How to Troubleshoot High CPU Usage on a Server

One frequently asked question during Windows System Administrator interviews is "How would you troubleshoot a server that is experiencing high CPU usage?"

Steps to Troubleshoot High CPU Usage:

1. Identify the Process: Use Task Manager or Performance Monitor to identify the process or application that is consuming high CPU resources.
2. Check for Malware: Run a full antivirus scan to ensure that the server is not infected with malware or viruses causing high CPU usage.
3. Update Software: Ensure that all software, drivers, and applications on the server are up to date to address any known performance issues.
4. Adjust Power Settings: Check if the server's power settings are optimized for performance to avoid unnecessary CPU usage.
5. Disable Unused Services: Disable any unnecessary services or background processes that may be consuming CPU resources.
6. Review System Logs: Check the event logs for any errors or warnings that may indicate the cause of high CPU usage.
7. Monitor Performance: Use performance monitoring tools to track CPU usage over time and identify any patterns or trends.
8. Consider Hardware Upgrades: If high CPU usage is a persistent issue, consider upgrading the server's hardware components such as CPU, RAM, or storage.

By following these steps, a Windows System Administrator can effectively troubleshoot and resolve high CPU usage issues on a server.