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‘You can do anything but not everything’
David Allen

Living life to the fullest is a great philosophy for you, not for your disk. Even if your drive seems pretty comfortable acting as a chronic overachiever, keep in mind that 100% disk usage is not something for you to take pride in.

Your disk working at or near 100 percent causes your computer to slow down and become laggy and unresponsive. As a result, your PC cannot perform its tasks properly.

Thus, if you see the ‘100 percent disk usage’ notification, you should find the culprit causing the issue and take immediate action.

Use Task Manager to Spot the Culprit

Windows Task Manager can help you address the root cause of the notorious ‘100 percent disk usage’ problem:

Windows search bar -> Type task manager -> Select Task Manager -> Processes -> Disk

If your disk usage reaches almost 100 %, your drive is being overworked.

Proceed to the following tips to resolve this problem.

Stop Excessive Disk Usage

Here are our top 18 solutions to fix your Windows 10 100% disk usage issue:

Check Your PC for Malware Infection
Disable Your Main Antivirus Temporarily
Turn off Windows Defender
Disable Windows Search
Turn Off SuperFetch
Disable Windows Tips, Tricks, and Suggestions
Check Your Disk for Errors
Run System Files Checker
Perform a Clean Boot
Tweak Google Chrome & Skype Settings
Uninstall Flash Player Updates
Upgrade Your RAM
Reset Virtual Memory
Use High Performance Power Plan
Fix Your Microsoft AHCI Driver
Update Your Device Drivers
Optimize Your PC
Reinstall Your OS

So, it’s time to troubleshoot your 100 percent disk usage problem.

Hurry up to make life easier for your drive:

1. Check Your PC for Malware Infection

If your drive is constantly working at or near 100% for no apparent reason, this might mean your computer is malware-infected.The stakes are high – thus, scan your PC right away to find out if some malicious invaders are attacking your system.

Make use of:

Windows Defender

The Microsoft default security solution Windows Defender will scan your system for malware issues and do its best to make them cut and run:

Settings -> Update & Security -> Windows Defender -> Open Windows Defender -> Full

Your Main Antivirus

If you have a trustworthy antivirus program installed, let it do its job. Well, if not now, then when?

A Special Anti-Malware Tool

Your main antivirus is not omnipotent. You should back it up by any means whatsoever in order to protect your computer from irreversible damage. Consider using a special anti-malware tool to trace and remove the issues your main security solution may miss. For instance, Auslogics Anti-Malware is ready to help you.

2. Disable Your Main Antivirus Temporarily

Your main antivirus might be responsible for consuming 100% disk resources on your computer. Therefore, try disabling it temporarily to find out whether it is the one to blame for your drive going full capacity. You needn’t worry about your safety: Windows Defender can guard your system while your main antivirus is not at work.

If your computer’s disk usage returns to normal when your main security solution is off, you should contact your vendor and report this issue.

3. Turn Off Windows Defender

Windows Defender is your reliable ally against malware threats. It performs occasional scans even when your PC is protected by a third-party antivirus solution.

The problem is, Windows Defender might be on a collision course with your main antivirus. This can lead to excessive disk usage.

If you suspect such a conflict, try disabling Windows Defender:

Start -> Settings, Update & Security
Windows Defender -> Turn off Real-Time protection as well as Cloud-based Protection

4. Disable Windows Search

The frustrating 100% disk usage problem might be caused by Windows Search.

Although this feature helps you find your files quickly, try disabling it to fix the excessive disk usage issue:

Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type cmd -> Right-click Command Prompt -> Run as Administrator -> Yes
Type net.exe stop “Windows search” -> Enter

Can you observe a reduction in the disk usage now?

If not, Windows Search cannot be blamed for the 100 % disk usage scenario.

In this case, feel free to enable Windows Search:

Go to Command Prompt again -> Type net.exe start “Windows search” -> Enter

However, if your disk is working properly after your turning off Windows Search, consider disabling this feature permanently:

Windows key + R -> Type services.msc -> Double-click Windows Search
Properties -> Startup type -> Disabled -> Apply -> OK

5. Turn Off SuperFetch

The SuperFetch feature is aimed at delivering fast OS boot. However, SuperFetch may lead to 100 % disk usage as well as sluggish performance.

