Are you facing 100% disk usage in Windows? This article will be featuring some fixes and tips to solve 100% disk usage in Windows 10? One or another will surely help you to fix the issue. th
The newer versions of Windows have an issue with overused discs, which causes the operating system to slow down. Hard disc drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs) are also affected by this problem. Despite the fact that Microsoft has been notified of the 100% disc utilization warning, there’s no official fix from their site and people are getting annoyed by this problem.
Related: How to Fix Hard Drive Not Showing Up?
To learn how to fix 100% disk usage in Windows, go through this article. Check each of the procedures below one by one that we listed below and one of these will surely fix the problem.
There might be different causes for 100% disk usage in Windows 10 issue and therefore, so many solutions are listed here. Find your cause and choose the most preferred way to solve 100% disk usage in Windows 10 problem.
So, without further adieu, have a look at all the ways that you can use to fix 100% disk usage in Windows 10 issue right away.
How to Fix 100% Disk Usage in Windows?
Look at the possible causes and their fixes that will help you to fix 100% disk usage problem in Windows 10.
Fix 1: Update your Antivirus
The first step, like with any speed issue, is to make sure your machine isn’t infected with malware. Regardless of whether it’s a free app or a commercial suite, your security software should be able to handle this.
Malwarebytes Anti-Malware, for example, should be able to scan your system disc and discover any issues. It’s worth noting that if your disc is already heavily loaded, this may take some time.
If threats are discovered, follow the antivirus’s instructions to remove them and reboot. After that, double-check the performance of your hard disk. Hopefully, you’ve fixed the problem; if not, the malware wasn’t to blame, so continue reading.
Related: How to Overclock GPU?
Fix 2: Run a Disk Check
When trying to utilize Windows Search to find a file or application, or doing anything else that requires the disk to operate, this speed issue is most noticeable (perhaps copying and pasting a group of files).
When your computer subsequently decelerates, use Task Manager to conduct a disk check to see whether it’s a problem that’s hurting you.
To access Task Manager, use Ctrl+Alt+Del (or right-click the Taskbar and select Task Manager, or press Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Because the drive is under strain, it may take some time to open.
Look for the Disk column on the Processes tab. This will be at 100% if you’re having troubles with drive performance and colored red to show whether you have a problem or not.
The 100 percent disc utilization issue in Windows 10 might be caused by bad sectors on your hard drive. Follow the steps below on how to fix this issue by using built-in Windows disk check feature:
- Right-click on Start option (Windows Icon on the extreme bottom left corner). Open the File Explorer program from the drop-down menu.
- On the left pane, right-click on the C: drive and choose Properties.
- A new window will open, click on Tool options followed by selecting Check.
- Next, click on Scan Drive from the Error Checking window.
Wait as the system examines the drive; a full disk repair may require a reboot. This should solve the 100% disk usage in Windows 10.
Fix 3: Disable Flash in Google Chrome
Flash is still one of the most dangerous components of contemporary computing and should be turned off. Adobe’s multimedia plugin will be retired in 2020, so there’s no sense to keep using it. And especially because Adobe Flash appears to be one of the most prominent causes of 100% hard disk consumption in Windows 10 while using the Google Chrome browser.
To turn off Flash on Google Chrome, follow these steps:
- Open Chrome Browser on your system. Click on three-vertical dots on extreme right. Click on Settings from the drop-down menu.
- Select Privacy and Security from the left pane settings. Select Site Settings from the right pane.
- Set the toggle to Block sites from running Flash.
Restart the browser once done. The next step is to upgrade Chrome to the most recent version. This should happen automatically in most circumstances, but if it doesn’t, follow the below steps:
- From Settings page, click on About Chrome and click on Update on the right side if any.
Wait for the update to finish if any. Don’t be afraid if you don’t see any of the option to disable Flash. It means that your Chrome has been upgraded and no longer supports Flash.
Related: How to Fix Win32kfull.sys?
Fix 4: Change Browser
It’s possible that your browser’s performance isn’t being hampered by Flash. Another factor to consider is the change of browser you’re using, especially if you’re using Google Chrome.
The most obvious solution is to switch browsers. Windows 10 comes with two browsers pre-installed. Although you generally don’t want to use Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge is a good substitute for Chrome.
Fix 5: Turning off Windows Search
The next step is to see if the error of 100 percent disk use is related to Windows Search. A flaw in Windows 10 generates a “search loop,” which leads the system disc to be overloaded.
To stop this from occurring during your current session, follow the below steps:
- Right-click on Start (Windows Icon) and choose Windows PowerShell (Admin) from the menu.
- Type net.exe stop “Windows search” and press Enter.
That ought to take care of the majority of the problems. You can permanently stop Windows Search and Indexing if there is no change after rebooting.
- Type Services in Task Bar Menu search bar. Open Services once you find it.
- Find Windows Search and double-click on it .
