How to Fix Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage
If you are a Windows user, you may have encountered the Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage problem. This issue can significantly affect your computer’s performance and can cause your system to become sluggish and unresponsive. However, you don’t have to panic because there are several ways to fix the problem.
In this article, we will discuss the causes of Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix it. We will also address some frequently asked questions about this issue.
What is Antimalware Service Executable?
Before we start discussing the issue, let’s first understand what Antimalware Service Executable is. Antimalware Service Executable is a core part of Windows Defender, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus program. It runs in the background of your system and scans your computer’s files, programs, and processes for any malicious activity.
Antimalware Service Executable is a vital component of Windows Defender and helps to protect your computer from viruses, malware, and other security threats. However, this process can sometimes use a significant amount of your computer’s memory, which can degrade your system’s performance.
Causes of Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage
Now that we know what Antimalware Service Executable is let’s discuss the causes of the high memory usage problem:
1. System Scans: Antimalware Service Executable runs a system scan to detect any malicious activity on your computer. If this scan coincides with your computer’s other processes, it may cause high memory usage.
2. Outdated Version: If you are using an outdated version of Windows Defender, it can cause Antimalware Service Executable to use a significant amount of your system’s memory.
3. Virus Infection: Virus infection can sometimes cause Antimalware Service Executable to use high memory usage.
How to Fix Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage
Now let’s discuss how to fix Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage.
Solution 1: Disable Windows Defender
The easiest way to fix the problem is to disable Windows Defender. To do that, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the search bar.
Step 2: Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
Step 3: Click on “Manage settings.”
Step 4: Turn off “Real-time protection.”
Disabling Windows Defender will stop Antimalware Service Executable from running in the background and using up your system’s memory. However, keep in mind that disabling Windows Defender will leave your computer vulnerable to security threats, so make sure to enable it again when you are done with your work.
Solution 2: Run a Full System Scan
Another way to fix the problem is to run a full system scan. This will help to detect any viruses or malware on your computer that may be causing Antimalware Service Executable to use high memory usage. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the search bar.
Step 2: Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
Step 3: Click on “Scan options.”
Step 4: Select “Full scan.”
Step 5: Click on “Scan now.”
This will initiate a full scan of your computer, and any viruses or malware detected will be removed automatically. Once the scan is complete, you can restart your computer.
Solution 3: Update Windows Defender
If you are using an outdated version of Windows Defender, it can cause Antimalware Service Executable to use a significant amount of your system’s memory. To fix the problem, you need to update Windows Defender. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the search bar.
Step 2: Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
Step 3: Click on “Manage settings.”
Step 4: Scroll down to “Automatic sample submission.”
Step 5: Enable “Sample submission.”
Step 6: Go back to “Virus & threat protection.”
Step 7: Click on “Check for updates.”
Step 8: If an update is available, download and install it.
Updating Windows Defender will fix any bugs and issues that may be causing Antimalware Service Executable to use a significant amount of your system’s memory.
Solution 4: Add Exclusions to Windows Defender
If you are using software or programs that require a significant amount of your system’s memory, you can add exclusions to Windows Defender. This will prevent Antimalware Service Executable from scanning those programs and using up your system’s memory. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Open the Windows Security app by searching for it in the search bar.
Step 2: Click on “Virus & threat protection.”
Step 3: Click on “Manage settings.”
Step 4: Scroll down to “Exclusions.”
Step 5: Click on “Add or remove exclusions.”
Step 6: Click on “Add an exclusion.”
Step 7: Choose the type of exclusion you want to add: Folder, file, or process.
Step 8: Select the program or software you want to exclude from Windows Defender.
Adding exclusions to Windows Defender will help to prevent Antimalware Service Executable from using up your system’s memory and will allow your software to run smoothly.
FAQs
Q1: What is Antimalware Service Executable?
A1: Antimalware Service Executable is a core part of Windows Defender, Microsoft’s built-in antivirus program.
Q2. How does Antimalware Service Executable affect my computer’s performance?
A2: Antimalware Service Executable can use a significant amount of your computer’s memory, which can cause your system to become sluggish and unresponsive.
Q3: Why is my Antimalware Service Executable using high memory usage?
A3: Antimalware Service Executable can use high memory usage due to system scans, outdated versions, or virus infection.
Q4: Can I disable Windows Defender to fix Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage?
A4: Yes, you can disable Windows Defender. However, keep in mind that disabling Windows Defender will leave your computer vulnerable to security threats.
Q5: Why is it essential to update Windows Defender?
A5: Updating Windows Defender will fix any bugs and issues that may be causing Antimalware Service Executable to use a significant amount of your system’s memory.
Conclusion
Antimalware Service Executable high memory usage is a common problem for Windows users, but it can be easily fixed. Disabling Windows Defender, running a full system scan, updating Windows Defender, and adding exclusions to Windows Defender can all help to fix the problem. Make sure to follow the steps mentioned above to ensure your system’s performance is not affected by high memory usage.