Fix AVCTP High CPU Usage on Windows Computer

Do you experience high CPU usage in Windows 11/10 because of the Audio/Video Control Transport Protocol (AVCTP)? If so, you’re not alone. This common issue is notorious for slowing down the device and interfering with the Bluetooth audio experience. In this article we will see what to do if this is the case AVCTP high CPU usage.

What is AVCTP Service?

AVCTP stands for Audio/video control Transport protocol. It helps manage audio and video streams between devices, mainly through Bluetooth connections. You’ll often find AVCTP on Bluetooth devices such as wireless headphones, speakers, and car stereo systems, where it manages the playback of audio and video.

Fix AVCTP High CPU Usage on Windows 11/10

If you are experiencing AVCTP high CPU usage issue on your Windows computer, perform the solutions below:

1. Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter
2. Update Windows
3. Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver
4. Disable AVCTP service

Let’s get started with this troubleshooting guide.

1) Run the Bluetooth troubleshooter

AVCTP’s excessive CPU resources may indicate underlying connection or configuration issues. To identify and fix the problem, we run the Bluetooth troubleshooter.

To do the same, navigate to the search bar, type Bluetooth troubleshooter and select the first option i.e.: Find and fix problems with Bluetooth devices. Once the Bluetooth troubleshooter window opens, click on the Advanced option to apply the repair automatically and click on the Next button.

Alternatively, we can do that too use the Find Help Bluetooth troubleshooterclick Windows Search and type Get help. Select and open it Get help app, and once it opens, enter the problem we are experiencing and press the button Enter knob. Once the scan and repair procedure is completed, fix the problem.

2) Repair your operating system

Since AVCTP is a system component, we will try to repair the system image. If it is damaged then you will encounter this problem. To do this, open Command Prompt as an administrator and run the following commands.

To run System File Checker:

sfc /scannow

Nasty run DISM tool:

Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth Dism /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Alternatively, that is also possible Repair Windows computers using the installation media.

3) Update or reinstall the Bluetooth driver

An outdated or damaged Bluetooth driver can lead to high CPU demands. Because AVCTP handles multimedia controls, a faulty driver can overload the CPU in processing these commands.

You should update the Bluetooth driver first using Windows Driver and optional updates.

If that doesn’t help, uninstall the Bluetooth driver through Device Manager and then download it from the manufacturer’s website.

4) Disable the AVCTP service

AVCTP enables media control commands such as play, pause and stop between Bluetooth devices and the PC. In some cases, the AVCTP driver may malfunction or encounter compatibility issues, causing high CPU usage. Users can disable AVCTP; Doing so may disable Bluetooth Media Control functionality. Therefore, it is recommended to restart the service before disabling it. Here’s how to proceed.

1. Go to the search bar, search for Services and open it.
2. Search for AVCTP Services, double-click it and select the Stop option in the Services Management Console.
3. Wait for some time and then click the Start button. Now check if the problem is solved. If not, go to the Services Management Console again and click AVCTP Service.
4. Go to the Startup Type drop-down menu and select the Disabled option.
5. Finally, click the Stop button, followed by the Apply and OK button.

Hopefully this will solve the AVCTP high CPU usage issue.

Read: Which Windows Services Can You Safely Disable in Windows 11?

How do I fix excessive CPU usage?

To fix excessive CPU usage, users should identify the processes that consume the most resources using the Task Manager. Closing unnecessary programs and tasks, and ensuring that the operating system and all drivers, especially the graphics driver and Bluetooth driver, are up to date can be an effective solution. If the high CPU usage is due to AVCTP, check the article above.

Read: Services and Controller App High CPU Usage in Windows 11

Is it safe to disable AVCTP services?

Disabling AVCTP services is generally safe; however, it comes with certain tradeoffs. If this decision is motivated by high CPU usage, users should try stopping AVCTP services. If the high CPU usage persists, they can follow the steps mentioned above to turn it off.

Also read: Fix 100% disk, high CPU, memory or power usage in Windows.