---
title: "Solve high CPU usage with OneDrive and Windows Search Indexer - Light Bulb Web Design Blog - Light Bulb Web Design in Carlisle, Cumbria, and the UK - The UK Creative Agency who delivers"
description: "I'm a major fan of Microsoft OneDrive, formerly known as SkyDrive. I've used it since the days of its even earlier name, Windows LiveMesh. A few times..."
url: "https://www.lightbulbwebdesign.co.uk/website-design-blog/entry/solve-high-cpu-usage-with-onedrive-and-windows-search-indexer"
date: "2026-06-05T22:00:26+00:00"
language: "en-GB"
---
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# Solve high CPU usage with OneDrive and Windows Search Indexer
[Windows 8](https://www.lightbulbwebdesign.co.uk/website-design-blog/categories/windows-8)
[Chris Wilcox](https://www.lightbulbwebdesign.co.uk/website-design-blog/blogger/chris)
Tuesday, 12 August 2014
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[  ](//www.lightbulbwebdesign.co.uk/images/easyblog_images/940/solve-one-drive-cpu-usage.png "Solve high CPU usage with OneDrive and Windows Search Indexer")
I'm a major fan of Microsoft OneDrive, formerly known as SkyDrive. I've used it since the days of its even earlier name, Windows LiveMesh.
A few times in recent months I've had issues where the SkyDrive/OneDrive sync process hogs loads of CPU cycles, with the Search Indexer process also having the same problem.
After some more digging last night, and not wanting to consider a re-install of the OS (Windows 8.1 Pro), I came across a tool Microsoft released ages ago to help troubleshoot sync issues with OneDrive. Needless to say, this isn't exactly easy to find, but after a good hour of scanning, it fixed some file security and access faults, then prompted me to reset OneDrive. The reset forces OneDrive to do a full file sync and for me took another hour, but once complete, it re-downloaded the files to my laptop and so far the CPU usage is back to normal - it's really worth trying out if you have similar issues!
The tool can be found on this page:
Click the link titled 'Run the troubleshooter' which prompts download of a CAB file, which is the troubleshooter software itself.
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Chris is the founder and lead strategist at Light Bulb Web Design, a UK‑based creative agency specialising in psychology‑driven, AI‑ready websites for professional service businesses. From law firms and financial practices to property and consultancy brands, he helps organisations turn underperforming websites into high‑trust, high‑converting digital assets.
With a background rooted in web design, technology, and human‑centred strategy, Chris writes about the real issues holding most websites back; unclear messaging, bloated builds, weak trust signals, and structures that search engines and AI simply can’t interpret. His work blends behavioural insight, technical precision, and a deep understanding of how people make decisions online.
Chris speaks at industry events, sharing practical, no‑nonsense guidance on AI‑aware optimisation, digital trust, and the future of web strategy. When he’s not building or refining websites, he’s exploring the intersection of technology, psychology, and business growth - and helping service‑based brands show up online with clarity, confidence, and credibility.
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