How to Disable Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry (Fix High CPU Usage)

Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry (CompatTelRunner.exe) is a Windows process that collects diagnostic data and sends it to Microsoft. While it helps improve Windows, it can cause high CPU usage and slow down your computer. This guide shows you how to disable it on Windows 10 and Windows 11.

Understanding the Problem

Microsoft Compatibility Telemetry:

• Scans system files for compatibility issues
• Collects usage and performance data
• Sends diagnostic information to Microsoft
• Can cause CPU spikes to 100% during scans
• Runs automatically via scheduled tasks

If you notice CompatTelRunner.exe using excessive CPU in Task Manager, these methods will help.

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Method 1: Disable via Task Scheduler (Fastest Fix)

This is the most effective way to stop the high CPU usage immediately.

1. Open Task Scheduler:
   • Press Win + R
   • Type taskschd.msc and press Enter
2. Navigate to the task:
   • Expand Task Scheduler Library > Microsoft > Windows > Application Experience
3. Disable the task:
   • Right-click Microsoft Compatibility Appraiser
   • Select Disable

The telemetry process will no longer run automatically.

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Method 2: Disable via Group Policy (Windows Pro/Enterprise)

This method works on Windows 10/11 Pro, Enterprise, and Education editions.

1. Open Group Policy Editor:
   • Press Win + R
   • Type gpedit.msc and press Enter
2. Navigate to the setting:
   • Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection and Preview Builds
3. Configure the policy:
   • Double-click Allow Diagnostic Data (or Allow Telemetry on older versions)
   • Select Disabled
   • If "Disabled" isn't available, select Enabled and choose Diagnostic data off or Security from the dropdown
   • Click OK
4. Restart your computer

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Method 3: Disable via Registry (Windows Home)

Use this method on Windows Home edition, which doesn't include Group Policy Editor.

1. Open Registry Editor:
   • Press Win + R
   • Type regedit and press Enter
   • Click Yes on the UAC prompt
2. Navigate to the key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\DataCollection

   Copy
   • If DataCollection doesn't exist, right-click Windows, select New > Key, and name it DataCollection
3. Create the value:
   • Right-click in the right pane
   • Select New > DWORD (32-bit) Value
   • Name it AllowTelemetry
4. Set the value:
   • Double-click AllowTelemetry
   • Set Value data to 0
   • Click OK
5. Restart your computer

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Method 4: Disable the Service

You can also disable the Connected User Experiences and Telemetry service:

1. Open Services:
   • Press Win + R
   • Type services.msc and press Enter
2. Find the service:
   • Scroll to Connected User Experiences and Telemetry
3. Disable it:
   • Double-click the service
   • Set Startup type to Disabled
   • Click Stop if the service is running
   • Click OK

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Verifying the Fix

After applying these methods:

1. Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc)
2. Go to the Details tab
3. Look for CompatTelRunner.exe
4. It should no longer appear or consume significant CPU

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Re-enabling Telemetry

If you want to restore telemetry:

• Task Scheduler: Right-click the task and select Enable
• Group Policy: Set the policy to Not Configured
• Registry: Delete the AllowTelemetry value or set it to 1

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