6 Ways to Fix High Disk and CPU Usage During Windows Update
Windows updates often bring exciting new features and bug fixes. However, it’s ironic that sometimes even the Windows updating process itself needs improvement.
If you’re unlucky enough, you might have noticed the disk and CPU usage going to 100% every time you hit the update button. This may be due to your slow hard disk performance or many other reasons.
Whatever the reasons, such situations can cause your computer to become unresponsive. So, let’s dive into some ways to fix the high disk and CPU usage while updating Windows.
Why Does Windows Update Cause Heavy Disk and CPU Usage?
Don’t worry, as the heavy disk and CPU usage issue is not permanent. This issue rarely occurs for Windows users and might be a routine for you if your system is low-end.
The main question is: why does the heavy disk and CPU issue occur? To answer this, we’ve explained some common causes below.
Now that you know the common causes, it’ll be easier to follow this guide until the end.
1. Perform a Complete Malware Scan
If malware infects your computer, the first step should be a full malware scan. This will give you an idea of what kind of malware resides inside your Windows OS.
There are many different ways to run a complete malware scan. You canuse Microsoft Safety Scanneror Windows Defender for this. However, we will use the Kaspersky Virus Removal utility for a full malware scan as it is way more effective than both tools in detecting malware.
Here’s how you’re able to use the Kaspersky tool to remove any malware:
It will automatically display any existing malware or virus after the scan. you may either delete the infected items one by one or clickNeutralize allto remove all of them at once effectively.
2. Configure Windows Update Settings
Did you know you can customize Windows updates to your liking? There’s so much to do in the Windows Update settings. You can limit the bandwidth for updates, opt-in for additional updates, change active hours, etc.
We’ll configure some of those options to change the Windows updating behavior. It will ultimately reduce the load on your computer, fixing the heavy disk and CPU-related issues in no time.
Here’s how to configure Windows update settings:
Configuring the above settings allows you to limit the resources during the update process.
3. Launch the Windows Update Troubleshooter
The Windows Update Troubleshooter is specifically designed to troubleshoot any serious issues related to the update process. Running the update troubleshooter can help you pinpoint and fix any problems causing high disk and CPU usage.
Follow the below-given steps to launch the Windows Update troubleshooter:
Don’t close the troubleshooter immediately after the results! First, switch toWindows Settingsand start the update again. Simultaneously,open the Windows Task Managerand check the disk and CPU usage there.
If the results are unsatisfactory, clickNoon the troubleshooter window and rerun it using the same steps above.
4. Restart Core Windows Update Services
Almost half of the time, a Windows service must be behind its cause when you face a Windows error. The same goes for your case as well.
Windows Update, Update Orchestrator, and Windows Modules Installer services are crucial to the update process. So, restarting these services can resolve high disk and CPU usage issues.
Here’s how to restart all the core Windows update services:
It’s simple to do, right? Now that all the core services are running correctly, check for the high disk usage issue.
5. Defragment Your Hard Disk Drive
Before moving further, if you own a Solid State Drive, proceed to the following method, as defragmenting an SSD is not a good move. After all, they are already fast enough thatdefragmenting SSDs is unnecessary. Furthermore, defragmenting an SSD will reduce its lifespan.
But you can safely perform defragmentation if your computer runs on an HDD. Follow our guide onhow to defragment a hard drivefor detailed steps.
A fragmented hard disk drive can contribute to slow performance and high disk usage. So, you can either defragment it regularly or invest in an SSD.
6. Check and Fix Disk Errors
To check and fix disk errors, you can get help from the CHKDSK utility. The CHKDSK utility can fix severe issues with your hard drive in minutes.
Here’s how to use CHKDSK to fix your hard drive-related errors:
CHKDSK is not the only tool for your purpose; it’s possible to refer to our guide onhow to fix hard drive issuesfor more such useful utilities.
Bring Down the Windows Update’s Disk and CPU Usage Back to Normal
Without a doubt, Windows updates help maintain your computer’s stability. However, the update process can sometimes lead to heavy disk and CPU usage. We’re sure you wouldn’t expect an update to act like a downgrade because of this.
To avoid such situations in the future, make sure to keep your hard drive optimized and prevent malware from entering your computer.
Got 100% disk usage in Windows 10? Here are several tips and potential fixes. One is bound to help you fix this annoying Windows issue.
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