Fix: Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry Using High CPU in Windows

If you notice that Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry is consuming high CPU (50-80%) at startup, you are not alone. This process collects and sends technical data to Microsoft to improve system performance but can sometimes cause performance issues.

Is High CPU Usage by Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry Normal?

It is normal for Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry (CompatTelRunner.exe) to use high CPU for a short period after startup. However, if it consistently slows down your system, you can disable or limit it.

Solution 1: Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry via Task Scheduler

One of the easiest ways to stop this process is to disable it in Task Scheduler:

1. Press Windows + S, type Task Scheduler, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: Task Scheduler Library → Microsoft → Windows → Application Experience.
3. Find Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser.
4. Right-click it and select Disable.
5. Restart your computer.

Solution 2: Disable Compatibility Telemetry via Group Policy Editor

For Windows Pro users, you can disable telemetry using Group Policy:

1. Press Windows + R, type gpedit.msc, and hit Enter.
2. Go to: Computer Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Data Collection and Preview Builds.
3. Double-click Allow Telemetry, select Disabled, and click Apply.
4. Restart your PC.

Solution 3: Rename CompatTelRunner.exe (Advanced)

If disabling via Task Scheduler doesn’t work, you can rename the executable file:

1. Open File Explorer and navigate to C:WindowsSysWOW64.
2. Find CompatTelRunner.exe.
3. Right-click it, select Rename, and change it to CompatTelRunner_old.exe.
4. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and end the Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry process.
5. Restart your PC.

Warning: Renaming system files may cause unexpected behavior. Proceed with caution.

Solution 4: Modify Windows Registry (For Windows Home Users)

For Windows Home users without Group Policy, disabling telemetry via the Registry Editor is an option:

1. Press Windows + R, type regedit, and hit Enter.
2. Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREPoliciesMicrosoftWindowsDataCollection.
3. Right-click the right panel, select New → DWORD (32-bit) Value, and name it AllowTelemetry.
4. Set its value to 0 and click OK.
5. Restart your PC.

Conclusion

Following these steps should help reduce or eliminate high CPU usage caused by Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry. If the issue persists, consider updating Windows to ensure compatibility improvements.

For more “Windows 11” solutions, please check our Windows 11.