"System" process High CPU usage (ntoskrnl.exe)

Question

From time to time the system process takes a lot of CPU, this causes my computer to freeze and lasts for a few seconds (5-10s). Mostly happens when playing games, while playing it happens every few minutes, otherwise very very rarely and if it does, it doesn't take more than 5% CPU.

I used Process Explorer and found out, that this process is causing it: ntoskrnl.exe!KeReleaseInStackQueuedSpinLock0x94

I found, that it has something to do with drivers, but I'm not sure what to do. There aren't many threads on this issue and I need help. Thanks in advance :)

Answer 1

That's your computer kernel, sadly this is a really big problem many users have, The only way to fix it is to repair your pc by: Insert your Windows installation disc and restart your computer. Choose your language settings, and then click “Next”. Click “Repair your computer.” Otherwise, there might be ways to do it using with Safe Mode, The computer kernel is for handling drivers and etc.

Answer 2

Might be a problem with the temperature.

You may use for example Core Temp to display the CPU temperature on the taskbar.

For a very old computer, the best thing you can do is cleanup. Other methods, like replacing the thermal paste might be dangerous.

Answer 3

Ntoskrnl.exe process (Windows NT operating system kernel executable) is responsible for multiple system services, such as hardware abstraction, process and memory management. According to other forums, this is most likely due to memory issues on your computer. Try performing a Memtest to check your RAM's health.