How to Fix 100% Disk Usage in Windows 11
If your Windows PC is stuck at 100% disk usage, it can really slow down your PC. So slow that even performing basic tasks such as opening or closing an app can leave you frustrated.
An easy way to troubleshoot a slow computer due to high disk usage is to locate and end the problematic process in Task Manager. However, more often than not, it is a legitimate Windows service acting up and causing high disk usage in Windows 11. So, let’s explore how to fix high disk usage on Windows.
How to Find the Cause of 100% Disk Usage in Windows 11
You can use the Windows Task Manager to identify what is using your disk at its 100% capacity. The Windows Task Manager offers a wealth of information about the apps and background processes eating up your system resources.
To identify the cause of 100% disk usage using the Windows Task Manager:
However, if nothing is obvious, follow the steps below to diagnose and fix 100% disk usage in Windows 11.
1. Disable MSI Mode for the Default AHCI Driver
Some Advanced Host Controller Interface PCI-Express (ACHD PCIe) models running the StoreAHCI.system driver can cause 100% disk usage issues when Message Signalled Interrupt (MSI) mode is enabled in Windows 10. A similar issue seems to have also affected some Windows 11 computers, especially if you have upgraded from Windows 10.
To fix this issue, you will need to disable MSI mode for specific devices using the Registry Editor. Fortunately, this is easy to do.
The below steps involve making modifications to Windows Registry. We highly recommend youcreate a restore point in Windowsbefore proceeding with the steps below.
First, we need to determine if your computer is running the default AHCI driver(StorAHCI.sys):
Now that you have determined the driver type and the path, you need to disable MSI mode using the Registry Editor.
Ensure you have created a restore point and then follow the below steps:
After the restart, check if the 100% disk usage problem is resolved.
2. Disable the SysMain (Superfetch) Service
SysMain (earlier known asSuperfetchor Prefetch) is a legitimate Windows service. It is designed to preload apps you frequently use to RAM to improve the system performance.
However, SysMain is often also associated with causing high disk usage in Windows computers. Fortunately, you could manually disable the service with a marginal difference to your system performance.
To disable the SysMain service:
Open Task Manager, and you should notice an immediate reduction in disk usage.
3. Disable Connected User Experiences and Telemetry Service
Connect User Experience, and Telemetry Service manages the collection and transmission of diagnostic data to the Microsoft server. Unfortunately, the service is also known to cause high disk usage problems in Windows 11.
You candisable the Connected User Experiences and Telemetry Serviceto see if it helps you fix the high disk usage problem in Windows 11.
4. Clean Up Startup Apps
Startup apps are the apps that start automatically when your computer boots. While a handy feature, too many of them can slow down your PC. Additionally, some of these may also cause a 100% disk usage issue.
To fix the problem, go through the list of startup apps and disable any unnecessary program set to launch at startup.
To disable startup apps using Task Manager:
Once done, restart your PC and check if the issue persists. If not, enable all the startup apps one by one till you find the conflicting app. Uninstall the app to see if that helps you eliminate the 100 percent disk usage problem in Windows 11.
5. Rebuild Search Index
The Windows search indexing helps you find files and email messages faster. While a handy tool, a malfunctioning search indexing can cause a 100% disk usage issue in Windows 11.
To fix the problem, you can rebuild the search index. This will recreate the database and resolve any issues with the index.
To rebuild the Windows search index:
The index rebuilding process may take some time to complete. So wait for the process to complete and then check for any improvements.
6. Disable Windows Search
If rebuilding search indexing helps but the issue reoccurs, try to disable the Windows Search service completely. Note that doing so will affect Windows search functionality on your PC.
To disable the Windows Search service:
7. Turn Off Hibernation
Hibernation helps your system boot faster after a restart. However, if your PC shows 100% disk usage just after the restart,turning off Hibernation can help.
To turn off hibernation in Windows 11:
8. Run a Malware Scan
If the issue persists, check your computer for malware infection. Even if you have an active Antivirus installed, a manual scan can help you detect anything malicious that may have sneaked in.
If you don’t have a third-party antivirus installed, you may perform a full scan using Windows Security. Here’s how to do it.
A full scan takes longer than a quick scan. However, it should find any hidden malicious files and clean them for good.
While Windows Security offers excellent protection, take a second opinion withthird-party antivirus for Windows 11.
Switch to Solid State Drive (SSD)
The 100% disk usage issue on some computers can be due to the traditional mechanical hard drive (HDD) or the hybrid drive itself. If feasible, consider adding a solid-state drive (SSD) to your computer and use it as a boot drive to install Windows.
SSDs are less prone to the 100% disk usage issue and can greatly improve your system performance as well.
If you’re thinking about upgrading your storage, you’ll want to choose one of the best NVMe SSDs for improved performance.
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