Recently, I've noticed that PowerShell 32-bit processes are using around 30% of my CPU. This happens intermittently; sometimes it's not even visible in Task Manager, and then it appears again after a while. I'm worried it might be some kind of malware since I got this PC brand new about five months ago, and I'd hate for it to be doing something like Bitcoin mining while I'm gaming. The PC isn't making much noise, so I'm inclined to think it's not running at full capacity, but I'd like to make sure it's not harmful. How can I check if this high CPU usage is caused by malware or a legitimate Microsoft process?
2 Answers
You can check the Task Manager and add the path column to see which script PowerShell is executing when it spikes. Knowing the specific script can help determine if it's a legitimate process or something suspicious. Once you find it, it’ll be easier to troubleshoot further.
If you think it's malware, consider using reliable antivirus software to scan your computer. It's better to be safe, especially if you're noticing unusual CPU usage. Also, checking online for the specific script name you find can help identify if it's something bad.

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