Author Topic: Help - Skype utilizing maximum CPU  (Read 1373 times)

Two days ago I opened Skype and noticed it was taking up all the CPU on one of my cores (Quad-core, so 25% cpu). It was slowing down my computer, so I shut it down. I looked it up, and this problem has persisted for several months. However, the solutions are very inconsistent.

Some reports blame Avast and show where to add exclusions. However, this did not work for me.
Some reports blame Skype constantly trying to check download servers, and show where to add blocks in hosts. However, this did not work.
Some reports blame default browsers (Programs like to piggyback the default browser for displaying web content), and say to change it to Internet Explorer. However, this did not work.
Beyond this, I have also tried uninstalling, renaming the configuration folder to force refresh, and reinstalling. This also did not work.

The last primary reason involves Skype trying to update, but being broken due to a newer version having been installed. However, these reports don't make sense. The problem started around 6.3 and I've seen up to 6.9 blamed. However, I was using 6.10 and 6.11 was available but not updated. AKA I did not get a newer version for the problem to occur. Furthermore, installing the newest version didn't fix it. I'd rather not downgrade and risk some errors on Skype's servers, but if no other solutions are found, I suppose I'll have to try.

Help would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Have you tried restarting your computer?

Have you tried restarting your computer?

Better yet, is it plugged in?

have you tried turning it off and on again?

My computer is turned off when I leave, so yes.


Turn it off and leave it unplugged.
Less CPU usage guaranteed.

Re-install skype

I've tried installing the latest version, reinstalling, and uninstalling - renaming configuration folder - reinstalling. None worked.

uh, what cpu do you have

Well, it's a quad core. I don't think it's directly related to the cpu... It only happens with Skype.

i was wondering because this is happening to me too occasionally but its sporadic. i cant tell what makes it happen/ not happen

While I'd rather not downgrade a program unless I know exactly what was changed between versions (in case there are any serious fixes in the background), I tried downgrading. It fixed it, but I'd rather not continue using an older version. Here Nikolan: http://community.skype.com/t5/Windows-desktop-client/Can-I-return-to-a-previous-version-of-skype/m-p/2371395 The download is there.

Honestly, these sorts of things tend to make me suspicious of certain programs being rogue bitcoin miners. I know the developers of League of Legends got in some hot water when they were discovered to have been using the game client as a bitcoin miner.

Honestly, these sorts of things tend to make me suspicious of certain programs being rogue bitcoin miners. I know the developers of League of Legends got in some hot water when they were discovered to have been using the game client as a bitcoin miner.
holy stuff thats what fried half of my old computer.
when the computer runs anything that makes it heat up even the slightest it turns off, now it's only good for typing up documents.

it's just the NSA having a quick look at all the files on your computer

move along citizen