Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation: Fix High CPU Usage

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What is Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation

Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation, also known as audiodg.exe, is a process that handles digital signal processing, including advanced sound enhancement effects, on your Windows computer. It’s like a manager that organizes audio tasks and prevents problems from crashing your whole system.

It also helps improve your computer’s performance by ensuring all audio tasks run smoothly. Users can adjust specific audio parameters, such as bass, or even create custom sound effects. However, sometimes, even this program can cause issues on your system, leading to high CPU and GPU usage.

7 Ways to Fix Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation High CPU Usage

Try Basic Fixes

Method 1. Use Audio Troubleshooter on Windows

Thankfully, Windows 11 offers GetHelp App, which you can use to identify and resolve almost any issue with your system’s audio components.

Step 1:Open theGet Help Appon your PC, and typeTroubleshoot audio issues.

Step 2:The app will instantly offer a troubleshooting wizard that can start with your consent. Click onYes, and get started.

Once the program runs, it will give you suggestions. Agree on what suits you and see if the issue is solved. If not, we suggest you perform the steps again, but choose a different sound source this time.

Method 2: Check if Apps or Mic Usage Spikes the CPU Usage

One of thereported causes of this spikeis the apps when it comes to software and the microphone when it comes to hardware.

Some users have reported that apps like Nvida broadcast through the Logitech app are spiking their PC’s GPU. Some even reported that a spike in CPU usage showed up whenever the Microphone was connected.

If that is the case, you can uninstall or update the app. For Microphone, you need to check on another PC or replace it.

Method 3. Check the Origin of Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation

Once malware enters your system, it can act as a system program, such as Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation, to run discreetly in the background. Since it runs in the background, it can consume many resources and slow down your system.

Step 1:Open Task Manager using the key combinationCtrl + Shift + Esc.

Step 2:Switch toProcessesand look for theWindows Audio Device Graph Isolationprocess.

Tip:You can use the search bar to quickly locate the program by searchingaudiodg.

Step 3:Right-click over theWindows Audio Device Graph Isolationprocess and selectProperties.

Step 4:Click on theGeneraltab and look at what’s mentioned next to Location.

If the process directs you to theC:\Windows\System32path, it indicates authenticity. Otherwise, it can be some malicious program acting as a system app. We recommend you perform a system-wide malware scan to check this as a safety measure.

Method 4. Recheck Any Recent Changes Made to System

As you know, Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation is a system application; any changes you make will affect the entire system. While you might not have made any changes manually, they might have been made by some applications or even as a result of any changes you have made to the hardware.

1. Uninstall Suspicious and Recently Installed Software

It’s always suggested that you install applications from authorized sources, or your PC’s security will be at risk. Hence, if you are suspicious or started facing high CPU and GPU usage after installing a specific application, we suggest uninstalling the program on your Windows PC and checking if you are still facing the issue.

2. Unplug and Replug the Headset or Speakers

It can do more harm than good if you haven’t gotten the right headset or speaker for your Windows machine. The device might put more pressure on the system through Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation. Unplug the connection and see if you are still facing the issue.

Additionally, if you recently changed the GPU of your Windows machine or have made many other hardware changes, you might see the audio drivers consuming maximum CPU and GPU power.

Method 5. Disable All Audio Enhancements

While audio enhancements are significant for improving sound quality, they can also be very demanding on your PC. Hence, disable them and see if your PC returns to normal.

Step 1:Open Windows search, typeControl Panel,and open it from the results.

Step 2:Click onHardware and Sound, and then onSound.

Step 4:Switch toPlayback> right-click the current sound source and click onProperties.

Step 5:Navigate to theAdvanced taband uncheckEnable audio enhancements.

Tip:To relieve further pressure on your system, you can also uncheckAllow hardware acceleration of audio with this device.

Step 6:Now, click on the Apply button followed by Ok.

Method 6. Disable Exclusive Mode (Sound)

Windows comes with an Exclusive Mode, enabling third-party applications to bypass the system’s audio processing engine and utilize the resources the app wants. This might be the reason for the high CPU and GPU usage of the Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation (audiodg.exe) application.

Step 1:Go toSound settingsusing Control Panel, then switch to thePlaybacktab.

Step 2:Right-click the current audio device and selectProperties.

Step 3:Go to the Advanced tab and uncheckAllow applications to take exclusive control of this device. Click onApply,followed byOk.

Method 7.Turn Off Automatic Volume Adjustment

Windows automatically adjusts the volume levels depending on what you hear. For example, using a communication app that can take calls will automatically reduce the PC’s volume.

Step 1:Right-click thespeaker iconon the system tray, and Click onSound settings.

Step 2:Scroll toAdvanced settingsand clickMore sound settings.

Step 3:Head over to theCommunicationstab and chooseDo nothing.

Step 4:Click onApplyand thenOKto apply changes.

FAQs

Should I Disable the Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation Process?

Windows audio device graph isolation (audiodg.exe) is a system program that ensures all the audio functions work flawlessly. Disabling it won’t benefit you and might even impact the sound output.

Why Is My System Using 50% of My CPU?

Apart from the audio drivers consuming high system resources, there can be manyreasons for high CPU usage.These can include some apps installed from unauthorized sources, bugs in Windows, or running resource-intensive applications. You can find and close such apps using the Task Manager.

Does 100% CPU Usage Damage PCs?

CPUs are designed to operate without damage, even at their maximum capacity. However, performance will suffer when the CPU is used 100% constantly.

How Much CPU Usage Is Normal?

CPU usage depends on the kind of application you are running. However, if you’re not actively running any programs, your CPU utilization should typically range from 1% to 10%, as these will be the system applications running in the background. If your idle PC shows any higher CPU usage than that, it could indicate a potential issue that needs to be addressed.

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Last updated on 31 July, 2024

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