Ghost of Yotei Not Using GPU & Crashing at 100% CPU Usage: How to FIX

Ghost of Yotei Not Using GPU & Crashing at 100% CPU Usage: Ghost of Yōtei is an atmospheric action-adventure game that demands high-end hardware for an optimal experience.

Many PC gamers and console users have reported a troubling issue where the game does not utilize the GPU properly, resulting in the CPU running at 100% usage, causing crashes, freezes, and severe performance drops. This guide will dive deep into why this problem happens and how to fix it step-by-step.

Understanding the Problem: Why is Ghost of Yōtei Not Using GPU and Crashing?

The ideal scenario is that Ghost of Yōtei offloads most of its graphical processing to your GPU, allowing your CPU to handle game logic, AI, and physics. However, when the game fails to utilize the GPU, the CPU becomes overwhelmed, maxes out at 100% utilization, and the system can become unstable or crash.

Common symptoms include:

Severe FPS drops and stuttering
High CPU temperature and fan noise
Game crashes or freezes without error messages
GPU utilization stuck at near 0%, even during gameplay
CPU usage maxing out at or near 100%

Why Does This Happen?

Several factors can cause Ghost of Yōtei to underutilize the GPU and overload the CPU:

1. Graphics Drivers Issues

Outdated, corrupted, or incompatible GPU drivers can prevent proper GPU usage.

2. Incorrect GPU Settings

If your system defaults to integrated graphics (Intel UHD, AMD APU) instead of the dedicated GPU (NVIDIA, AMD Radeon), the game will rely on the weaker integrated chip, resulting in CPU overload.

3. Game Configuration or Software Bugs

Bugs or corrupted game files may cause the game engine to not properly interface with the GPU.

4. Background Processes and High CPU Load

Other applications running in the background may consume CPU resources, leaving less available for the game.

5. Power Settings or Thermal Throttling

Power saving settings may limit GPU performance, or overheating may cause the CPU to throttle, increasing load.

6. Windows or OS-Level Issues

Faulty OS updates, corrupted system files, or conflicts can disrupt hardware resource allocation.

7. Hardware Limitations or Faults

Failing GPUs or CPUs, insufficient RAM, or hardware bottlenecks can cause such symptoms.

How to Fix Ghost of Yōtei Not Using GPU & Crashing at 100% CPU Usage

Step 1: Verify System Requirements

Ensure your PC meets or exceeds the minimum and recommended specs:

Component	Minimum	Recommended
CPU	Intel i5-8400 / AMD Ryzen 3 1200	Intel i7-8700K / AMD Ryzen 5 3600
GPU	NVIDIA GTX 1060 6GB / AMD RX 580	NVIDIA RTX 2070 / AMD RX 5700 XT
RAM	8 GB	16 GB
Storage	SSD recommended	SSD recommended
OS	Windows 10 64-bit	Windows 10/11 64-bit

Running on outdated hardware can cause the CPU to max out while waiting on the GPU.

Step 2: Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers are the leading cause of GPU underutilization.

NVIDIA GPU users: Download the latest drivers from NVIDIA’s official site.
AMD GPU users: Download from AMD’s site.
Use a tool like Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to clean old drivers before installing new ones.
After updating, reboot your PC and test the game.

Step 3: Force the Game to Use the Dedicated GPU

Many laptops and desktops with integrated GPUs may default to the weaker chip.

Windows 10/11:
- Go to Settings → System → Display → Graphics settings.
- Add Ghost of Yōtei’s executable (.exe) manually.
- Set it to High performance (which uses the dedicated GPU).
- Save and restart the game.
NVIDIA Control Panel:
- Open NVIDIA Control Panel → Manage 3D settings.
- Under Program Settings, select Ghost of Yōtei.
- Choose High-performance NVIDIA processor.
- Apply and restart.
AMD Radeon Software:
- Open Radeon settings → System → Switchable Graphics.
- Assign Ghost of Yōtei to High performance.

