Laptop updated to 1809 -- CPU pegged at 70-100% with nothing open

Cyquil · 25 Oct 2018

So I've been having problems with this laptop since I upgraded. Not sure how I haven't noticed until now, but the CPU is constantly at or near 100%. Programs open slowly, wifi transfer speed (to another computer) is super slow, and it used to be quite fast.

Opening resource monitor I can see that "SupportAssistAgent.exe" (which is a service) is using a lot of CPU. Damn Dell bloatware. I'm going to try and uninstall this.

In the meantime, does anyone have any suggestions?

Caledon Ken · 25 Oct 2018

Do you still have the option to return to 1803. If so I would use it.

If not, and I'm not sure you are aware, task manager reports incorrectly in 1809. It is a know problem.

Would suggest you check out sysinternals for a more accurate tool - Process Explorer.

Since you've removed your bloatware what is the next highest usage task. Windows will re-index your machine so if you have a lot of data this is going to take some time.

Have you run sfc /scannow against your system. If not please do so.

Could you also check please and see if you might have a repeating Windows Update failure.

Did you create boot media to do this upgrade? I ask as you could do a repair install. As you can't get 1809 from MS you need your own copy.

Honestly my best recommendation is to revert to 1803. Lets see what sfc reports.

Ken

dalchina · 25 Oct 2018

Please provide
a. appropriate screenshots of your task manager and resource monitor (part of task manager) - organised high to low by clicking appropriate column heading.

To post a screenshot please use the Insert Image icon above your post. Thanks.
b. details of your system disk

Please compare performance after a clean boot.
If unsure what that is, please search (Google) for
What is a clean boot

Thanks.

Cyquil · 25 Oct 2018

Hi guys - thanks for the prompt replies.

Surprisingly the issue has gone away for now... I found Support Assist to be still installed on the computer (I tried removing it a couple weeks ago) so I uninstalled it again... and there was another item called Support Assist which I uninstalled as well.

I'm going to monitor performance and check if everything is working okay tomorrow - it's late now, so I'll report back requested details if I see things are still not working properly.

Appreciate the help!

hatcher · 25 Oct 2018

Same issue here, task manager is falsely showing high CPU usage (over 80%) with nothing open. Yes, I have the "buggy" 1809 update.

Cyquil · 25 Oct 2018

Thanks everyone - performance is much better. Support Assist seems to have been the problem - Task Manager does seem to report random CPU spikes however Process Explorer is much better - great recommendation.

I think I'll keep 1809 as the laptop is quite unimportant and I'm sure future updates will fix any of the bugginess going on - right now it isn't affecting me.

Thanks again for the help!

dalchina · 26 Oct 2018

There is a known bug in 1809 where the task manager gives false results:

E.g.
Task Manager Shows Incorrect CPU Usage in Windows 10 October 2018 Update

New Windows 10 Insider Preview Fast Slow Build 17763 - September 20 Insider - Page 22 - Windows 10 Forums

Cumulative Update KB4464330 Windows 10 v1809 Build 17763.55 - Oct. 9 - Page 3 - Windows 10 Forums
post #25

Windows 10 1809 Task Manager Processes Tab CPU bug

etc

zbook · 26 Oct 2018

Which company is the support assist....please post a URL or link.
The computer displayed in the "My Computer" section was a desktop with Asrock.
Was this a problem with a notebook not listed in the "My Computer" section?

Caledon Ken · 26 Oct 2018

Op mentioned damn Dell bloatware in first post.....

zbook · 26 Oct 2018

A second computer can be added to the "My Computer" section.
Please update this section:

System Specs - Fill in at Ten Forums | Windows 10 Tutorials
In the left corner below in your post you find 'My System Specs'.
After clicking it you can find a link a little below that says 'Update your System Spec', click on this link to get to the page where you can fill in your system specs.
System Info - See Your System Specs - Windows 7 Help Forums

Include PSU. cooler, case, peripherals and anything attached to the computer by wired or wireless (mouse, keyboard, headset, printer, xbox, USB wireless network card, etc.)