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LockApp.exe consistently takes up 30% CPU for a background user

I have a Windows 10 Desktop. My son has a limited account and I have an admin account. My son doesn't believe in signing out when done - he simply locks the PC when he is done and I can then log in to my own account.

But whenever he does that and I am working on my account I notice that LockApp.exe always takes up between 25 - 30% under my son's username (Taskmanager/other users processes). Surely Windows shouldnt take this much CPU for a background account! This is constant i.e. I have been working for hours in this mode and LockApp continues to take up 25-30% CPU in the background.

TaskManager shows the following path: C:\Windows\SystemApps\Microsoft.LockApp_cw5n1h2txyewy

Is there any way I can resolve this? Does LockApp have any settings to disable such behaviour?

BTW I have looked at other similar sounding threads re: LockApp but none of them seem to have solutions (as yet!). I have run Microsoft Security Scanner without it detecting any malware + I have Windows Defender turned on as well so I dont think malware is a cause.

Any other suggestions please?

-KP

Hi Kartik,

If LockApp.exe is taking up CPU usage for background users, there might be some applications or programs that are still running under your son's account. The best thing to do is to sign out your son's account, or you can also disconnect the account from the Task Manager since you have an Admin access. See instructions below:

  • Go to Task Manager
  • Click on More details to expand the options
  • Go to Users tab
  • Right-click on your son's account and select Disconnect

Let us know how it goes.

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Thanks Kerwin,

Why should LockApp take more CPU if *other* apps are running?

But in any case, many times I have actually checked that no other programs are actually running and yes what I normally do is to use task manager to kill LockApp (which instantly resolves the problem) or force logout which works as well obviously.

But it would be good to know the root cause and avoid it rather than let this happen. Hence although helpful I dont consider this to be a solution to the problem...


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You can use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files.

If the issue still persists, you can try the suggested troubleshooting procedures provided by ZigZag3143 (MS -MVP) on this thread.

Provide us an update on the progress of your concern.

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SFC found nothing. Will try other troubleshooting suggestions.

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Question Info

Last updated April 11, 2022 Views 194 Applies to: