What is Vmmemcmfirstboot? Fix Vmmem High Memory & CPU Usage

If you recently opened Task Manager on Windows and noticed a process called vmmem or vmmemcmfirstboot consuming high memory or CPU, you are not alone. The vmmem process represents the memory and CPU resources used by virtual machines running on your Windows system. It is not a virus or malware. Instead, it acts as a container that shows how much system resource is being used by virtualization tools.

The vmmemcmfirstboot process is commonly seen when Windows Subsystem for Android or Linux (WSL) initializes for the first time. During this first boot stage, the system allocates resources to set up the virtual environment. This process may continue running in the background and consume high memory or CPU if the virtual machine does not shut down properly.

Several programs rely on virtualization, including Docker, Android apps on Windows 11, Linux subsystem, and some development tools. When these services run in the background, Vmmem continues to use resources even when you are not actively using them.

High CPU and memory usage by Vmmem usually occurs due to background virtual machines running continuously, incorrect resource allocation, outdated Windows version, virtualization conflicts, or startup apps using virtual environments automatically.

Fixing this issue involves identifying which service is using virtualization and controlling how much resource it can use. You may also need to disable unnecessary virtual features or update system settings for better performance.

Now, let’s understand the complete steps in detail!

Table of Contents

What is vmmemcmfirstboot?

vmmemcmfirstboot is a background process related to Windows virtualization services such as Windows Subsystem for Linux and Android virtualization.

It appears during the first boot of virtual environments and can cause high CPU and memory usage when virtual machines or Android subsystems are running in the background.

Fix Vmmem High Memory and CPU Usage

To fix Vmmem high memory and CPU usage, users can stop unused virtual machines, disable WSL or Android subsystem, limit resource usage, and restart virtualization services.

Here is a detailed process!

Step 1. Identify the Cause of Vmmem High Usage

Before applying any fix, it is important to identify why Vmmem is consuming high memory or CPU on your system.

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager and look for the Vmmem process. Observe the memory and CPU usage percentage. If it shows high usage even when no heavy applications are running, then a background virtual machine is active.

Check whether you are using Windows Subsystem for Linux, Docker Desktop, Android apps on Windows 11, or any virtual machine software like VMware or VirtualBox. These programs usually trigger Vmmem activity.

You can also open the System Tray and check if Docker or Android subsystem is running in the background. Identifying the exact cause helps you apply the correct fix without disabling important features.

Step 2. Restart the WSL Service

If you use Windows Subsystem for Linux, restarting it can quickly reduce Vmmem memory usage.

Open Command Prompt as administrator. Type the command to shut down all running WSL instances. This will stop the virtual machine from running in the background.

After shutting down WSL, open Task Manager again and check if Vmmem memory usage has dropped. In many cases, simply restarting WSL resolves high CPU and memory problems.

Restarting the subsystem forces Windows to release allocated memory and CPU resources. This method is safe and effective if WSL is the main cause of high usage.

Step 3. Close Docker and Virtual Machines

Docker Desktop and other virtualization tools often run automatically at startup. Even when you are not using them, they keep virtual environments active in the background.

Open the system tray and right-click on Docker Desktop. Select Quit to completely close it. If you use other virtual machine software, shut down all running virtual machines.

Once closed, check Task Manager again. The Vmmem process should reduce its resource usage significantly.

If you rarely use Docker or virtual machines, consider disabling them from startup so they do not run automatically every time you turn on your computer.

Step 4. Limit Memory Usage for WSL

Windows allows you to limit how much memory and CPU WSL can use. Setting limits prevents Vmmem from consuming excessive resources.

Open File Explorer and go to your user folder. Create a new text file and name it .wslconfig. Open this file with Notepad.

Add memory and processor limits inside the file. Save the file and restart your computer. Once restarted, WSL will follow the new resource limits.

Limiting memory ensures that Vmmem does not use all available RAM. This improves overall system performance, especially on systems with limited memory.

Step 5. Disable Windows Subsystem for Linux if Not Needed

If you do not use Linux tools on Windows, disabling WSL completely can fix Vmmem high usage.

Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features. Click on Turn Windows features on or off. Locate Windows Subsystem for Linux in the list and uncheck it.

Click OK and restart your computer. After a restart, the Vmmem process related to WSL will no longer run.

This method is useful for users who accidentally enabled WSL or no longer need virtualization features.

Step 6. Disable Windows Subsystem for Android

On Windows 11, Android apps run using virtualization. This can trigger vmmemcmfirstboot and high resource usage.

Open Settings and go to Apps. Find Windows Subsystem for Android and open its settings. Turn off the option that allows it to run in the background.

You can also uninstall it completely if you do not use Android apps on your PC. Once disabled, Vmmem usage should drop significantly.

Disabling unused virtual environments helps free up system memory and CPU for regular tasks.

Step 7. Update Windows and Drivers

Outdated Windows versions or drivers can cause virtualization processes to behave incorrectly. Updating your system can fix bugs that lead to high CPU and memory usage.

Open Settings and go to Windows Update. Check for updates and install all available updates. Restart your computer after updating.

Also, update graphics and chipset drivers from your manufacturer’s website. Updated drivers improve compatibility with virtualization features and reduce resource consumption.

Keeping your system updated ensures that background processes like Vmmem run efficiently.

Step 8. Disable Virtual Machine Platform Feature

The Virtual Machine Platform feature supports virtualization on Windows. If you do not need it, disabling it can reduce Vmmem usage.

Open Control Panel and go to Windows features. Find Virtual Machine Platform and uncheck it. Click OK and restart your system.

After a restart, Windows will stop running virtualization services related to this feature. This reduces memory and CPU usage caused by Vmmem.

Only disable this feature if you are sure you do not use virtual machines, Android apps, or WSL.

Step 9. Restart Hyper V Services

Hyper-V is Microsoft’s virtualization technology that runs in the background. Restarting its services can fix abnormal resource usage.

Open the Services app from the Start menu. Locate Hyper V services in the list. Right-click and restart each related service.

Restarting these services refreshes virtualization processes and may resolve Vmmem high CPU and memory usage.

If you do not use Hyper-V at all, you can disable it from Windows features to prevent unnecessary resource consumption.

Step 10. Perform a Clean Boot

Sometimes, third-party software conflicts with virtualization and causes Vmmem to use high resources. A clean boot helps identify such conflicts.

Open System Configuration from the Start menu. Disable all non-Microsoft startup services. Restart your computer and check Vmmem usage.

If the problem disappears, re-enable services one by one to find the conflicting program. Removing or updating that program can permanently fix the issue.

A clean boot is a safe troubleshooting method that helps isolate software conflicts.

Faqs

Is vmmemcmfirstboot a virus

No, vmmemcmfirstboot is not a virus. It is a legitimate Windows process related to virtualization services like WSL and the Android subsystem. It may use high resources when virtual environments run in the background.

Why is Vmmem using so much memory?

Vmmem uses high memory when virtual machines or subsystems are active. Programs like Docker, WSL, or Android subsystem allocate memory for virtual environments, which appear under Vmmem in Task Manager.

Can I end the Vmmem process?

You cannot directly end Vmmem from Task Manager because it represents system virtualization services. Instead, stop the programs using virtualization, such as Docker or WSL, to reduce their usage.

Does disabling WSL improve performance

Yes, disabling WSL can improve performance if you do not use Linux tools. It stops background virtual machines and reduces CPU and memory usage.

Will restarting the computer fix Vmmem high usage

Restarting your computer can temporarily fix the issue by closing background virtual machines. However, if virtualization apps start automatically, the problem may return until you adjust the settings.