I've been dealing with a frustrating issue on my gaming laptop for the past couple of weeks. It started when my CPU usage spiked to 100% whenever I opened Discord, so I uninstalled and reinstalled it, hoping that would fix the problem. Unfortunately, it didn't work; opening Discord caused Task Manager to freeze, and no other apps would run, forcing me to restart manually. I initially thought it was malware, so I reset my laptop while keeping my files, but the problem persisted. After trying to use the browser version of Discord, I thought everything was fine until I played a game called Project Zomboid and faced the same CPU issue again. Eventually, I completely reset my laptop and wiped the hard drive, but after reinstalling everything, including Discord, the CPU usage skyrocketed again, and now it's stuck on the restarting screen. I need help to figure out how to resolve this, as I'm stressed out trying to get my laptop back to normal functionality. For context, I have an HP laptop from around 2016, and I'm not sure of the exact model.
2 Answers
Glad you found the specs! With an Intel i7-10510U, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, your laptop should have enough power for most tasks. However, if Discord is still hogging resources, try using the web version instead of the desktop app, since that often uses less of your system's resources.
Since you mentioned playing demanding games like Total War Warhammer 3, ensure that you’re not running too many background applications while gaming. Each app takes up resources, which might be why your laptop freezes.
Also, if the fans are loud or the laptop feels hot, there might be dust buildup affecting airflow. Cleaning it out could help prevent it from throttling and hitting 100% CPU.
It sounds like you’re having a tough time with that laptop! First off, check your laptop's specs by searching 'System Information' in the Windows search bar. It would help to know your CPU, GPU, and RAM so we can troubleshoot better. Discord can be pretty resource-heavy, especially on older hardware, which might explain the 100% CPU usage you're seeing. Also, clarify what you mean by 'gaming laptop.' Can it run heavy games like GTA V without hiccups, or is it more suited for lighter games like Runescape? Knowing the exact model will help diagnose if it’s underpowered for what you’re trying to do.
Also, if it's an HP, consider cleaning out the laptop and checking for any thermal issues that could cause overheating and performance throttling. Sometimes, just a cleaning and reapplying thermal paste can work wonders!
That's great advice! Also, it might be worth checking for any updates for your drivers, especially graphics and system updates. Sometimes outdated drivers can lead to performance issues like the ones you're experiencing.

Totally agree with you! It's amazing how much dust can impact performance. If things don't improve, consider checking for hardware upgrades if you're comfortable with that.