Office Performance Issues

Fix High CPU Usage Caused by Office Temporary Files

Steve K Oct 9, 2026 871 views

Question details

The user needs to resolve an issue where a temporary file or process consumes high CPU resources every few minutes, causing the computer fan to become loud.

How to Fix High CPU Usage from Office Temporary Files

Product: Microsoft Office
Device & OS: not provided
Scenario: Using the computer with Office installed and experiencing periodic performance drops and loud fan noise.
Observed behavior: A temporary file or related background process causes CPU spikes roughly every ten minutes, and reinstalling Office only provided a temporary resolution.

Before you start

Before applying fixes, press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager and monitor the Processes tab to identify exactly which temporary file or process is causing the CPU spikes.

Solution 1Recommended

Manually Check for Office Updates

Outdated software can sometimes cause background processes or update loops to hang. Forcing an update ensures you have the latest performance patches.

Although the temporary file might not be directly related to an Office update, ensuring your suite is fully up to date is the best first step to rule out known bugs that cause high resource consumption.

Open an Office Application

Launch any Microsoft Office program, such as Word or Excel, and open a blank document.

Navigate to the Account Settings

Click on 'File' in the top-left corner of the window, then select 'Account' (or 'Office Account') from the bottom left menu.

Check for Updates

Under the Product Information section, click on 'Update Options' and select 'Update Now' from the drop-down menu.

Complete the Update

Wait for the system to check for and install any available updates, then restart your computer.

Update Options Missing: If you do not see 'Update Options', your Office installation might be managed by your organization's IT department, or you may be using a volume license version.

Solution 2

Identify the Process and Run a Malware Scan

Because legitimate Office updates rarely run every ten minutes, the high CPU usage may be caused by a third-party application or malware disguised as an Office temporary file.

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Switch to WPS Office for a Lightweight, Fast Experience

If background processes and heavy resource usage in Microsoft Office are slowing down your computer, consider switching to WPS Office. It provides a lightweight, highly efficient suite that doesn't overwhelm your CPU, ensuring your system runs smoothly and quietly.

1. Download and Install: Get the free WPS Office installer from the official website and complete the quick installation.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do temporary files cause my CPU usage to spike?

Temporary files themselves do not use CPU, but the background processes creating, syncing, or scanning them do. This can happen during software updates, cloud syncing errors, or when antivirus software repeatedly scans a constantly changing temp file.

Can I safely delete temporary files to fix this issue?

Yes, you can safely clear your user temporary files. Press Win + R, type '%temp%', and hit Enter. Select all files in the folder and delete them. Files currently in use by open applications will refuse to be deleted, which is normal. Be sure to close all Office applications before doing this.

How do I know if the high CPU usage is caused by malware?

If the file causing high CPU usage is located outside standard system or application folders, has a string of random characters for a name, or persists even after a clean boot, it might be malware. Running a full system scan with Windows Security or a reputable antivirus program is highly recommended.

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