- In Windows Search Properties Window, click on General tab and choose Disabled from Startup Type drop-down menu.
You may also cancel the service by clicking Stop. To save your changes, click Apply and then Ok.
After stopping Windows Search for a few seconds, your Windows 10 speed should noticeably improve. If not, it’s time to move on to other solution to fix 100% disk usage problem in Windows 10.
Related: How to Fix USB Device Not Recognized?
Fix 6: Disable SysMain
The superfetch service has also been discovered as a possible source of the 100 percent disc utilization issue in Windows 10. This has been changed to “SysMain” from Windows 10 1809 (the 2018 Windows 10 October Update).
To stop this service from causing the disk usage problem, follow the below steps:
- Start a new Windows PowerShell (Admin) window. Type below command and press Enter:
net.exe stop sysmain
Wait for few seconds to see whether this has had any influence on the performance of your computer. Run Check Disk as well to fix 100% disk usage in Windows 10. Type below command:
Chkdsk.exe / f / r
Restart your PC once you run the command for the changes to take effect.
If this doesn’t work, don’t worry. There is some other reason that is causing the problem. Find out the below solutiuons that will help you to fix the 100% disk usage in Windows 10 issue.
Fix 7: Turn off Diagnostic Tracking
You should check diagnostic tracking, this has been blamed for 100% HDD consumption on many PCs as suggested by many reports online
When it comes to saving space on your hard drive, it’s easier to just turn off the DiagTrack function.
To do so, please follow the steps and check how you can turn off Diagnostic Traking in Windows 10 to fix 100% disk usage bug:
- To find cmd, go to Task Bar Search menubar and type cmd in the search box. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- Input below commands and press Enter each time:
sc config “DiagTrack” start= disabled
sc stop “DiagTrack”
Close the command prompt once you’re done. Restart your Windows and see if the problem persists.
Related: How to Factory Reset Windows 11
Fix 8: Your PC’s Power Supply (PSU) Can be a Culprit
There’s a potential that your computer’s hardware, notably the PSU, is causing the 100% disk usage issue in Windows.
If excessive disk activity is the source of disk utilization problems, then there may be a power-related cause.
On Windows 10 laptops that are powered by the battery, 100% disk usage issue can be seen. The problem is resolved once the power adaptor is plugged in. Similarly, after a new power supply is inserted into a desktop PC, the problem has been solved.
Fix 9: Bug in the PCI-Express Firmware in Windows 10
In Windows 10, certain drivers don’t work exactly well. The StorAHCI.sys driver, which has a firmware flaw, has been identified to be the cause of 100% disk usage in Windows 10. StorAHCI.sys is a storage driver for the Advanced Host Controller Interface PCI-Express, which connects storage devices to a motherboard.
To determine if this is the issue and rule it out, perform the following steps:
- Choose Device Manager from the Start menu by right-clicking.
- IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers should be expanded.
- Select the AHCI Controller option and double-click it.
- A new window will open, click on Driver Details under the Driver tab.
If the driver is named as the one below, your system is impacted with the a problem. C:\Windows\system32\DRIVERS\storahci.sys
Do the following:
- Close the information box for the driver.
- Choose Device Instance Path in the Details tab.
- Copy the value using the right-click menu. Paste the contents on a Notepad.
- After that, hit WIN+R and type Regedit, then OK.
- To open the right AHCI Controller, locate hkey_local_machine/System/CurrentControlSet/Enum/PCI/ and paste the pasted string from Notepad, followed by the random number.
Expand DeviceParameters\InterruptManagement\MessageSignaledInterruptProperties in the right-hand window, and MSISupported should appear. Change the Value data: to 0 by double-clicking here.
To restart Windows, click OK to confirm and then follow the on-screen directions.
Related: How to Fix Registry in Windows 11?
Fix 10: Reset your Virtual Memory
Virtual memory is a mix of RAM and hard drive capacity that might cause your HDD to be overworked. When there isn’t enough RAM to complete a task, the HDD is used to make up the difference. When data is transferred to the HDD, it is then restored to RAM.
If you’ve gotten this far and still haven’t figured out how to fix the 100% disk usage problem, it could be worth resetting your virtual memory. Have a look at the steps below:
- Click on Start (Windows Icon) and Choose Settings.
- Once Settings app is opened, click on System option.
- On left pane, click on About followed by Advanced System Settings on the right side.
- System Properties window will open, click on Advanced followed by Settings under Performance section.
- Go to the Advanced tab from next window. Click on Change which is located in the Virtual Memory section.
- Uncheck the box for Manage the size of paging files for all discs automatically.
- Then choose the Windows drive (typically C:) and insert an initial size and a Maximum size in Custom size section.
- To proceed, click Set then OK once the settings have been entered.
- To proceed, click Set then OK once the settings have been entered.
Because these values might be confusing, choose the suggested choice for the first value. Aim for a figure that is no more than 1.5 times your system RAM for the best results.
