Understanding Windows Defender's Impact on Intel CPU Performance

Issue Overview

• Windows Defender Performance Impact:
  • Windows Defender uses all Intel CPU hardware performance counters on Intel Core processors, leading to resource contention.
  • This issue has persisted since the Microsoft antispyware days during Windows XP.

Performance Issues

• Affecting both dual-core CPUs from the past and modern multi-core processors.
• Microsoft does not appear to have plans for a comprehensive fix.

Solutions and Workarounds

Temporary Fix: Counter Control

• Functionality: Detects hardware counters in use and resets them.
• Usage: Requires manual reset on every PC reboot.

Permanent Workaround: ThrottleStop

• Automatic Functionality: Resets counters automatically and can be set to launch on startup.
• Setup Instructions:
  • Check "Windows Defender boost" and set "start minimized" and "minimize on close".
  • Use Windows Task Scheduler to automate startup:
    • Create a new task named 'ThrottleStop'.
    • Set to run with highest privileges at log on.
    • Configure the ThrottleStop program script within Actions.

Recent Update

• Partial Fixes for Windows 11:
  • January 2024 update partially resolved the CPU resource issue but counter problem persists.

Final Notes

• Windows 10 Status: CPU resource usage remains high.
• To avoid lag and improve app responsiveness, these workarounds can be implemented.

Additional Information

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