Open Task Manager to identify high-disk-usage processes like System or Windows Search. 2. Stop and disable SysMain (Superfetch) and restart Windows Update via services.msc. 3. Disable or limit Windows Search indexing to reduce disk load. 4. Run Disk Cleanup and use chkdsk /f /r to fix disk errors. 5. Update or roll back disk and storage drivers in Device Manager. 6. Temporarily disable Windows Security real-time protection to check for Antimalware Service impact. 7. Turn off Fast Startup in Power Options. 8. Defragment HDD or upgrade to SSD for better performance. 9. Scan for malware using Windows Defender or Malwarebytes. 10. Perform a clean boot via msconfig to isolate third-party software issues. Most cases of 100% disk usage on Windows 10 are resolved by stopping unnecessary system services, updating drivers, and reducing background activity, with significant improvements typically seen after applying just a few of these steps.

High disk usage (especially 100% in Task Manager) on Windows 10 is a common issue that can make your PC slow, unresponsive, or even freeze. It's often caused by background system processes, outdated drivers, or unnecessary startup apps. Here’s how to fix it step by step:

1. Check Which Process Is Using the Disk

Before making changes, identify what’s causing the high disk usage.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Click on the Disk column header to sort by disk usage.
• Look for processes using unusually high disk activity (e.g., System, Antimalware Service Executable, Windows Search, svchost.exe, etc.).

? Note: If "System" or "svchost.exe" is using 100%, it might be related to system services like updates or indexing.

2. Restart Windows Update and Superfetch (SysMain)

These services often spike disk usage.

Disable Superfetch (SysMain):

• Press Win R, type services.msc, and press Enter.
• Scroll down to SysMain (formerly Superfetch).
• Right-click > Stop.
• Right-click again > Properties > Set Startup type to Disabled.
• Click Apply > OK.

? Disabling SysMain is safe on SSDs and often helps HDDs with high usage.

Restart Windows Update:

• In the same services.msc, find Windows Update.
• Right-click > Restart.
• If it's stuck, stop it, then start it again.

3. Disable Windows Search Indexing

If "Windows Search" is using high disk, indexing might be the culprit.

• Open Services (services.msc).
• Find Windows Search.
• Right-click > Stop (to test).
• To disable permanently: Right-click > Properties > Set Startup type to Disabled.

?? You’ll lose fast file search in File Explorer, but system performance may improve.

Alternatively, limit indexing:

• Go to Settings > Indexing Options > Modify.
• Uncheck unnecessary folders (e.g., Downloads, Videos if not needed).

4. Run Disk Cleanup and Check for Errors

Clean up temporary files and fix disk errors.

Disk Cleanup:

• Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu.
• Select your system drive (usually C:).
• Check boxes like Temporary files, Windows Update files, Recycle Bin, etc.
• Click OK > Delete Files.

Check Disk for Errors:

• Open Command Prompt as Admin (search cmd, right-click > Run as administrator).
• Type:

  chkdsk /f /r

• Press Y to schedule check on next restart.
• Restart your PC.

5. Update or Roll Back Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers (especially storage drivers) can cause 100% disk usage.

Update Drivers:

• Press Win X > Device Manager.
• Expand Disk drives and Storage controllers.
• Right-click each > Update driver > Search automatically.

Roll Back Problematic Drivers:

• In Device Manager, right-click a disk driver > Properties.
• Go to Driver tab > Roll Back Driver (if available).

? Also update chipset and SATA/AHCI drivers from your motherboard manufacturer’s website.

6. Disable Antimalware Real-Time Protection Temporarily

Sometimes Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) uses excessive disk.

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
• Click Manage settings under "Virus & threat protection settings".
• Turn off Real-time protection temporarily to test.

? Don’t leave it off long-term. Only use this to confirm if it’s the cause.

7. Turn Off Fast Startup

Fast Startup can cause disk issues on some systems.

• Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
• Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
• Uncheck Turn on fast startup.
• Click Save changes.

8. Optimize for HDD or Consider SSD Upgrade

• If you're using an HDD, defragment it:

  • Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives.
  • Select your drive > Optimize.

• If you're still on an HDD, consider upgrading to an SSD — it dramatically improves performance and reduces disk usage stress.

9. Check for Malware

Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or a trusted third-party tool like Malwarebytes.

10. Perform a Clean Boot (Advanced)

To find if third-party software is causing the issue:

• Press Win R, type msconfig, press Enter.
• Go to Services tab > Check Hide all Microsoft services > Click Disable all.
• Go to Startup tab > Open Task Manager > Disable all startup items.
• Restart your PC.

If disk usage drops, re-enable services/apps one by one to find the culprit.

Bottom line: 100% disk usage is usually fixable without reinstalling Windows. Start with disabling SysMain, checking Task Manager, and updating drivers. Most cases improve significantly with just a few of these steps.

Basically, it's about stopping unnecessary background work and keeping your system clean.

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