Addressing High CPU Usage Caused by NI Services

Issue Details

I have noticed my computer has high CPU usage which is being caused by National Instruments software. This usually occurs when my system loses internet connection or is locked. I do not utilize these services or software so they don't need to be running and slowing my computer. How do I disable them?

Solution

There are two approaches to addressing this issue. NI recommends repairing or reinstalling the affected software, as this addresses the underlying cause of the problem. Alternatively, you can disable NI services or startup applications as a workaround; however, this may affect software functionality and does not resolve the root cause.

Recommended Solution

For high CPU usage issues related to NI software, NI recommends uninstalling, repairing or reinstalling the affected NI software. Unlike disabling services or startup applications, repairing or reinstalling the software addresses the underlying cause of the issue rather than masking its symptoms.

Alternative Workaround: Disable Services and Startup Apps
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While disabling services will address the immediate problem, it does not address the underlying issue and may affect functionality provided by NI software that depends on those services. 

1. Open the start menu and search "Services" to bring up the services window.
   
2. Scroll down the list until you find the National Instruments services, all National Instruments services will have the prefix "NI"
3. Right-Click on the unwanted services and select Properties
4. Change the Startup Type property to Disabled
   
   
5. This will disable the service next time you turn on your system.

To Disable Startup Apps (Windows 7)

1. Press and hold the WINDOWS key and then press R
   
2. A dialog will pop up. In this dialog, type "msconfig" and then click the "OK" button
3. The System Configuration dialog will appear on your screen
   
   
4. Select the "Startup" tab
5. Scroll until you find the entry you wish to disable and uncheck the box in front of the text
6. Click "OK"
7. The System Configuration tool will ask you to restart Windows. Make sure all your work in other applications is saved and select "Restart"

To Disable Startup Apps (Windows 10)

1. Open the Task Manager by Right-Clicking the Taskbar at the bottom of your screen and selecting "Task Manager"
2. Select the "Startup" tab
3. Scroll until you find the entry you wish to disable
4. Right-Click the entry and select Disable