just showing zero usage? Well, there are two main reasons. The first is that this helps the task scheduler run, as without this process there may be a time when the task scheduler wouldn't be able to find a CPU core to run a new thread on. Secondly, the System Idle Process can be used to run specific power-saving tasks. For example, it can be used to shut down parts of a CPU that aren't currently being used; when a 'real' task comes in, the CPU wakes up all of its parts. As processors have become more complicated and more efficient, the System Idle Process has also improved. So, it can now reduce processor clock speed and implement other power saving options. How to check System Idle ProcessTo see the System Idle Process in action depends on the OS that you're running. In Windows 10 start the Task Manager (press CTRL-SHIFT-ESC) and click on the Details tab. Sort by CPU when your PC isn't doing much and the System Idle Process should be at the top 'using' most of your CPU's resources. In Windows 7 and Windows 8 start the Task manager (press CTRL-SHIFT-ESC), tick the 'Show processes from all users' box and click the CPU header to sort the list. The System Idle Process should be at the top when your computer's not very busy. Featured Resources AI for customer service IBM Watson Assistant solves customer problems the first time  Solve cyber resilience challenges with storage solutions Fundamental capabilities of cyber-resilient IT infrastructure IBM FlashSystem 5000 and 5200 for mid-market enterprises Manage rapid data growth within limited IT budgets Leverage automated APM to accelerate CI/CD and boost application performance Constant change to meet fast-evolving application functionality RecommendedBechtle acquires UK’s ACS Systems, furthering European expansion ambitions channel Bechtle acquires UK’s ACS Systems, furthering European expansion ambitions25 Nov 2022 Zen Internet announces duo of new leadership appointments Business strategy Zen Internet announces duo of new leadership appointments24 Nov 2022 Wipro launches European cyber security consultancy services Security Wipro launches European cyber security consultancy services23 Nov 2022 How to remove a huge pagefile.sys or resize it Hardware How to remove a huge pagefile.sys or resize it22 Nov 2022 Most PopularThe top 12 password-cracking techniques used by hackers Security The top 12 password-cracking techniques used by hackers 14 Nov 2022 How to boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode Microsoft Windows How to boot Windows 11 in Safe Mode 15 Nov 2022 Google rolls out patch for high-severity Chrome browser zero day zero-day exploit Google rolls out patch for high-severity Chrome browser zero day 25 Nov 2022 Why is my CPU usage so high when idle?When the processor is idle, it has a high System Idle Process in the CPU column, often between 70 and 90. If you are not currently using or running any programs, a high idle percent is normal. In the example picture, the System Idle Process is at 98 (98%) of the processor's computing power.
Can I end System Idle Process?You cannot kill the System Idle process. The real question is why would you want to? System Idle is the process that runs when the computer has absolutely nothing better to do (in other words it is waiting for some other process to need more CPU resources).
What is done when a process is completely idle in CPU?A computer processor is described as idle when it is not being used by any program. Every program or task that runs on a computer system occupies a certain amount of processing time on the CPU. If the CPU has completed all tasks it is idle. Modern processors use idle time to save power.
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