Try disabling SuperFetch to sort out the Windows 10 disk usage problem:

Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type cmd -> Right-click Command Prompt -> Run as Administrator -> Yes
Type net.exe stop superfetch -> Enter

Has your computer started to perform better?

If not, proceed to the following tip.

6. Disable Windows Tips, Tricks, and Suggestions

Some tips can actually slow down your PC instead of accelerating its performance. If you are sure you can do without Windows 10 tips and tricks, feel free to prevent your system from displaying them:

Settings -> System -> Notifications & Actions -> Turn off Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows

7. Check Your Disk for Errors

Your disk itself might be the real culprit.

Check it for errors in order to resolve the annoying 100 percent disk usage issue:

Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type cmd -> Right-click Command Prompt -> Run as Administrator -> Yes -> Type chkdsk.exe /f /r -> Enter -> Type Y
Close all your apps -> Restart your computer -> The disk check will be performed -> Keep in mind it might take some time to finish

8. Run System Files Checker

Missing or corrupted system files can cause your drive to work at or near 100 percent.

Try to spot and repair them using System Files Checker:

Start -> Enter Command Prompt -> Right-click Command Prompt -> Select Run as administrator
Enter DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth -> Enter sfc /scannow
Wait for the system scan to finish -> Reboot your Computer

9. Perform a Clean Boot

To find out what makes disk usage touch 100%, try performing a clean boot. It will load your Windows 10 with the fewest startup programs and drivers and help you find the culprit.

To perform a clean boot, follow these steps:

Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type msconfig
System Configuration -> Services -> Hide all Microsoft services -> Disable all
System Configuration -> Startup -> Open Task Manager
Task Manager -> Startup -> Select the startup items -> Disable -> Close Task Manager
System Configuration -> Startup -> OK
Restart the computer

To identify the culprit after performing a clean boot, do the following:

Step 1. Log on to your computer as an admin
Step 2. Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type msconfig
Step 3. System Configuration -> Services -> Hide all Microsoft services
Step 4. Select the upper half of the check boxes -> OK -> Restart

Does the 100 percent disk usage problem persist?

If it does:

Step 5.1. Repeat the steps 1, 2, 3 -> Select the lower half of the check boxes -> OK -> Restart

If it doesn’t:

Step 5.2. Repeat the steps 1, 2, 3 -> Select only the upper half of the remaining check boxes (the ones which are cleared in the list) -> Repeat these steps until you have checked all the boxes

Does the 100 % disk usage issue occur when there is only one service selected in the list? Then this service is the culprit.

Is there still no service to blame? Then keep going:

Step 6. Log on to your computer as an admin -> Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type msconfig -> System Configuration -> Select the upper half of the check boxes -> OK -> Restart

Does the problem persist?

If it does:

Step 6.1. Log on to your computer as an admin -> Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type msconfig -> System Configuration -> Select the lower half of the check boxes -> OK -> Restart

If it doesn’t:

Step 6.2. Log on to your computer as an admin -> Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type msconfig -> System Configuration -> Select only the upper half of the remaining check boxes (the ones which are cleared in the list) -> Repeat these steps until you have checked all the boxes

Does the 100 % disk usage problem persist when there is only startup item selected? Then this startup item is the culprit.

All to no avail?

No worries, just keep working your way down.

10. Tweak Google Chrome & Skype Settings

Certain Google Chrome and Skype settings can cause your drive to overwork.

Here is how to fix them:

Google Chrome

Google Chrome -> Settings -> Advanced -> Privacy and Security
Turn off Use a prediction service to load pages more quickly

Skype

Make sure your Skype is off.
C: -> Program Files (x86) -> Skype -> Phone -> Right-click Skype.exe -> Properties -> Security -> Edit
ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES -> Write -> Allow -> Apply -> OK
Go to Task Manager and check whether these tweaks have fixed your overworked drive.

11. Uninstall Flash Player Updates

Uninstalling Flash Player updates may help you return your disk usage to normal.

Here is an easy way to do this in Windows 10:

Start -> Settings -> Update & Security
Windows Update -> Advanced Options -> View your update history
Uninstall updates -> Uninstall your flash player update

12. Upgrade Your Random Access Memory (RAM)

If your machine is an old-timer, it might not have enough RAM to run smoothly. This may result in 100 % disk usage. Make sure your venerable old friend has no less 4 GB of RAM (to be honest, the more, the better).

