Troubleshooting High CPU Usage from Ngen

Authored by: Support.com Tech Pro Team

High CPU Usage from Ngen.exe

Verify System Resources:

Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or Ctrl + Alt + Delete and selecting "Task Manager."

Check the "Processes" tab to see if Ngen.exe is using a significant amount of CPU resources.

Check for Windows Updates:

Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Windows Update."

Click on "Check for updates" to ensure your system is up-to-date.

Scan for Malware:

Run a thorough antivirus scan to ensure that the high CPU usage isn't caused by malware disguising as Ngen.exe.

Monitor Ngen.exe Process:

In Task Manager, right-click on the Ngen.exe process and select "Go to details."

Note the location of the Ngen.exe file (usually located in the C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework directory).

Disable Ngen.exe Compilation (Temporary Solution):

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.

Type cmd and press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.

Type the following command to disable automatic Ngen.exe compilation:

ngen.exe executeQueuedItems

Check if CPU usage improves. Keep in mind that this will impact application startup times.

Restart Ngen Service:

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and press Enter.

Locate ".NET Runtime Optimization Service v4.x.x" (x.x corresponds to the version number).

Right-click on the service, choose "Restart," and observe CPU usage changes.

Repair or Reinstall .NET Framework:

Press Win + X and select "Apps and Features."

Locate ".NET Framework x.x" (x.x corresponds to the version number), click on it, and select "Modify" or "Repair."

Follow the prompts to repair the installation. If problems persist, consider reinstalling the .NET Framework.

Adjust Power Settings:

Press Win + X and select "Power Options."

Choose the "Balanced" power plan to optimize CPU performance.

Update Graphics Drivers:

Visit your graphics card manufacturer's website and download the latest drivers for your graphics card.

Check for Corrupted System Files:

Press Win + X and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" to open an elevated Command Prompt.

Type sfc /scannow and press Enter. Allow the process to complete and fix any corrupted files.

Perform Clean Boot:

Press Win + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.

In the "System Configuration" window, go to the "Services" tab.

Check "Hide all Microsoft services" and then click "Disable all."

Go to the "Startup" tab and click "Open Task Manager."

Disable all startup items, close Task Manager, and click "OK" in the "System Configuration" window.

Restart your computer and see if the CPU usage is improved.

Use Resource Monitor:

Open Resource Monitor by typing "resmon" in the Start menu search and observing resource usage in detail.

Utilize Process Explorer:

Download and run Process Explorer from the official Microsoft website.

Analyze Ngen.exe to check for any unusual behavior or dependencies.

Contact Support.Com:

If you are still having trouble consider seeking personalized assistance from Support.Com.