Malware · high

How to fixHIGH_CPU_CRYPTOMINER

Unauthorized Background Cryptocurrency Miner (High CPU/GPU)

What this error means

Unauthorized Background Cryptocurrency Miner (High CPU/GPU) is a high-severity malware/security issue. This diagnosis identifies background mining scripts or binaries running under spoofed system process names (e.g. lsass.exe, svchost.exe), causing high CPU/GPU resource utilization, thermal throttling, and severe system slowdown. See the troubleshooting steps below for the fix.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Check Task Manager for unusually high-utilization processes executing from Temp or AppData directories.
  1. Check Task Manager for unusually high-utilization processes executing from Temp or AppData directories.
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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02Terminate suspicious processes using Taskkill or Resource Monitor.
  1. Terminate suspicious processes using Taskkill or Resource Monitor.
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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03Download and execute a full clean scan using Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT).
  1. Download and execute a full clean scan using Microsoft Safety Scanner (MSERT).
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

Browse related errors

Possible causes

  • Malicious utility bundles or drive-by scripts from unverified websites.
  • Compromised web browser extensions running background script loops.