How to Fix Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Disk Usage

Antimalware Service Executable (also known as MsMpEng.exe) is an important component of Windows Defender, the built-in antivirus software in Windows 10 and Windows 11. It helps protect your system from viruses, malware, and other potential security threats. However, some users have reported high memory and disk usage by this process, leading to system slowdowns and performance issues. If you’re facing this problem, you’re not alone.

In this article, we’ll discuss why Antimalware Service Executable might use so many system resources and provide several effective methods to resolve the issue.

Why Does Antimalware Service Executable Use So Much Memory and Disk Space?

Antimalware Service Executable’s high memory and disk usage is usually caused by several factors, including:

  1. Real-time Scanning: Windows Defender continuously scans files, apps, and processes in real-time to ensure your system is safe. This can be resource-intensive, especially when scanning large files or many files in the background.
  2. Scheduled Full System Scans: Windows Defender might run a full system scan periodically, consuming more CPU and disk resources.
  3. Outdated Definitions: If your virus definitions are outdated or not properly updated, it might cause the program to consume more memory or disk space while trying to update itself.
  4. Other Programs and Background Tasks: Third-party software running on your system might interfere with Windows Defender, causing it to consume more resources.
  5. Corrupted Files: Sometimes, corrupted or incomplete updates or system files can cause Antimalware Service Executable to function inefficiently, leading to higher resource usage.

Now that we understand the causes, let’s explore some solutions.

Methods to Fix Antimalware Service Executable High Memory and Disk Usage

1. Adjust Windows Defender’s Scheduled Scan Settings

Windows Defender performs regular scans to check your system for potential threats. If these scans are too frequent or run at times when you’re using the computer, it could lead to high resource usage.

How to Change the Scan Schedule:

  1. Open the Start menu and type “Task Scheduler.”
  2. In Task Scheduler, expand the Task Scheduler Library on the left panel.
  3. Navigate to Microsoft > Windows > Windows Defender.
  4. Locate and double-click on Windows Defender Scheduled Scan.
  5. Go to the Triggers tab and click Edit.
  6. Modify the schedule so the scan runs at a time when you’re less likely to be using your computer.

By scheduling scans for a time when your computer is idle (e.g., overnight), you can prevent interference with your daily activities and reduce resource usage.

2. Exclude Certain Files or Folders from Scans

Windows Defender can be set to exclude certain files, folders, or processes from scanning. This is useful for programs that you trust and are causing performance issues when scanned in real-time.

How to Exclude Files from Scanning:

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Click on Virus & Threat Protection.
  3. Scroll down and select Manage settings under Virus & Threat Protection settings.
  4. Scroll down to Exclusions and select Add or remove exclusions.
  5. Click Add an exclusion and select the files or folders you want to exclude from scans.

Make sure that you only exclude trusted files to avoid exposing your system to potential threats.

3. Update Windows and Windows Defender

Sometimes, outdated system files or virus definitions can cause Antimalware Service Executable to consume more resources than necessary.

How to Update Windows Defender:

  1. Open Windows Security and go to Virus & Threat Protection.
  2. Under Virus & Threat Protection Updates, click Check for updates.

Also, ensure that your operating system is up to date:

  1. Open Settings and go to Update & Security.
  2. Click Check for updates and install any available updates.

Keeping your system and security software up to date helps optimize performance and reduce resource consumption.

4. Disable Windows Defender (Use Caution)

If the Antimalware Service Executable continues to cause issues, you can temporarily disable Windows Defender. However, keep in mind that this will leave your system vulnerable to security threats. Use this option only if you have an alternative antivirus solution or if you’re troubleshooting.

How to Disable Windows Defender:

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection and click Manage settings.
  3. Toggle off Real-time protection.

Remember to re-enable Windows Defender or install an alternative antivirus solution once you’re done troubleshooting.

5. Optimize Your Hard Drive and System Resources

Sometimes, high disk usage can be the result of a fragmented hard drive, especially if you’re using a traditional HDD instead of an SSD. Optimizing the disk can improve the performance of all processes, including Antimalware Service Executable.

How to Optimize Your Disk:

  1. Open This PC and right-click your main drive (usually C:).
  2. Select Properties and go to the Tools tab.
  3. Click Optimize under the Optimize and Defragment Drive section.
  4. Select your drive and click Optimize.

6. Perform a Clean Boot

Third-party applications or services may interfere with Windows Defender, causing it to use more resources. Performing a clean boot can help identify and troubleshoot potential conflicts.

How to Perform a Clean Boot:

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services and then click Disable all.
  4. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  5. Disable all startup items and restart your computer.

After performing a clean boot, observe if the issue persists. If the problem is resolved, you can enable services and startup items one by one to identify the cause.

7. Check for Malware or Corrupted System Files

While Antimalware Service Executable is a security tool, it’s possible that malware or corrupted system files are causing issues with its operation. Running a malware scan or repairing system files can help resolve these issues.

How to Run a Malware Scan:

  1. Open Windows Security.
  2. Go to Virus & Threat Protection and click Quick Scan or Full Scan.

How to Repair System Files:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (right-click Start > Command Prompt (Admin)).
  2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.

Conclusion

High memory and disk usage caused by Antimalware Service Executable can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can resolve the issue without compromising your system’s security. Whether you adjust your scan schedule, exclude trusted files, or update your system, there are plenty of ways to optimize Windows Defender and regain your computer’s performance. If none of these solutions work, consider consulting a professional for a deeper analysis of the issue.

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About The Author

Olivia Brown