Step 4: Check Background Applications and Disable Unnecessary Processes

High CPU load may come from other programs:

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc).
Sort processes by CPU usage.
Close any unnecessary or suspicious apps (especially browsers, overlay apps like Discord, MSI Afterburner, etc.).
Disable startup apps you don’t need via Task Manager → Startup.
Use Clean Boot mode to test the game with minimal background services.

Step 5: Adjust Power Settings for Maximum Performance

Power saving modes can throttle hardware:

Open Control Panel → Power Options.
Select High Performance plan or create a custom plan with max CPU and GPU performance.
Disable CPU throttling or power saving features in BIOS if comfortable.

Step 6: Verify Game Files and Reinstall

Corrupted files can cause GPU interfacing issues:

If you use Steam or another platform, right-click the game → Properties → Verify Integrity of Game Files.
Alternatively, uninstall and reinstall Ghost of Yōtei.

Step 7: Update Windows and System Software

Outdated Windows versions or missing updates may cause hardware conflicts.

Go to Settings → Update & Security → Windows Update.
Check for updates and install all important ones.
Restart after updating.

Step 8: Monitor Temperatures and Hardware Health

High temps can cause throttling:

Use tools like HWMonitor, MSI Afterburner, or Core Temp.
CPU temps should stay below 85°C under load; GPU below 85°C is ideal.
If temps are high, clean dust from your PC or improve cooling.
Check for hardware faults or try running hardware diagnostics.

Step 9: Disable Overclocking or Reset to Default

If you have overclocked your CPU or GPU, revert to default clocks:

Overclocking instability can cause crashes and performance issues.
Reset BIOS/UEFI settings if needed.

Step 10: Consider a Clean Windows Installation

If all else fails, a fresh OS install can resolve hidden software conflicts.

Borderlands 4 Not Using GPU & Poor Performance: How to FIX

Stalker 2 Not Using GPU and Crashing at 100% CPU Usage: How to FIX

Additional Tips

Use FPS limiters in the game or through software like RTSS to reduce CPU strain.
Avoid running the game in the background while streaming or recording.
Keep GPU drivers and game patches up to date.
If on a laptop, ensure it’s plugged in and set to maximum performance mode.

FAQs: Ghost of Yōtei Not Using GPU & Crashing at 100% CPU Usage

Q1: How do I check if the game is using my GPU?

Open Task Manager → Performance tab → Check GPU usage during gameplay. It should show activity. Alternatively, use software like MSI Afterburner.

Q2: Why is my CPU usage so high if the game should be GPU-heavy?

This usually happens if the GPU isn’t engaged, so the CPU does extra work or waits for the GPU. It can also be caused by background tasks or inefficient game code.

Q3: Can integrated graphics cause this problem?

Yes. Running Ghost of Yōtei on integrated graphics can cause CPU overload and crashes due to lack of GPU power.

Q4: Is my CPU overheating causing the crashes?

Possibly. High CPU temps can cause throttling or sudden shutdowns. Monitor temps and improve cooling if needed.

Q5: Will updating Windows help?

Yes. Windows updates often include important driver and system stability fixes.

Q6: Can game patches fix GPU usage issues?

Yes. Developers regularly release patches to optimize performance and fix bugs.

Q7: Why does reinstalling drivers help?

Sometimes, corrupted or conflicting drivers cause the GPU to be ignored. Reinstalling ensures clean, updated drivers.

Q8: Can power settings cause GPU underutilization?

Yes. Power-saving modes throttle hardware, preventing the GPU from running at full speed.

Conclusion

Ghost of Yōtei’s issue of not using the GPU and crashing due to 100% CPU usage is frustrating but usually fixable. By ensuring your drivers are up-to-date, forcing the game to use the dedicated GPU, optimizing power settings, and monitoring hardware health, you can restore balance between CPU and GPU load, leading to stable gameplay.

If problems persist after trying all these steps, consider reaching out to game support or a hardware technician to diagnose possible hardware faults.

By following this guide, you’ll maximize your system’s performance and enjoy Ghost of Yōtei as it was meant to be played — smooth, beautiful, and immersive.

If you want, I can create a personalized checklist or troubleshoot a specific symptom further — just let me know!