CompatTelRunner.exe is causing 100% CPU usage

Question

Since my last Windows 10 Update, CompatTelRunner.exe is causing 100% CPU usage after Windows start. This results in not being able to use my computer for a long time. How can I fix this?

Windows OS Build is 19042.1052

Answer 1

CompatTelRunner.exe is a component of Windows Compatibility Telemetry, periodically sending anonymous usage and performance data to Microsoft developers to help improve Windows.

Its default location is C:/Windows/System32/, which you should verify. A good tool for this is Process Explorer. If the folder is wrong, then this is actually a virus.

First verify the state of Windows by running sfc /scannow.

If this doesn't help, you can disable it by one of these methods (reboot is required):

• Run Group Policy Editor (gpedit.msc) and position to Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds. Double-click "Allow Telemetry", select Disable, then click OK. (For Win11 see comments below)

• Run Task Scheduler (taskschd.msc) and position to Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience. Right-click the "Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser" task, and select Disable.

• Edit the registry: Run regedit, position to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection, right-click the right pane and select "New > DWORD (32-bit) Value". Name it AllowTelemetry and set its value to 0.

Then make sure to reboot your system for these settings to go into effect.

Answer 2

Process Hacker is a good task manager. You can use Process Hacker to stop program.

Danger! If is a important program, do not stop it. Please talk with your PC administrator.