The following step is to delete any temporary files created during the last virtual memory allocation.
- Press WIN+R to start the Run program.
- Enter temp and click OK or press Enter.
- Select all files in the directory with Ctrl+A and delete them.
Restart your computer and see if this resolve 100% disk usage issue in Windows 10. If not, try another solution.
Fix 11: Install the Most Up-to-Date SATA Drivers
It might be possible that the 100% disk usage in Windows 10 is caused by a storage device driver.
SATA connectors are used for hard discs, SSDs, and optical devices on your Windows 10 machine. The disc utilization error might arise if the drivers are not up to date.
Follow the steps to upgrade to the newest SATA drivers to avoid 100% disk usage in Windows 10:
- Right-click on Windows Icon and open Device Manager from the menu.
- Click on Strorage Controllers and expand it.
- Determine which controller is appropriate for your SATA devices.
- Right-click each controller and select Update driver from the context menu.
- Choose Browse my computer for drivers from the next window.
- After that, choose Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
- Select Standard AHCI Controller to observe how it affects performance.
It’s possible that you’ll have to restart Windows for this to take effect. If it doesn’t work, you may still try to look for a new driver on the manufacturer’s website.
Related: How to Fix Error 0x80240034?
Fix 12: Is Windows Update Taking All the Space in Hard Drive?
Windows Update can be a source of the 100% disc utilization problem, as well as affecting the modifications you make to your PC while correcting it.
This commonly occurs when Windows Update encountered an issue (which is typically due to a file refusing to download). In this case, you have two choices:
- Close any open apps and leave your computer for sometime. The files will eventually download, but it may take a reboot depending on how Windows Update is configured on your machine.
- Shut down your computer and restart it, then wait for Windows Update to fix the issue.
It’s a good idea to execute the update as soon as possible when it’s completed downloading. Before proceeding, double-check any prior repairs for 100% disc utilization because Windows Update has the ability to undo these changes.
Fix 13: Turn on the High-Performance Mode
The 100% disk usage issue is common in Windows’ regular power modes, however, upgrading to high performance generally solves the problem.
The disadvantage is that your computer will consume more power. This shouldn’t be a big deal because of contemporary CPU architecture.
Have a look on how to activate High Performance mode in Windows 10:
- Open Control Panel once you type it on Task Bar Search menu bar.
- Click on Power Options under Control Panel Menu.
- Click on Change Advanced Power Settings.
- Select High performance from the drop-down menu. It might be set on Balanced (Active) mode. Click on OK.
You’ll need to build your own unique power plan if you don’t find the option. Choose High performance under Create a power plan. Give the plan a name, make any necessary personal adjustments, and then choose it as a power plan to utilize.
Within a few moments, the 100% disc usage issue should be reduced. And that’s how you can fix 100% disk usage problem in Windows 10.
Related: How to Fix Laptop Battery Not Charging?
Fix 14: Disabling Windows Help
The operating system’s built-in active assistance feature has also been linked to 100% disk use in Windows 10. You’ve probably noticed that when you’re doing anything for the first time, a feature with helpful hints and suggestions appears. This might be the root of the case.
Learn how to disable Windows Help in Windows 10 that might help you to reduce disk usage:
- Open Settings on your system. Click on System to proceed further.
- Select Notifications & Actions from the left pane. Locate and deactivate As you use Windows, get tips, techniques, and ideas.
Give it some time and you will see that the disk usage in Windows 10 has been improved.
Fix 15: Might be WaasMedicAgent.exe Causing the Problem
WaasMedicAgent.exe (part of the Windows Update Medic Service) is a Microsoft system process that verifies downloaded Windows Update files and has been incorrectly classified as a virus or malware.
The files are redownloaded if there is an issue with the data – a procedure that might leave system drive at 100%.
- To open a Run box, use WIN+R.
- To open Registry Editor, type Regedit and then OK.
- Make a registry backup using File > Export and save it somewhere safe before continuing.
- Paste the following URL into the browser’s address bar:
Computer\HKEY LOCAL MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\WaaSMedicSvc - Right-click Start in the right pane and select Modify.
- Set the Value data to 4 and click OK to finish.
This would be the last resort. So please make sure you utilize this method once every other way is exhaused and you are not able to solve the problem.
Ending Note
These are some of the simple ways that will help you to fix 100% disk usage in Windows 10. Make sure to try each method until the problem is not solved. In the normal circumstances, one of these fixes will help you to reduce disk usage in Windows 10 and speed up your computer.
If not, a slow-moving computer indicates that it has a problem. If you can’t solve it by using the above methods, the issue is likely hardware-related.
Your hard drive may be old; it may be malfunctioning, or the cables may need to be replaced.
Do you know any other fixes that helps you to fix 100% disk usage in Windows 10 issue. If yes, do mention the method in comments section below to help our readers.
Related Guides:
