How to fix igfxext.exe Module high memory or CPU usage on Windows 11

High CPU and Memory usage problems have been a problem on Windows PCs for a really long time, and there are a lot of different reasons they may occur. However, igfxext.exe is more specific than most of the other high CPU and memory issues and one that can quite often be solved more easily! Thankfully, igfxext.exe is a malicious process and is simply an Intel driver that has lost the plot. This executable helps manage extended display settings, hotkeys, and interactions with external monitors or projectors. It's supposed to run in the background as part of Intel’s graphics control processes, helping with tiny things like hotkeys, etc.

How to fix igfxext.exe Module high memory or CPU usage on Windows 11

This is a fairly quick and simple process you can use to solve this error message. If it has been a while since you clean installed your GPU drivers, it's even more important.

• Download Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).
• Get a known stable NVIDIA driver version (preferably from late 2024).
• Disconnect your PC from the internet.
• Use DDU to fully remove existing GPU drivers.
• Reboot the system.
• Install the downloaded driver manually.
• Reboot again before reconnecting to the internet.

Check for recent Windows updates

A known bug in Windows or graphics integration could be responsible for abnormal process behaviour.

• Type Updates and press Enter.

• In the new window, click Install all (if pending) or Check for updates.

• Wait till all the files are downloaded and installed.

• If optional updates are available, install them as well.

• Restart your system once done.

Disable Intel-related startup tasks

Depending on how you use your system, this will either be super inconvenient or a total non-event. Either way, it should fix this particular issue.

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

• Go to the Startup tab.

• Look for Intel Graphics Command Centre, Intel Driver & Support Assistant, or similar items.

• Right-click and select Disable.

• Restart your system.

Check for system file corruption

This method is more of a system-wide approach that will find and fix any other issues that might be making this particular problem worse. It essentially searches for and fixes any out-of-place or corrupted core operating system files.

• Type cmd in Windows search.

• Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

• When User Account Control shows up, click Yes.

• In the Command Prompt window, paste the following command and press Enter:

• Wait for the scan to complete.

• Once the SFC scan is finished, run the following set of DISM commands, pressing Enter after each one:

Note: if you get an error executing this last command, add /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows /LimitAccess to it and try again

• After completing the DISM commands, restart your computer.