Resolve High CPU Usage Caused by AVCTP on Windows PCs
Are you noticing increased CPU usage on your Windows 11/10 device caused by the Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol (AVCTP)? If so, you’re not alone in this struggle. This prevalent issue is well-known for hampering device performance and interfering with your Bluetooth audio experience. This guide will explore solutions for tackling high CPU usage caused by AVCTP.
Understanding AVCTP Service
The term AVCTP denotes Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol, a protocol responsible for managing audio and video streams amidst devices, predominantly via Bluetooth connections. AVCTP is typically found in Bluetooth-compatible devices like wireless headphones, speakers, and automotive audio systems, where it facilitates the control of multimedia playback.
Solutions to AVCTP High CPU Usage in Windows 11/10
If you’re facing high CPU usage stemming from AVCTP on your Windows system, consider the following remedies:
- Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
- Update your Windows
- Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver
- Disable the AVCTP service
Let’s delve into this troubleshooting procedure.
1] Execute the Bluetooth Troubleshooter
High CPU usage from AVCTP may suggest connectivity issues or configuration errors. To troubleshoot, we’ll start by running the Bluetooth troubleshooter.
Simply head to the Search bar, type in Bluetooth Troubleshooter, and choose the option labeled Find and Fix problems with Bluetooth devices. The Bluetooth troubleshooter window will appear, allowing you to click on the Advanced option for automatic repairs and hit Next.
As another option, you can also employ the Get Help Bluetooth troubleshooter. Search for Get Help, select the application, enter the issue at hand, and press Enter. Once the scanning and fixing process concludes, the problem should be resolved.
2] Repair Your Operating System
Since AVCTP is a system component, it’s prudent to repair the system image if it has become corrupted. Open Command Prompt as an admin and execute the following commands:
To initiate the System File Checker:
sfc /scannow
To use the DISM Tool:
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Alternatively, you can repair your Windows device using the Installation Media.
3] Update or Reinstall the Bluetooth Driver
An outdated or corrupted Bluetooth driver may cause high CPU consumption. Given that AVCTP manages multimedia controls, a faulty driver can lead to excessive CPU load when processing commands.
Start by updating your Bluetooth driver through Windows Driver and Optional Updates.
If this doesn’t solve the problem, consider uninstalling the Bluetooth driver via Device Manager and then downloading the latest version from the manufacturer’s website.
4] Disable the AVCTP Service
The AVCTP service is responsible for media control commands, such as Play, Pause, and Stop, between Bluetooth devices and your PC. In certain scenarios, the AVCTP driver may misbehave or have compatibility issues, resulting in high CPU usage. Although users can disable AVCTP, this may remove Bluetooth media control functionality. Hence, it is advisable to restart the service before opting for a complete disable. Here’s how to go about it:
- Open the Search bar, type Services, and launch it.
- Locate AVCTP Services, double-click it, and select the Stop option within the Services Management Console.
- After a brief wait, click the Start button. Verify if the issue persists; if it does, revisit the Services Management Console and select AVCTP Service.
- Change the Startup type to Disabled from the drop-down menu.
- Finally, click the Stop button, followed by Apply and OK.
With any luck, this should resolve the AVCTP-related CPU usage issue.
How can I address Excessive CPU Usage?
To address high CPU usage levels, users need to identify resource-heavy processes via the Task Manager. By closing unnecessary applications and ensuring that both the Operating System and all drivers, especially the graphics and Bluetooth drivers, are current, one can effectively mitigate the issue. Refer to the previous sections if AVCTP is identified as the problem causing high CPU usage.
Is it Safe to Disable AVCTP Services?
Generally, disabling AVCTP services is considered safe, though it comes with certain drawbacks. If your high CPU usage problem leads you to this decision, it’s advisable to start by stopping the AVCTP services. If the CPU usage remains high, then you may proceed to disable the service entirely, following the steps outlined above.
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