Why is my processor using so many GHz when i have no programs currently open?

Your processor may be using significant GHz even when no programs are visibly open due to background processes, system services, or updates running. The operating system and various applications often perform tasks like checking for updates, indexing files, or managing system resources. Additionally, high performance settings or power management configurations can lead to increased clock speeds. Finally, malware or resource-intensive applications may also be causing unexpected CPU usage.