As people start using Windows 11, they’re exploring new features and tools. One thing that’s got everyone talking is XtuService.exe or XtuService (32 bit). You might have noticed it for the first time after moving to Windows 11, but it’s actually not a part of Windows itself. It comes from different software. This guide is here to clear up your questions about XtuService.exe, which you can see in Task Manager in Windows 11. We’ll look into whether it’s a virus and how to fix issues like it using too much CPU or memory.
Also see: High CPU Usage After Windows 11/10 Update (Fix)
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What’s XtuService.exe in Task Manager?
The XtuService.exe or XtuService (32 bit) you see in your Task Manager is part of the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility (Intel XTU). This tool from Intel helps you boost your Intel CPU’s performance. You can change settings like clock speed, core voltage, and memory timings to get more speed than what the factory settings offer.
Intel XTU is made for folks who really know their stuff, like gamers and PC fans who want to squeeze every bit of performance out of their machines. The XtuService.exe file is what runs this utility, making sure your system runs just right with the tweaks you’ve made through Intel XTU.
Linked issue: Why is my CPU Overheating and How to Fix it
Is XtuService.exe a virus?
The real XtuService.exe file is not a virus or malware. It’s an important part of how Intel XTU works. But, it’s good to know that bad guys can make malware look like legit files, which is called “spoofing”. This means a virus could pretend to be XtuService.exe.
To see if XtuService.exe is the real deal, check where its file is. Right-click the process in Task Manager and pick “Open file location”.
The true XtuService.exe should be in the Intel folder inside the Program Files folder (like C:\Program Files (x86)\Intel\Intel(R) Extreme Tuning Utility\XtuService.exe). If it’s somewhere else, be careful.
If you’re not sure about XtuService.exe or any other file, scan your computer with reliable antivirus software. A good scan can find and remove any dangers, helping keep your computer safe. It’s smart to do these scans often to protect against viruses and other bad software.
Useful tip: How to Know Which App is Using The Internet in Windows 11
XtuService.exe is eating up a lot of CPU and memory
Some folks on places like Reddit and tech forums have said they’re seeing XtuService.exe use too much CPU and memory. This could happen for several reasons, like software bugs, hardware not getting along, or settings not matching up right.
If you don’t really use Intel XTU for boosting your computer’s speed or keeping an eye on it, it can be annoying if this process is using a lot of your computer’s power. Here are some ways to fix that.
See also: How to Limit CPU Usage of a Process in Windows 11
First, make sure your Intel XTU software is the newest version. Updates often fix bugs that can cause problems like using too much power. You can get the latest version from Intel’s website.
If updating doesn’t help, try stopping XtuService.exe from starting up with your computer. Go to the “Startup” tab in Task Manager, find XtuService.exe, right-click it, and choose “Disable”.
If you find you don’t need Intel XTU at all, you can just remove it from your computer. This will definitely stop the high power use from XtuService.exe. But think about how this might affect your computer, especially if you use Intel XTU for tuning your system. We’ll talk about how to remove it next.
Related concern: GPU 100% Usage When Idle or Gaming (Good or Bad)
How to get rid of XtuService.exe in Windows 11
Getting rid of XtuService.exe means uninstalling the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility from your computer. Here’s how to do that:
- Click on the “Start” button and choose “Settings”.
- In the settings, pick the “Apps” option.
- Under apps settings, click on “Installed apps”.
- Now, use the search bar to look for “Intel Extreme Tuning Utility” and press Enter.
- When you find it in the list, click on the three dots next to it and pick “Uninstall”.
- Just follow the on-screen steps to finish removing it.
Keep in mind, if you use your computer for overclocking a lot, taking off the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility might change how it performs. It’s important to think about the good and bad points before deciding to remove it.
What we’ve learned so far
The XtuService.exe file is a part of Intel’s Extreme Tuning Utility, a legit tool made by Intel. It’s usually not bad news but can become a problem if it starts using too much of your computer’s power. If you’re having big problems and don’t really need the utility for tuning your computer, thinking about removing it might be a good idea. Also, always think carefully about changing your system and understand what might happen. It’s a good idea to get help from a pro if you’re not sure, to avoid further unnecessary problems.
