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Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation is a feature in Windows that allows each audio device to control its audio stream, which helps lower system sound latency. 

However, a Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation high CPU usage can occur for several reasons, slowing down your computer. 

In this guide, we’ll discuss various solutions to help you correct the problem. Go through each one and find the best one for your situation. 

Let’s begin. 

What Is Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation?

If your audio sounds better and clearer, it’s because of a process in Windows called Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation (audiodg.exe).

This process manages all of the sounds you hear, including special effects and enhanced audio clarity and quality. Audiodg.exe is much better in Windows 11. 

Windows Audio Graph Isolation works in the background, processing audio data and ensuring that everything, including your sound card and speakers, functions as it should.

Audiodg.exe operates independently from the regular Windows audio system. This means that if a sound application or driver has an issue, it won’t crash your entire Windows system. This allows third-party audio manufacturers to add their sound improvements without interfering with or affecting how the regular Windows audio system works.

Related: Audio Service Not Responding Error in Windows 10 and 11

Why Is Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation Important for Your PC?

Your computer needs Windows Audio Graph Isolation because it controls all audio tasks and effects, making sure your sound works smoothly without any issues.

If you experience sound distortions, delays, or even crashes when using audio-related apps, one common cause is that your audiodg.exe isn’t working properly.

Is Windows Audio Graph Isolation Safe?

Yes. Audiodg.exe is part of your Windows operating system. So, it’s not a virus or malware. However, cybercriminals can create processes that look like Audio Graph Isolation. 

But don’t worry; there’s a way to check whether your audiodg.exe is malware using Task Manager. Follow the steps below: 

  • Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager. 
  • Search for audiodg.exe, right-click on it, and select Open file location.
task manager open file location
  • Look for the file’s location. By default, it should be in the C:\Windows\System32 folder. If it’s not, malware could be running on your PC. 
audiodg Windows

How Does Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation Affect CPU Usage?

You can experience Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation high memory usage due to several factors, such as corrupted audio drivers, viruses, software compatibility issues, etc. 

In the following sections, we’ll discuss how to fix the Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation high CPU usage.

Fixing Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation’s High CPU Usage on Windows 10

If you’re experiencing Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation high memory usage, follow the methods below to resolve the problem:

Method 1: Disable every sound effect

One way to fix the Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation high CPU usage is to disable the sound effects. Here’s how to do it:

If you usually use sound effects, skip this method because it’ll disable the feature. 
  • Type control panel in the search bar and click to open. 
  • Select Large icons beside View by.
  • Click on Sound.
sound view by large icons
  • Select the device, right-click on it, and select Disable. If you have multiple devices, disable them. You can disable the device that’s causing the high memory usage. 
Sound disable

Related: Windows 10 Control Panel: Where to Find It

Method 2: Update your audio drivers

One of the factors that can cause the audiodg.exe high CPU usage is outdated drivers. Here’s how to use Device Manager to update your audio drivers: 

  • Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  • Type devmgmt.msc in the search bar and click to open. 
devmgmt.msc-command
  • Expand Sound, video and game controllers.
  • Then, right-click on your audio driver and choose Update driver.
Intel (R) display update driver
  • Click Search automatically for drivers.
Search automatically for drivers
  • Windows will automatically download and install it if an update is available. 

After the update, restart your PC and check for the problem. If you’re still experiencing the issue, proceed with the next method. 

Related: How to Update Device Drivers on a Windows 10 PC?

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This tool examines and reports out-of-date or missing drivers while scanning your computer for possible driver issues.

With Auslogics Driver Updater, you can update your drivers to the most recent version recommended by the manufacturer.

Find out more: Auslogics Driver Updater: New Drivers in One Click!

Method 3: Scan your computer for malware

If you’re not sure if malware has infected your computer, you can use Auslogics Anti-Malware to automatically detect and remove all malware from your system.

The application safely removes spyware, malware, and viruses from your computer after detecting them. The best part is that it complements your antivirus!

Here’s how Auslogics Anti-Malware works: 

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  • Install and launch the program. If it’s your first time running the program, it’ll update its database to offer the current and best system security. 
Malware database update
  • Click on Scanners and choose your preferred scan type: Quick scan, Deep scan, or Custom scan. 
Auslogics Antimalware - A Special Anti-Malware Tool
  • Click Start Scan and wait for the program to check your system for malware. 
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  • After the scan, click on Remove to delete any malware found. 
Auslogics Anti-Malware detected 9 objects
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Related: Auslogics Anti-Malware: Features and Reviews

Method 4: Check for any recent system changes

Since Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation is a system application, any changes can affect the entire system.

Some applications or hardware changes can affect the system even if you haven’t made any changes.

Here are some tips to remember:

1. Uninstall any suspicious and recently installed application

Installing programs from reliable sites is important to protect your computer’s security. 

If an application seems suspect or you observe that it uses a lot of CPU and GPU power after installing it, delete it and check if it fixes the problem. 

Also read: How to Uninstall Programs and Delete Unnecessary Files in Windows 10

2. Connect and reconnect the headset or speakers 

Using the incorrect headset or speaker can lead to issues if your PC experiences system strain due to Windows Audio Graph Isolation. 

Check to see if the problem still exists by unplugging the connection. 

Also, the audio drivers will likely consume a lot of CPU and GPU resources if you have upgraded the GPU on your Windows PC or made other hardware changes.

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Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation: Explained

It’s critical to fix problems with Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation’s high CPU usage if you want to keep your Windows PC running smoothly.

You can effectively manage high CPU consumption caused by Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation by:

  • removing unnecessary sound effects, 
  • updating audio drivers, 
  • checking for malware, and 
  • checking for recent system changes. 

We hope that this guide has given you valuable solutions to help you resolve problems with Windows Audio Graph Isolation. 

If you’ve found this article helpful, share it with your friends and leave a comment below with any questions, feedback, or additional tips you might have. 

FAQ

It’s true that turning off Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation can lower CPU usage, but it’s not always safe. It’s a system process that controls the processing and effects of audio. When you disable the feature, it creates a problem with audio playback or system stability. Do it only if you are certain it’s causing issues and are aware of the risks.
Yes. Windows Audio Graph Isolation can affect your computer’s performance. It can slow down your system by using too much CPU resources. If you’re sure it’s causing your PC to be slow, troubleshoot or optimize your audio settings. Check the guide on this page for more. 
No. Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation with a high CPU usage doesn’t mean it has a virus. It’s a legitimate system process related to Windows audio features. However, sometimes, malware can affect your system, pretending to be an audiodg.exe system process to avoid detection. You can use Auslogics Anti-Malware to scan your system for malware and remove any threats. 
Press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open Task Manager. Then search for “Windows Audio Device Graph Isolation” or “audiodg.exe” in the Processes tab. You can usually find it in the “Background processes” section. If you can’t find it there, enable the “Show processes from all users” feature in Task Manager settings.