+1.
(only a notification from Avast to Restart)
Hi Bob
Only on my laptop,only happened once have done several restarts and a couple of cold boots.
The latest Win 10 Cumulative update sure put Cortana in a Frenzy using mid to high CPU resources for easily 5 minutes. Eventually settled down.
I’ll bet it had something to do with the “people” function and “accepting” the new settings to accommodate ‘visual recognition’ that one had to accept or deny during Update. ???
Was apparent on both machine updates
Anyone else experiencing continuous High CPU useage by Cortana after the lateat Win 10 Cumulative update. (KB4511555) and (KB 4512941)
Both Machines. ???
Seems there is a definite problem with KB 4512941
https://borncity.com/win/2019/08/30/windows-10-v1903-update-kb4512941-workaround-for-the-cortana-high-cpu-load-issue/
Yup, was using 20% of my CPU, would not settle down. Todays update caused it, found a solution on Windows 10 forums, had to edit a couple of registry values, fixed it right away.
DavidR
2086
A link would have been helpful to those experiencing this.
I haven’t had this issue, but then again from my very first foray into win10, I did my best to try and stop Cortana at all.
Yes a link would have been helpful indeed :-\
bob3160
2089
The update didn’t install on my system.
DavidR
2090
It didn’t install on mine either - I have just opened the Windows Update window and it reports I’m up to date 'Checked Yesterday, 2206 (UK local time). However, it does an ‘Optional update available’ - Cumulative Update for win10 version 1903 for x64-based Systems KB4512941.
I don’t know why a cumulative update would be considered optional, nor what it addresses that would make it optional.
There is more information on the tenforums link given and also this one https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4512941/windows-10-update-kb4512941. So I will have to decide if I even need this non-security update.
Also on the support.microsoft link:
[b]Microsoft strongly recommends you install the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system before installing the latest cumulative update[/b] (LCU). SSUs improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the LCU. For more information, see Servicing stack updates.
Highlighting is mine, but it also makes me consider if I should install this KB at all.
OK so the optional update KB4512941 is the update that has caused Cortana to show excess CPU usage for extended period of time. (If I ‘End Task’ several times it stops).
After this update Cortana Search Bar (Bottom Left) no longer functions properly. Typing shows in bar but nothing happens EXCEPT then Cortana goes nuts with the CPU usage again.
I’ve tried a couple of fixs mentioned on forums including setting “CortanaEnable” value to 1
I’ve also tried the fix recommended for “BingSearchEnabled” set to 1
I’m quite concerned at this point because Cortana still shows CPU usage at around 35-45 on every reboot and system start and the Cortana Search function no longer works
All caused by the optional Cumulative update…KB4512941
I would investigate all forums and info about issues users are having with this update before proceeding to install (Wish I would have known)
Scary thing is I read Microsoft doesn’t recognize any issue with this update.
Does a user now have to ‘research’ forums about offered updates BEFORE one downloads and installs ???
And I still don’t have a fix…not happy!!
Quote: “Uninstall that update”. 
Nice idea Bob seeing fixes weren’t working and PRESTO everything back to normal. 
Yeh I’d be extremely hesitant/leary to install this ‘optional’ update.
There I go ‘Lesson learned’
DavidR
2094
Personally when a so called cumulative update is considered an ‘Optional update’ I begin to be suspicious of its content and requirement. Then I start to investigate, unfortunately not everyone does this and why should they have to.
Whilst Microsoft may have improved the windows update function of old, post version 1903 (e.g. the user at least has a little say in it now). They have much still to do.
They need to either put more information or links to information in that ‘Optional update available’ - Cumulative Update notice. Considering if you go to the KB Catalogue information for KB4512941 it warns of first installing
[b]Before installing this update[/b]
Microsoft strongly recommends you install the latest servicing stack update (SSU) for your operating system before installing the latest cumulative update (LCU). SSUs improve the reliability of the update process to mitigate potential issues while installing the LCU. For more information, see Servicing stack updates.
If you are using Windows Update, the latest SSU (KB4515530) will be offered to you automatically. To get the stand-alone package for the latest SSU, search for it in the Microsoft Update Catalog.
This certainly needs to be communicated in the ‘Optional update.’
I’m not surprised that ‘Microsoft is not currently aware of any issues with this update’ as it was only released yesterday. It would take time for the tsunami wave of issues to hit them.
All good points David.
Now I will take pains to research updates before proceeding.
Something I’ve never done (found necessary) because I, up until now, have not had a Microsoft update mess stuff up on my OS.
bob3160
2096
I’ve never had an update mess things up.
My problem has been not being able to install an update:
https://screencast-o-matic.com/screenshots/u/Lh/1567346861085-97217.png
I’ve run a Windows Update Reset numerous times but, this update just isn’t installing.
I’m also not alone as a simple search on this update and the error can will show.
That has to be concerning/frustrating especially if a ‘Security Update’ is involved.
bob3160
2098
Not the end of the world. It will eventually get solved.
DavidR
2099
As far as I’m aware I haven’t been offered this update (https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/help/4512508/windows-10-update-kb4512508), also see https://mspoweruser.com/microsoft-releases-august-cumulative-updatekb4512508-for-windows-10-users/ I don’t know if any of the reported issues in this link could be the cause of your failures.
That said I don’t know if I got this on 1803 prior to my use of the Windows 10 Update Assistant tool to get 1903 (as I still hadn’t got it). Currently my update history only shows 3 updated under win10 1903, possibly I have, hence no offer or record of it in 1903.
Now that the troublesome MS Update KB4512941 has been uninstalled on my machines, not sure how to keep/stop it from returning and wanting to download.
