An NPU, or neural processing unit, accelerates AI workloads such as background blur, eye-contact correction, automatic framing, voice cleanup, transcription, image processing, and local AI features. High NPU usage is not automatically a fault: it can be expected while one of these features is active. The correct fix is to identify the workload, reduce unwanted effects, and update the right driver—not disable the device blindly.
Quick answer
Start with the least invasive fix, test the result, and move to the next method only when the problem remains. Back up important files and recovery keys before reset, firmware, registry, encryption, or administrator-level changes.
First, confirm that your PC has an NPU
Open Task Manager → Performance. Supported systems may show an NPU graph or a manufacturer-specific AI engine. If no NPU appears, the PC may not include one, the driver may not expose utilisation data, or Windows may report the workload under CPU or GPU instead.
When high NPU usage is normal
- A video meeting is using background blur, portrait lighting, framing, or eye contact.
- Noise suppression or microphone enhancement is active.
- Live captions, transcription, translation, or voice typing is running.
- A local AI assistant, image generator, photo editor, or media app is processing content.
- Windows or a vendor utility is preparing an AI model after an update.
Usage should fall after the workload finishes or the app closes.
Step 1: Identify the responsible application
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Check the Processes and Details tabs.
- Sort by CPU, Memory, GPU, or Power usage while the NPU graph is high.
- Close one AI-capable app at a time and watch the NPU graph.
- Check the system tray for camera, microphone, meeting, transcription, or vendor AI utilities.
Task Manager may not always attribute NPU usage to a single process clearly. Testing one active feature at a time is often the fastest diagnosis.
Step 2: Turn off unnecessary camera and audio effects
In Teams, Zoom, Google Meet companion software, the Camera app, or the laptop manufacturer’s utility, disable effects you do not need:
- Background blur or replacement
- Automatic framing
- Eye-contact correction
- Portrait lighting
- Studio effects
- Noise removal or voice focus
- Live transcription and captions
Test after each change. Some effects may be enabled both in Windows Studio Effects and inside the meeting app, causing duplicate processing.
Step 3: Check Windows privacy indicators
When a camera or microphone is active unexpectedly, open Settings → Privacy & security → Camera and Microphone. Review recent activity and disable access for apps that do not require it. Do not disable access globally when you still need video calls.
Step 4: Update Windows and manufacturer drivers
- Open Settings → Windows Update and install normal updates.
- Check Advanced options → Optional updates for relevant drivers.
- Visit the PC manufacturer’s official support tool or support page.
- Update chipset, NPU/AI engine, graphics, camera, audio, and BIOS/UEFI only when provided for the exact model.
Step 5: Disable optional AI utilities at startup
Open Task Manager → Startup apps. Disable optional meeting enhancers, webcam filters, transcription launchers, and manufacturer AI dashboards you do not use at sign-in. Keep security, touchpad, graphics, audio, and hardware hotkey components unless you know they are unnecessary.
Step 6: Repair a stuck application
If one app continues using the NPU after its feature is turned off:
- Close the app completely, including its system-tray icon.
- Restart Windows.
- Update the app from Microsoft Store or its official installer.
- Use Settings → Apps → Installed apps → App name → Advanced options to Repair or Reset when available.
- Reinstall the app if usage returns immediately after every launch.
Step 7: Check for system-file corruption
Open Terminal as Administrator and run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
sfc /scannowRestart after both commands complete. These tools repair Windows component files; they do not fix a defective third-party AI app or incompatible firmware.
Should you disable the NPU in Device Manager?
Usually no. Disabling the device can break Windows Studio Effects, camera features, accessibility tools, or local AI applications and may simply move the work back to the CPU or GPU. Use it only as a temporary diagnostic step when directed by the device manufacturer or support team.
Related performance checks
If the PC is slow even when NPU use is low, check CPU, memory, disk, GPU, temperature, and startup load. A fresh system should be cleaned cautiously using the safe post-install PowerShell cleanup guide, not a mass service-disabling script.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 100% NPU usage dangerous?
Brief 100% usage during an AI workload is not necessarily harmful. Persistent usage while the PC is idle needs investigation.
Why is the NPU active during a video call?
Background effects, framing, eye contact, noise suppression, or transcription can use the NPU continuously.
Can high NPU usage drain the battery?
Any sustained processing uses power. An NPU is designed to run AI workloads efficiently, but unnecessary effects can still reduce battery life.
Why did NPU usage start after an update?
A Windows, app, driver, or firmware update may have enabled a feature, rebuilt an AI model, or introduced a compatibility issue. Update the affected app and use manufacturer-approved drivers.
Official references
For platform-specific behavior and recovery options, compare this guide with the current documentation from the relevant official source.