Windows uses hundreds if not thousands of background processes to run as it does. These background processes usually don’t reveal themselves to the end-user, but at times, they can come into the spotlight for using too many system resources.
In this article, we’re talking about the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry process’ high CPU usage and how you can fix any problems the process might cause.
What is the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry process?
In layman terms, the process is a part of the Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser. It compiles and sends usage and performance data back to Microsoft for analysis and further improvements to the user experience.
While the process — CompatTelRunner.exe doesn’t usually use many system resources, sometimes you can find it using way too much CPU. Fortunately, this is only a temporary thing and usually goes away on its own after some time. However, if the CPU usage is sustained for you, you can use the solutions mentioned below to try and fix the problem.
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How to fix high CPU usage?
Here are a few fixes you can try out if the process uses too much CPU for a longer time.
Run a malware scan
Since the process usually runs pretty quietly in the background, the chances are that this is malware or virus posing as one instead of being a Windows process. In such cases, run a full, in-depth system scan using your antivirus or antimalware of choice, and if you find anything suspicious, remove it from your PC.
Perform a Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is an integral feature of Windows. It can help iron out many issues that may otherwise impact your system’s performance, including repairing any processes using too much CPU.
You can refer to this article for more information on Disk Cleanup.
Run an SFC scan
Corrupt files are the number one reason why your PC might be behaving weirdly. Here’s how you can get rid of them and potentially resolve your issue.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + S to bring up the Cortana/Search box and search for Powershell. Open Windows Powershell from the search results.
Step 2: Type sfc /scannow to scan your system for issues.
Step 3: If the SFC scan finds any problem, use the following command to resolve them.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Restart your PC, and the error should’ve been resolved. If that doesn’t help, you can also run a DISM scan to fix any other errors by using this guide.
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Run system restore
Lastly, if nothing else works, try restoring your system to a previous point where it was functioning properly.
Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Reset this PC. Then, launch the Recovery setting from the search results.
Step 2: Click on Open System Restore.
Step 3: Select the recommended restore point and click the Next button to proceed.
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Disabling the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry process
There are four ways you can disable this process altogether. However, some of them involve tools that aren’t available in all versions of Windows, such as the Group Policy Editor. Here are all the methods you can use.
- Disabling through Task Sheduler
- Disabling through Registry Editor
- Disabling through Group Policy Editor
- Deleting the CompatTelRunner.exe process
Disabling through Task Scheduler
Follow these steps to disable the process using the task scheduler.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type taskschd.msc and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the following directory.
Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience
Step 3: Find and click Application Experience. Then right-click on Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser and click Disable.
Restart your PC. The and process won’t start up again.
Disabling through the Registry Editor
Follow these steps to disable the process using the registry editor.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type regedit and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the following directory.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Policies/DataCollection
Step 3: Double-click the AllowTelemetry key and change the value to 0.
Now restart your system, and the process won’t report anything back to Microsoft, effectively disabling it in action.
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Disabling through the Group Policy Editor
Follow these steps to disable the process using the Group Policy Editor. Keep in mind that this method will not work with Windows 10 Home Edition as the Group Policy Editor is only available on the Pro and Enterprise editions.
Step 1: Press Windows Key + R to open the Run prompt. Type gpedit.msc and hit enter.
Step 2: Navigate to the following directory.
Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview BuildsStep 3: Click Data Collection and Preview Builds and double-click Allow Telemetry.
Step 4: Click Disabled and then OK to save the changes.
Deleting the CompatTelRunner.exe file
Lastly, you can remove the process from your PC altogether using these steps.
Step 1: Launch the Windows explorer and head over to the following directory.
C:\Windows\System32
Step 2: Right-click the CompatTelRunner.exe file and click Properties.
Step 3: Head over to the Security tab and click Advanced.
Step 4: Click Change next to Owner.
Step 5: Type your username and click Check names. Once you’ve selected your account, click OK.
Step 6: Save changes and head back over to Windows Explorer. Now delete the CompatTelRunner.exe file as you normally would.
