Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage [ Solved ]

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Getting "Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage" issue on Windows 10 or Windows 11? Lets understand what this issue is and how to fix the issue in very simple steps.

How to Fix Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage?

In the following, we've collected 3 effective solutions to help you get rid of the 'Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage' error from your PC. These fixes are:

Add antimalware service to the exclusion list of Windows Defender
Disable Windows Defender
Change Widows Defender schedule

Alongside this, you could also get this error due to insufficient disk storage space. To resolve the disk space insufficient issue, apply reliable partition manager software like EaseUS Partition Master to free up your disk space and optimize computer performance like an expert.

Solution 1: Add antimalware service to the list of exclusions of Windows Defender

Windows Defender scans, including itself, all files on the desktop. During the scanning phase, this can trigger unnecessary system involvement, which is a common cause of system delay or slowdown. In the scanning process, Windows Defender may be asked to do this itself by doing the following:

To open Windows Task Manager, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
Search in the process list for the Antimalware Service executable process.
Right-click on the procedure and choose Open File Location.
The full path of the Antimalware Service Executable can be found in the address bar. Click the address bar and copy the full path.
To open the Windows Defender Security Center, open the Start menu, type "Windows Defender" and click on it.
Click Virus & Threat Protection and select Settings for Virus & Threat Protection.
Scroll to Exceptions and click Exceptions to add or delete. Then click Add extension, select File and paste the path from the MsMpEng.exe service in the address bar to the executable file. Finally, click Open and the analysis will delete the file.
Now Restart your computer, this is important step.

Solution 2: Disable Windows Defender

If the problem "Antimalware Service Executable High Memory Usage" still persists, it may be necessary to use the last option to completely disable Windows Defender even after the first fixes have been applied.

Remember that your computer will be secure from external harm and cyber attacks once Windows Defender is disabled. Therefore, before continuing to disable Windows Defender, it is suggested to install efficient antivirus software on your desktop.

How to disable Windows Defender: There are two efficient techniques you can use to disable Windows Defender according to your preferences and convenience. The first is to use LOCAL GROUP POLICY EDITOR, which works only in Windows Enterprise and Pro editions of Windows 10, as well as in a more sophisticated version of the previous OS. Using REGISTRY is the second way.

Using the Registry Fix anti-malware executable service

To open the Run Dialog Box, press Windows Key + R.
Type Regedit and click OK in the Run dialog box to open the Registry Editor.
Double-click in the left navigation pane to browse the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows Defender.
If you encounter DisableAntiSpyware, double-click it to edit it and set its data value to 1.
If you do not see a DisableAntiSpyware registry entry, right-click on Windows Defender and choose New > DWORD (32 bit) value.
Then name this new registry entry as DisableAntiSpyware and set the value data to 1.
Restart your computer.

Solution 3: Change WINDOWS DEFENDER’s schedule

The high usage of memory caused by Antimalware Service Executable typically occurs when a full scan is running by Windows Defender. This can be corrected through programming software to analyze the system when your processor tends to be dehydrated. Before we go and read more about this method, I would like to point you to a very informative guide on Antimalware Service Executable issue.

High CPU usage issue and the resulting slowdown of your system is really nice for your computer because viruses and malware are constantly scanned on the restart and user is made aware.. The best part of this is that with this analysis, you believe in complete system protection.

You can also manually reprogram the assessment according to your time by making a few small changes to your Windows Task Scheduler, just by following the following steps:

Simultaneously press the Windows logo key and R to open the Run box.
Type “ taskschd.msc” and press “Enter”.
Double-click the Task Scheduler Library/Microsoft/Windows in the navigation pane on the left.
Double-click Windows Defender in Windows, then attempt to find Windows Defender Scheduled Scan in the middle pane and double-click it.
On the right side menu options, click on "Properties."
Uncheck Run with highest privileges.
Click the Conditions tab, uncheck all possibilities, and click OK. This will clear your scans.
Now, to protect the computer, it is essential to plan some new scans as it has become vulnerable to external risks and damage.
Click on the properties in the right pane, select the Triggers tab, and then click New. Here, select the Weekly or Monthly option according to your preferences, and then select the Day,
Click OK and make sure it is activated by restarting your computer.
This will put the Defender back on schedule to function as per your selection. There is still a possibility for increased CPU usage, however. Repeat the same for other schedules like Windows Defender Cache Maintenance, Windows Defender Cleanup, Verification of Windows Defender.
Switch off the conditions and set the trigger once a week.
Restart your computer

Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage

What is Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage

Windows Defender is a Windows 10 antivirus built-in software. This advanced function ensures that an antivirus program is installed and run by all Windows 10 users, even if users do not choose to install one.

Antimalware Service Executable is the Windows Defender's primary background service and is also known as MsMpEng.exe, which can be found in your Task Manager's Details tab. It scans all files on your desktop, detects harmful software, installs antivirus definition updates and so on and this process leads to Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage.

Why does Memory Goes to Peak Usage?

The issue "Antimalware Service Executable High RAM Usage" is an exceptional real-time protection function that continuously protects the system from malicious malware or cyber attack by scanning its files, links, and other associated apps in real time.

A full scan of all files when the computer is connected or allows detailed scans of all files. This involves long-term continuous use of the CPU, resulting in your system experiencing frequent lagging access/response with the system.

When accessing antimalware executable services, malware and spyware are scanned. If something is dangerous, this will detect. You also need to scan your system's bottom to find viruses or worms. Scanning is highly dependent on the CPU of your computer, so in Windows 10 you think you are using a CPU. Couldn't we fix this issue for our Windows security? No, you can really fix it. Please move to the next portion.

