Open Task Manager to check disk usage and determine high-occupancy processes; 2. Disable Windows Search services if not used frequently; 3. Disable SysMain (Superfetch) service to reduce disk load; 4. Run disk cleaning and shut down system prompts; 5. Update or disable third-party antivirus software to avoid conflicts with Windows Defender; 6. Close unnecessary background applications; 7. Turn off automatic maintenance and telemetry; 8. Update storage and chipset drivers; 9. Run SFC and CHKDSK to scan and repair system files and disk errors; 10. If you use a mechanical hard disk, it is recommended to upgrade to SSD for best performance, and you can try to disable Quick Boot to troubleshoot potential problems. The above steps can usually effectively solve the 100% disk usage problem of Windows 11.

Windows 11 showing 100% disk usage is a common and frustrating issue that can make your PC slow, unresponsive, or even freeze. While it's often not a hardware failure, it usually points to background processes or system settings overwhelming your storage drive — especially if you're using an older HDD or a lower-end SSD. Here's how to fix high disk usage in Windows 11 effectively.

1. Check What's Causing High Disk Usage

Before jumping into fixes, identify the culprit.

• Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager .
• Go to the Performance tab → Disk to confirm usage is near or at 100%.
• Switch to the Processes tab, click the Disk column to sort by highest usage.
• Look for processes using excessive disk resources (eg, System , Antimalware Service Executable , Windows Update , SearchIndexer.exe , Superfetch , etc.).

? Tip: If “System” is the main offender, don't panic — it might be temporary system tasks like updates or indexing. Monitor it over a few minutes.

2. Disable Windows Search (If You Don't Use It Often)

The SearchIndexer.exe service can cause heavy disk usage by indexing files constantly.

To disable:

• Press Win R , type services.msc , and press Enter.
• Scroll down to Windows Search .
• Right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Disabled .
• Click Stop , then Apply .

?? Note: This disables file search in Start menu. You'll still be able to search manually in File Explorer.

3. Turn Off Superfetch (SysMain) Service

Superfetch (now called SysMain ) preloads frequently used apps into memory, but on some systems, it causes constant disk thrashing.

Disable SysMain:

• Open Services ( services.msc ).
• Find SysMain .
• Right-click → Properties → Set Startup type to Disabled .
• Click Stop , then OK .

? This often brings immediate relief on older or slower drives.

4. Run Disk Cleanup and Disable Tips

Windows 11 sometimes runs background maintenance tasks that spike disk usage.

Steps:

• Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu and run it as admin.
• Select your system drive (usually C:).
• Check all boxes, especially Temporary files , Delivery Optimization Files , and Thumbnails .
• Click OK → Delete Files .

Also:

• Go to Settings > System > Notifications → Turn off Tips, tricks, and suggestions .

5. Update or Disable Antivirus (Especially Third-Party)

Antimalware Service Executable (MsMpEng.exe) — part of Windows Defender — can spike disk usage during scans.

Try this:

• Open Windows Security → Virus & threat protection .
• Under Current threats , run a quick scan to clear any issues.
• If usage remains high, consider scheduling scans or temporarily disabling real-time protection (not recommended long-term).
• Avoid running multiple antivirus tools — they conflict and overload the disk.

? Use only one antivirus — Windows Defender is usually enough.

6. Disable Windows Tips and Background Apps

Windows 11 runs many background apps and tips that can contribute to disk load.

Disable background apps:

• Settings > Apps > Installed apps → Scroll and disable background permissions for non-essential apps.
• Or go to Settings > Apps > Background apps → Turn off for apps you don't need.

7. Disable Automatic Maintenance and Telemetry

Windows telemetry and automatic maintenance can trigger high disk usage.

To reduce:

• Open Settings > Privacy & security > Diagnostics & feedback .
• Set diagnostic data to Basic .
• Turn off Tailored experiences and Optional diagnostic data .

Also:

• Type "Troubleshoot" in Start → Other troubleshooters → Turn off Maintenance .

8. Update Drivers (Especially Storage & Chipset)

Outdated or buggy drivers can cause disk performance issues.

Update:

• Press Win X → Device Manager .
• Expand Disk drives , right-click your drive → Update driver .
• Do the same for IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers and System devices (chipset drivers).

? Visit your PC or motherboard manufacturer's website for the latest drivers.

9. Run CHKDSK and SFC Scan

Corrupted system files or disk errors can cause high disk usage.

Run in Command Prompt (Admin):

 sfc /scannow

Then:

 chkdsk C: /f /r

? You may need to schedule chkdsk on next reboot — type Y and restart your PC.

10. Consider Hardware Upgrades (If Using HDD)

If you're still on a mechanical hard drive (HDD) , 100% disk usage is common under multitasking.

Best long-term fix:

• Upgrade to an SSD — even a budget SATA SSD dramatically improves responsiveness.
• Ensure your SSD firmware is up to date.

Bonus: Disable Fast Startup (Sometimes Helps)

Fast Startup can cause disk issues on some systems.

Disable:

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

Bottom Line:
100% disk usage in Windows 11 is usually fixed without replacing hardware. Start with disabling SysMain and Windows Search , check for antivirus overload , update drivers , and clean up disk . If you're on an HDD, upgrading to an SSD is the most effective long-term solution.

Basically, it's not always a bug — sometimes it's just Windows overworking an aging drive.

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