How-To

How to fix Skype’s High CPU usage in Windows 10/11

If your computer or laptop is running slowly when Skype is in use, it may be because the communication app is using too much CPU power than is necessary. The amount of CPU usage in any computer/PC/laptop shows a computer’s processing capacity. High CPU consumption is a sign that your system is attempting to execute tasks that it is not capable of. Skype is among those applications that can make your CPU work harder than it needs to.

In the past few years, several users have complained about how after updating the app Skype is using a lot more CPU power than it used to. As a result,  several forums are full of queries like “Why does Skype use so much CPU” or “How  to reduce Skype CPU usage.”

Read Also: How To Fix Skype Installs Every time I open it in Windows 11/10

Well if you are one of those users who’re encountering the same problem, then you are at the right place. Today we are going to tell you about the reasons behind Skype’s high CPU usage and how can you get rid of this problem. So without further ado, let’s get started.

Let us start with the reasons first. 

Why does Skype use so much CPU?

Sometimes, Skype may become a resource hog. When it happens, CPU and memory consumption skyrockets. Your computer starts to run slowly, gets unresponsive, and occasionally freezes. Let’s investigate what is creating this issue.

Now, that you are well aware of the potential causes of excessive CPU utilization when using Skype, it is time to implement the solutions listed below to improve the efficiency of your computer.

Read Also: Skype Not Working On Mac – Here’s How to Fix

How to reduce Skype’s high CPU usage issue?

When you launch Skype, significant CPU usage can happen because the app is checking for updates and catching up on its history. So follow these methods to fix Skype’s high CPU usage in Windows 10/11:

Fix 1: Update the Skype App

Install the recent update for Skype if you aren’t using the latest version at the moment, then observe if the excessive CPU utilization issue still exists. To check for updates for a particular application in Windows follow the steps below

STEP 1:  Open the Microsoft Store by clicking the icon from the Taskbar at the center bottom of your screen. Or you can search for the Microsoft Store by clicking on the Search icon and it. Now open it. 

STEP 2:Type the name of the particular app on the search bar at the top of the page(In our case it is Skype).

STEP 3: Now if you see an Update option, click on same. 

With that being said, let us look at some other fixes that can resolve the issue!

Read Also: How To Screen Record Skype With Audio On iPhone & iPad

Fix 2: Close Background Applications

Skype performance could be hampered by certain background applications and processes. Many individuals have verified that the issue was instantly resolved by turning off programs that improve system performance in general. Therefore,  to reduce your CPU burden, it is crucial that you immediately remove any background running apps.

To do so follow the steps:

Fix 3: Adjust Visual Effects to Best Performance

Though visual effects are fantastic & work very well on computers with enough RAM, they are just a burden on those with insufficient RAM. In this situation, optimizing your PC’s visual effects settings is essential to ensure that Skype won’t consume high CPU power

Fix 4: Free Up Some RAM

To operate Skype and other applications without any problems, you must ensure that your PC has a minimum of 4GB of RAM. Alternatively, you can consider upgrading your PC’s RAM or clearing unnecessary occupied memory to release RAM. This way Skype and other resource-demanding apps can operate smoothly and the potential CPU load difficulties can be fixed. Uninstalling bloatware and unwanted apps is another good way to free up some RAM space so. For this, all you have to do is: 

Repeat this process for every app you want to uninstall.

Fix 5: Disable Skype From Startup

Optimizing startup items is another effective way to reduce overload on your system which prevents the PC from starting up quickly. Often, certain programs automatically add themselves to the startup apps list, leading to slow boot times and other performance-related issues. If Skype has made a place in this list, make sure you disable it, along with other unwanted programs that are set to run automatically at startup. All you have to do is:

Repeat this process for every high startup impact app you want to disable.

Fix 6: Modify Power Settings

These in-built settings let you determine what’s important to you. For instance, what exactly your needs are – – getting the best battery life, the best performance, or a balance between the two?

Fix 7: Reinstall the Skype App

If neither of the aforementioned options works for you, you can go with this workaround. You can avoid problems with the application files as well as other faults that can be causing high CPU usage by installing the latest version of Skype. To Reinstall the app follow the steps below:

Fix 8: Contact Sype Support

If you still facing the issue then you should contact Skype Support immediately to solve this Skype high CPU usage in Windows 10/11.

Read Also: How To Fix High CPU Usage In Google Chrome in Windows

To Wrap This Up

So, this is how you stop Skype high CPU usage in Windows 10. I hope now you have come to know the reasons behind this as well as the solutions for the same. Give these methods a try and tell us which one worked for you in the comments below. Also if you knew some other methods to fix the issue then don’t hesitate to tell us. 

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Next Read: How To Fix And Disable OneDrive High CPU Usage On Windows 10

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