Go this way to take a look at your memory usage metrics:

Windows search bar -> Type task manager -> Select Task Manager -> Performance -> Memory

If you can observe excessive memory usage, it’s time for you to upgrade the RAM on your PC.

13. Reset Virtual Memory

Resetting the virtual memory may help you fix your Windows 10 100 percent disk usage.

To perform virtual memory resetting, follow these steps:

Windows key + Pause/ Break key -> Advanced System Settings
Advanced -> Settings -> Advanced -> Virtual memory -> Change
Disable Automatically manage paging file size for all drives
Select your windows drive (it’s likely to be C:)
Initial size -> Recommended (if you are not sure about the desirable value)
Maximum size -> Approximately 1.5 times the size of your physical RAM
Set -> OK
Windows key + R -> Type temp -> Enter -> Temp folder -> Delete the files

14. Switch to High Performance Power Plan

To resolve your 100 % disk usage issue, try tweaking your power plan.

Move this way to switch to the customized High Performance plan:

Start -> Control Panel -> Power Options
Select a power plan -> Change settings that are currently unavailable-> High Performance
Change plan settings -> Turn off hard disk after -> 0

This will prevent your disk from switching to the low power state or powering down.

15. Fix Your Microsoft AHCI Driver

The firmware bug StorAHCI.sys in Microsoft AHCI driver can initiate 100% disk usage on your computer.

Here are 8 easy steps to resolve this issue:

Windows logo key + X -> Device Manager
IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers -> Double-click AHCI controller
Driver -> Driver Details -> If you can see storahci.sys there, it is time to fix the bug in question
Details -> Property -> Device instance path -> Write down/ copy the path starting from PCI\VEN
Windows Key + X -> Search box -> Type regedit -> Registry Editor
Proceed to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Enum\PCI\<AHCI Controller>\Device Parameters\Interrupt Management\MessageSignaledInterruptProperties
(<AHCI Controller> refers to the path from the Step 4)
MSISupported key -> Set “0” as its value
Restart your computer

Does the 100 percent disk usage issue persist?

If yes, do not let this get you down too much – you still have a few tricks up your sleeve.

16. Update Your Drivers

Out-of-date or faulty drivers are a potential cause of disk performance issues in Windows 10.

Here are our top tips to get your drivers back on track:

Use Windows Update

Let your Windows 10 search for the latest driver updates:

Start -> Settings -> Update & Security -> Check for updates

Utilize Windows Driver Verifier

Try using Windows Driver Verifier to detect problematic devices that cause your drive to overwork:

Start menu -> Type verifier -> Enter

Use Device Manager

You can also use Device Manager in order to troubleshoot your drivers:

Win + X -> Device Manager -> Expand the device entries
Search for the problematic driver -> Right-click on it and select Update Driver Software

Use Device Manager to update your drivers and fix your hard drive issues.

Fix Your Drivers Manually

Fixing drivers manually is another solution. You can troubleshoot them one by one: uninstall and then reinstall them using the latest versions from the vendors’ websites.

Use a Special Tool

Why not fix all your drivers in a fast and simple way? A special driver updating tool, e.g. Auslogics Driver Updater, can save you a lot of time and effort.

Driver Updater can fix all your driver issues and resolve your hard drive problems.

17. Optimize Your PC

If your disk usage reaches 100 %, try optimizing your PC to resolve this issue. You can do it manually or use a special tool: for example, Auslogics BoostSpeed can give your PC a noticeable boost and fix the ‘100 percent disk usage’ problem.

Auslogics BoostSpeed can fix the ‘100 percent disk usage’ problem.

18. Reinstall Your OS

Any port in a storm, we are afraid:

if all the above-mentioned tips have taken you nowhere, you might as well consider reinstalling your operating system. Unfortunately, this will wipe out all your personal files. Therefore, make sure you have backed them up.

P.S.

There is one more solution to the 100 % disk usage problem. This solution entails using OS Performance Service in order to identify and fix your system’s ‘trouble spots’. So, if the issue still persists, we recommend you to explore our next article.

We hope our tips have helped you unburden your disk.

Do you have any ideas or questions regarding this issue?

We are looking forward to your comments!

Fixing 100% Disk Usage on Windows 10

Use Task Manager to Spot the Culprit

Stop Excessive Disk Usage