High CPU usage on the latest KB4512941? Cortana is to blame

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by Vlad Turiceanu 

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Windows 10 v1903 build 18362.329 high cpu usage

After a brief time in the Release Preview ring, Microsoft released Windows 10 v1903 build 18362.329 (KB4512941) to Windows 10 users as an optional update.

At the time of release, KB4512941 did not have any known issues, but it seems like after installing it, a lot of users experience high CPU usage even when the PC is idle.

Windows 10 v1903 build 18362.329 causes high CPU usage for many

The cause of the high CPU usage seems to be Cortana, and here’s how some Windows 10 users are describing the issue:

After installing the below updates (KB4512941), the CPU usage is high and remains high even when the machine is idle.

I got a similar problem after Windows 10 update and this was because of ” BingSearchEnabled” which was set to 0.

I just updated from 1809 to 1903 and had the exact symptoms that you described. It was driving me nuts.

And here’s the OPs screenshot: high cpu usage cortana Windows 10 v1903

The problem with SearchUI.exe is caused by a Cortana bug that pops up when users have disabled the ability to send local searches to Bing.

How can I fix high CPU usage on KB4512941?

If you’re experiencing high CPU usage in Task Manager because of the SearchUI.exe process, you’ll be happy to know that there’s a fix.

Just open the Registry Editor, navigate to

Computer\HKEY_CURRENT_USER\
Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Search

, and set the BingSearchEnabled value to 1.

If you can’t edit your Windows 10’s registry, read this handy guide and find the quickest solutions to the issue.

Can’t access the Registry Editor? Things aren’t as scary as they seem. Check out this guide and solve the issue quickly.

After that, restart your PC and the problem should be solved. Keep in mind that this is only a temporary fix.

Microsoft hasn’t acknowledged the problem and we’ll probably have to wait sometime for an official fix. Until then, be sure to try the previously mentioned one to keep things in check.

Have you encountered high CPU usage with the latest Windows 10 v1903 cumulative update?

Share your experience in the comments section below.

More about the topics: High CPU usage, Windows 10 May 2019 Update

Vlad Turiceanu

Vlad Turiceanu Shield

Windows Editor

Passionate about technology, Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world. Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!