Unknown.exe High CPU Usage in Windows 10

Unknown.exe process is the culprit which makes your computer go extremely slow.

Your computer may be infected by a virus or some third-party application might be the cause behind Unknown.exe process.

Stop Corresponding Service

Using the Task Manager determine the service which is accessing Unknown.exe. Once you’ve identified the service, go to the Services tool and stop it from running at the boot interval.

1. Press Windows Key + X; choose Task Manager.
2. Click More details icon.
3. Click Processes tab.
4. Scroll down, press U key on your keyboard.
5. Right-click Unknown.exe process, select Go to details option.
6. This will locate the corresponding process in the Details tab.
7. Right-click it, choose Go to services.
8. Now the corresponding service will open in the Services tab.
9. Right-click it, choose Open services.
10. You will now be seeing the Services tool on your screen along with the corresponding service.
11. Right-click that service, choose Properties.
12. In the new dialog, set the Startup Type to Manual so that the service will be disabled from loading at Windows boot interval.
13. Click the Stop button to instantly terminate it.
14. Click Apply | OK.

Boot PC with Minimal Items

Once you stop Unknown.exe service you shouldn’t experience the problem again. However, if your PC encounters the same issue again it may require booting with minimal startups and services.

1. Type MsConfig in the Search Box.
2. Open System Configuration tool from the Search Results.
3. Click the Boot tab, and select the Safe boot checkbox.
4. Select the Minimal option.
5. Click Apply | OK.
6. When you’re prompted to restart, go ahead and reboot.

Scan Running Processes

Viruses and malware can also cause the Unknown.exe process to run in the background. Thus, it may lead to the downloading of unauthorized files from the Internet, track keystrokes with the intention to steal your passwords & sensitive information.

Many Antivirus programs offer an option to scan running processes and files. Here’s how to get this task done through Kaspersky Internet Security:

1. Open Kaspersky Internet Security. (Click its system tray icon)
2. Click the Scan icon.
3. Click Quick Scan tab.
4. Click Run Scan button.