Some apps, browsers especially, can "take" a lot of CPU power and/or system memory by default that it does not actually use.
Even within apps that can/do use a lot of system resources (Dragon), usually training or refining the app in question can help lower system resource usage.
When 85%+ Usage is Normal
Intensive Tasks: High CPU utilization is expected when playing demanding games, rendering video, or running intensive applications.
Recording/TTS/Text To Speech or Speech to Text: Especially when these apps, Dragon, Claro, Genio etc have not been optomised, trained or are trying to record a lecturer from across a room, will max out system resources.
Active Processes: If you have many browser tabs open, a background antivirus scan running, or Windows is installing updates in the background, 85% is a reasonable load.
Optimal Performance: A high percentage often means your CPU is working optimally, rather than waiting on other components, providing higher performance in games and apps.
Temporary Spikes: Task Manager itself can cause a spike when opened, but it should settle down quickly.
Arm64 or Snapdragon, its a mobile "chip", high Ram and CPU usage is normal.
On Windows on ARM / Snapdragon, seeing high CPU and RAM usage is completely normal — and it isn’t a fault with your device. It’s a side‑effect of how the architecture works today.
x86 → ARM64 emulation is expensive
Most Windows apps are still built for x86‑64, not ARM64.
When your Snapdragon laptop runs them, Windows has to translate the instructions in real time, which:
This is expected behaviour, especially with browsers, AV tools, Teams, and anything Electron‑based.
ARM64 apps behave normally — but the ecosystem is still small
Native ARM64 apps (Edge, Office, Zoom, VLC, 7‑Zip, etc.) run fast and cool.
Everything else runs through the emulation layer, which is why usage looks “high” even when the machine feels fine.
Snapdragon chips prioritise efficiency, not raw wattage
They’re designed like phone/tablet CPUs:
So when the emulator kicks in, the CPU graph looks busy — but temps and battery stay stable.
When to Be Concerned (The "Bad" Scenario)
If your laptop is at 85-100% usage while idle (i.e., you are doing LITERALLY nothing on the computer), it is generally a sign of a problem.
The second you run apps, or many tabs they may "reserve" resources, this can then look like 50% Plus usage.
Overheating: If low usage/no usage is accompanied by extremely loud fans or a hot chassis, it could lead to thermal throttling (the CPU slowing itself down to prevent damage).
Malware: Malicious software (like a cryptominer) can disguise itself as a legitimate process while using up your CPU.
Stuck Processes: A Windows update or a driver might be stuck in a loop, consuming unnecessary power.
Some apps/Antti virus that claim to be Arm64 nartive, still use emulation, and get stuck/cannot be removed.
In that scenario, a machine that is unstable is normal.
Norton, for instance, which claims to run in native Arm64/does not make it clear it runs an emulation layer, has been known to cause issues.
What to Check, if you still are not sure.
Restart: A simple restart can often resolve stuck background processes, most machines should be restarted at least twice a week.
Look at the Process Tab: In Task Manager, click the "CPU" column header to sort by usage. See what is actually taking up those cycles. If its a browser or a high draw app/one type listed in 85% above, its likely normal.
Monitor Temps: If the CPU temperature is consistently above 85-90°C, it is running too hot, and something else is likely going on. If it drops below these temps, its probably okay.
Check for ALL updates:
Including optional, install and restart a few times to see if the system stabilizes, it may still show high usage, but of that does not transfer to a real world slow down/effect, all is likely well.
It also makes sense to remember that a standard or even upgraded DSA-provided laptop is still not going to be able to perform like a £1000+ device. unless it cost at least £800+ to you personally.