Is it OK to disable antimalware service executable?

It's OK to keep the antimalware service executable process active as long as it's not running constantly. However, if you're experiencing problems with persistent resource use, you should deactivate it.

It is perfectly OK to deactivate the process as well as Microsoft Defender. You are not obligated to utilise it, despite the fact that it is built in. Install an alternate antivirus programme first; otherwise, you're leaving your PC susceptible. You may be secure without antivirus if you take the proper steps, since Windows Security is a rather thorough system that should keep you safe.

Within Task Manager, you may temporarily deactivate the Antimalware Service Executable process; but, it will resume when you restart your computer.

If the job is creating problems, close it by hitting Win + X to activate the Power User menu. Choose "Task Manager."

Why is my antimalware service executable using so much memory?

For the majority of individuals, the significant memory utilisation caused by Antimalware Service Executable occurs when Windows Defender does a thorough scan. We can fix this by timing the scans at a time when you're less likely to notice the impact on your CPU.

Optimize the scan schedule as a whole.
To run the software, open the Start menu, enter "task scheduler," and then select the top result.
Double-click Task Scheduler Library in the left navigation pane. Expand these folders further and travel to the following location: Microsoft/Windows/Windows Defender/Library
After opening the Windows Defender folder, double-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan in the main pane.
Uncheck all choices and then click OK on the Conditions tab. This will cancel any planned scans.

It is necessary to schedule some fresh scans to secure your computer, but we can do it in a manner that minimises the effect on your system's performance. To do so, double-click Windows Defender Scheduled Scan, go to the Triggers tab, and then click New.

Create a fresh scan schedule that meets your requirements, using parameters that strike a balance between security and system efficiency. As a general rule, we suggest (at the very least) weekly scans during a period when you are unlikely to notice the increased CPU consumption.

Rep for the last three services (Windows Defender Cache Maintenance, Windows Defender Cleanup, and Windows Defender Verification) in the Library/Microsoft/Windows/Windows Defender folder.

What is antimalware Service executable and do I need it?

Antimalware service executable is a Windows Security process that provides real-time malware prevention.

The antimalware service executable, often known as msmpeng.exe, operates in the background and sometimes scams files and programmes.

When a virus or other harmful assault is detected by an antimalware service executable, it is deleted or quarantined.

Should I let Windows security run in the background?

Remember that most applications aren't even capable of running in the background, yet they still remain on the list that allows you to block them from running in the background. In truth, the Microsoft Store programme on that list is nothing more than a graphical user interface element, therefore blocking it from operating in the background has no effect. It is totally safe to turn off ALL background applications. Only if you want particular programmes to run in the background, such as the Mail app monitoring for new incoming e-mail messages, sending you Toast alerts in Action Center, and so on, should you do so.

Is Windows Defender good enough?

Microsoft's Defender does a decent job of identifying malware files, preventing exploits and network-based assaults, and warning phishing websites. It also offers basic PC performance and health monitoring, as well as parental controls like as content filtering, use limits, and location tracking. Because Windows Defender now incorporates all of these beneficial capabilities, people are questioning if they can depend only on Defender to secure their PCs or whether they must use a third-party antivirus.

How do I stop antimalware service executable from using so much RAM?

Task Scheduler may be found by typing it into the Search box. Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows will be expanded when you click on it.
In Windows, choose "Windows Defender" from the Start menu. Once you've done so, double-click "Windows Firewall Scheduled Scan."
Uncheck the box that says "Run with the highest privileges."
Uncheck all of the entries in the Conditions portion of the dialogue box. Then press the "OK" button.

Is it OK to disable antimalware service executable?

It is not recommended to disable the antimalware service executable (MsMpEng.exe) in Windows 10. This file is part of the Windows Defender Antivirus program, which is designed to protect your computer from malware and other threats. Disabling this file could make your system vulnerable to these threats, and could cause problems with the functioning of your system.

What are the steps to fix MsMpEng.exe in Windows 10?

There are a few steps you can try to fix the antimalware service executable (also known as MsMpEng.exe) in Windows 10. Here are some possible solutions:

Update your antivirus software: Make sure you have the latest version of your antivirus software installed. Outdated antivirus programs can cause high CPU usage, so updating to the latest version can help fix the problem.
Add an exception for MsMpEng.exe in your antivirus: In some cases, the antimalware service executable may be flagged by your antivirus as a potential threat. Adding an exception for this file in your antivirus settings can help solve the issue.
Scan for malware: Run a full scan of your system using your antivirus software to check for malware or other threats that may be causing the high CPU usage.
Reset Windows 10: If the above solutions don't work, you can try resetting Windows 10 to its default settings. This will restore your system to its original state, but you will lose any data or settings that were not backed up.

If you're not comfortable trying these solutions on your own, it's best to contact Microsoft Support or a qualified computer technician for assistance.

Does antimalware service executable cause lag?

The antimalware service executable (MsMpEng.exe) is a process that is part of the Windows Defender Antivirus program in Windows 10. In some cases, this process can use a high amount of CPU, which can cause your system to slow down or become unresponsive. However, this is usually not a long-term issue and can be fixed by following the steps outlined in my previous answer.

What happens if I end task antimalware service executable?

Ending the task for the antimalware service executable (MsMpEng.exe) in Windows 10 will stop the Windows Defender Antivirus program from running on your system. This will leave your computer vulnerable to malware and other threats, and could cause problems with the functioning of your system. It is not recommended to end this task unless you are instructed to do so by Microsoft Support or a qualified computer technician. If you're having problems with high CPU usage caused by this process, there are other steps you can try to fix the issue, as outlined in my previous answer.