Windows 8 Random CPU spikes + Proccess disappears once I open the task manager.

[Inkmancer]

I'm having random CPU spikes that I notice because the fans of my laptop start up.
This has happened while browing the web, chatting through skype, using photoshop and sometimes while idling even.

This laptop is new (a month and a half old), 8GB RAM, drivers up to date. Those programs should not stress it that much.

I open the task manager to see CPU usage of 50%+.
But the thing is, right as I open the task manager the program(s) that are taking up so much close and my CPU usage goes back to normal, 2%-5%.

I'm pretty sure it's a virus, though Avast is not detecting it.

I am not sure what to do DX

 

[kemical]

Hi,

try scanning with malwarebytes as it usually catches what others miss:

Malwarebytes : Free anti-malware download

Try checking with Task manager what apps are starting with windows and you could also try using Process Explorer, a more advanced version of Task manager, to ascertain what is causing the CPU usage:

Process Explorer

If you don't already try cleaning with Ccleaner:

CCleaner - PC Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download