As the name entails, lsass.exe is the executable file and service of the “Local Security Authority Process.” The service is dedicated to managing local security, login, and permissions. It is also responsible for enforcing the security policy on Windows OS. You can locate the file under Windows operating system folder “System 32”. Just follow the path: C:\Windows\System32.
While the lsass.exe file is quintessential for regular Windows operations & should not generally be tampered with, hackers and malware programmers develop malicious codes and disguise malicious files as lsass.exe (authentic file) to spread viruses and other security threats through the Internet.
Let’s know in detail about the Windows process: Local Security Authority Process & the lsass high CPU Usage issues:
How Can I Check If Your PC Is Infected With lsass.exe Virus?
Well, if you think your computer is lagging when it comes to speed and overall performance, you need to implement the following steps to keep a check on the lsass service.
Step 1: Press CTRL + ALT + DEL keys and launch the Task Manager.
Step 2: Now locate the lsass.exe file from the list of services and processes.
Step 3: If you find the local security authority process is consuming a lot of CPU resources or notice the location is outside the allocated path C:\Windows\System32, then there are high chances that you are targeted with lsass.exe error on Windows 10 and other versions.
How To Get Rid Of Lsass.exe High CPU Usage Problem?
We are listing the five most helpful workarounds to help you resolve the lsass high CPU Usage on Windows 10. You can work your way in the order discussed below to get rid of the lsass.exe virus.
Method 1- Scan PC For Malware
Since malware & viruses hog a lot of system resources. You should perform deep PC scanning frequently to fix lsass errors. However, you can rely on Windows Defender to locate and eliminate the potential security threats. It is sometimes not effective enough for fast and accurate detection of viruses, malware, adware, spyware, and trojans. Therefore, the best bet is to use a third-party professional antivirus solution that ensures no new or existing threat can harm your system. We recommend using Systweak Antivirus¸ since it is equipped with a plethora of advanced algorithms and an ad-blocker extension that makes it a robust security utility in the market for Windows users. To know more about Systweak Antivirus, you can check out the complete review right here!
Method 2- Thorough System Cleaning
Well, keeping your computer cleaned and optimized with professional and reliable cleaning utilities is undoubtedly one of the best preventive measures to keep “local security authority process high CPU usage problems on Windows 10 & other versions”. There is a wide range of software and programs available in the market to quickly & thoroughly clean PC; we recommend using Advanced System Optimizer for several benefits: it offers multiple modules to clean, optimize and protect your computer. Be it duplicate file cleaning, registry cleaner, file shredder, full system cleaning, regular maintenance tools, and more. Once you perform the Smart PC Care scanning on your computer using Advanced System Optimizer, it will quickly locate and eliminate junk files, accumulated residues overtime & other temp files that might trigger various PC errors.
Method 3- Install Windows 10 Updates
Keeping your system up-to-date is another effective way to reduce security loopholes and make everything run more smoothly and properly. To install fresh Windows updates, go to the system settings, and navigate to the Update & Security menu. From the new window, hit the Check for Updates button from the right pane. Once the scanning is completed, you’ll be displayed a set of recommended updates. You can go through the list and install the required updates. Once done, reboot your PC to implement the changes successfully. In case you’ve missed our previous guide on How to Use Windows Update and Security Settings in Windows 10? you can check it right here!
Method 4- Perform System Restore
If nothing works, the best bet to resolve the Lsass high CPU usage on Windows 10 & other versions is to take your system to the point where everything is working in a perfect state. If you are a novice user and know nothing or little about creating or using System Restore Point. You can refer to our guides for the step by step instructions to perform System Restore.
How To Create Restore Points On Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP?
How To Use System Restore In Windows 10?
Things to Do After Restoring Windows Settings Using System Restore
Method 5- Check Certificate
If you have unknowingly replaced a 2048 SSL certificate with a 4096 certification, there are chances you are facing lsass.exe high CPU usage. Hence, the best bet is just to switch to the original certificate where everything was usually working. The process would leave behind a lower server headroom.
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You’ll get a 30-second countdown & the PC warns you a critical process was killed.
Q2. Is Lsass.exe a virus?
No, the lsass.exe service is not spyware, trojan, or virus. But like any other process or file, it can become corrupted or become infected.
Q3. How many lsass.exe should be running?
There should never be more than one lsass.exe file that should be running on Task Manager.
Q4. How do I get rid of lsass.exe?
If you’ve finally decided to remove the lsass.exe file (Local Security Authority Process), all you have to do is:
- Create a Restore point for Windows.
- Hit the F3 key to open the standard search menu. Type ‘lsass.exe,’ keep patience and let Windows locate all the copies.
- At this point, try to look for the program to which the process lsass.exe belongs.
- Once you find the program, uninstall the program the usual way.
- If, by any chance, you are not able to remove the file, repeat Step 2 and try to delete all the files associated with lsass.exe manually.
Note: If the service you are trying to delete is running, you might not be able to get rid of it. For such a scenario, you need to head towards the Task Manager > navigate to Processes tab > locate lsass.exe file and hit the Delete key.
Q5. Does lsass EXE need the Internet?
Since it is a legit executable file of the Windows update program, it must be allowed to freely access the Internet.
Q6. Why is lsass.exe using CPU?
The process is considered to be CPU intensive since it manipulates the system resources and eats several running processes to infiltrate the system for injecting malicious content and stealing personal information.
Q7. How do I fix the lsass.exe error?
Well, a thorough PC Cleaning, removing Corrupted System files & running a Malware scan are probably the best solutions to fix lsass.exe errors on Windows 10.
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