100% Disk Utilisation in Windows 10 – 12 Best Ways to Fix

Windows 10 users often encounter a frustrating issue known as 100% disk utilization, which can significantly slow down their system’s performance. In this article, we explore 12 effective methods to address this problem and restore optimal disk usage, ensuring a smoother and more seamless computing experience.

Disable SuperFetch to Fix 100% Disk Usage

To fix the 100% disk usage issue in Windows 10, you can disable SuperFetch. SuperFetch is a Windows service that helps improve system performance by preloading frequently used data into memory. However, in some cases, it can cause high disk usage.

To disable SuperFetch, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows logo key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services utility.
3. Scroll down and locate “SuperFetch” in the list of services.
4. Right-click on SuperFetch and select “Properties.”
5. In the SuperFetch Properties window, change the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”
6. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Disabling SuperFetch should help reduce the disk usage on your computer. Keep in mind that this may slightly impact the system’s response time, but it should not cause any major issues.

Update Device Drivers to Resolve Disk Utilization Issues

1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc or right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting Task Manager.
2. Click on the “Processes” tab to view a list of running processes.
3. Look for any processes that are using a high amount of disk usage. If you find any, right-click on them and select “End Task” to stop them.
4. Update your device drivers to ensure they are compatible with your Windows 10 version. To do this, press the Windows logo key + X and select “Device Manager.”
5. In Device Manager, expand the categories and right-click on each device driver. Select “Update driver” and choose the option to search automatically for updated driver software.
6. Restart your computer after updating all device drivers to apply the changes.
7. Check the disk utilization in Task Manager to see if the issue has been resolved.

By updating your device drivers, you can address disk utilization issues and improve the performance of your computer.

Check for Corrupted System Files Causing High Disk Usage

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator by pressing Windows + X and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin).”

2. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter to initiate the System File Checker scan. This will check for any corrupted system files and automatically repair them if possible.

3. Wait for the scan to complete. It may take some time, so be patient.

4. Once the scan is finished, restart your computer and check if the disk usage problem has been resolved.

5. If the issue persists, you can also try running the Disk Cleanup utility to free up space on your hard drive. Press Windows + S and search for “Disk Cleanup.” Open the utility and select the drive you want to clean up.

6. Check the boxes for the types of files you want to delete and click OK.

By following these steps, you can check for corrupted system files and free up disk space, which may help resolve the high disk usage problem in Windows 10.

python
import psutil

def get_disk_utilization():
partitions = psutil.disk_partitions()

for partition in partitions:
usage = psutil.disk_usage(partition.mountpoint)
print(f"Disk utilization for {partition.device}:")
print(f" Total: {usage.total / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
print(f" Used: {usage.used / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
print(f" Free: {usage.free / (1024**3):.2f} GB")
print(f" Percentage: {usage.percent}%")
print("")

get_disk_utilization()


Please note that you’ll need to have the `psutil` library installed (`pip install psutil`) in order to run this code. It utilizes the `disk_partitions()` and `disk_usage()` functions from the `psutil` library to retrieve and display disk utilization information for each partition on your system.

Remember, this code is just a starting point and may not fully address your specific needs.

Perform Disk Check to Fix 100% Disk Usage on Windows 10

Performing a disk check can help resolve 100% disk usage issues on Windows 10. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Windows Task Manager.
2. Click on the Performance tab.
3. In the left column, click on Storage.
4. Look for the Disk 0 box and check the Response Time and Active Time metrics.
5. Close the Task Manager.
6. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
7. Type chkdsk /f and press Enter.
8. Type Y to schedule the disk check for the next restart.
9. Restart your computer.
10. The disk check will run automatically before Windows starts.
11. Once the disk check is complete, check if the 100% disk usage issue has been resolved.

Performing a disk check can help identify and fix any errors or issues with your hard drive that may be causing high disk usage.

Reset Virtual Memory to Reduce Disk Utilization

To reset virtual memory and reduce disk utilization in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Open the Task Manager by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.”
2. In the Task Manager window, click on the “Performance” tab.
3. Under the “Performance” tab, click on “Open Resource Monitor” at the bottom.
4. In the Resource Monitor window, go to the “Memory” tab.
5. Look for the “Hard Faults/sec” column, and if you see a high value, it indicates excessive disk usage.
6. To reset virtual memory, click on the “Start” button and type “command prompt” in the search bar.
7. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
8. In the command prompt window, type the following command: “wmic computersystem where name=’%COMPUTERNAME%’ set AutomaticManagedPagefile=False”
9. Press Enter to execute the command and disable automatic virtual memory management.
10. Next, type the command: “wmic pagefileset where name=’C:\pagefile.sys’ delete”
11. Press Enter to delete the existing pagefile.
12. Finally, restart your computer to apply the changes.

By resetting virtual memory, you can reduce disk utilization and improve the performance of your Windows 10 machine.

Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software to Address High Disk Usage

If you are experiencing high disk usage on your Windows 10 machine, temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help resolve the issue. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Open the Windows Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Go to the “Processes” tab and look for any running processes that are using a significant amount of disk capacity.
3. Take note of the process names and close any unnecessary ones.
4. Open the antivirus software dashboard and navigate to the settings section.
5. Look for an option to temporarily disable the antivirus software.
6. Disable the antivirus software temporarily, usually by toggling a switch or selecting an option.
7. Check the Windows Task Manager again to see if the disk usage has decreased.
8. If the disk usage has decreased, it indicates that the antivirus software was causing the high disk usage.
9. You can now continue using your computer without the high disk usage issue. However, it is important to re-enable your antivirus software to ensure your computer’s security.

Remember to re-enable your antivirus software once the issue is resolved.

Fix StorAHCI.sys Driver to Resolve Disk Utilization Issues

To fix disk utilization issues caused by the StorAHCI.sys driver in Windows 10, follow these steps:

1. Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Ide ATA/ATAPI controllers category.
3. Right-click on the Standard SATA AHCI Controller and select Properties.
4. Go to the Driver tab and click Update Driver.
5. Choose Browse my computer for drivers and then Let me pick from a list of available drivers on my computer.
6. Select the Standard SATA AHCI Controller driver and click Next.
7. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the driver update.
8. Restart your computer.

This should resolve the disk utilization issues caused by the StorAHCI.sys driver. If the problem persists, consider updating other drivers, checking for Windows updates, and running a disk cleanup.

Switch to ChromeOS for Better Disk Usage Efficiency

Switching to ChromeOS can greatly improve disk usage efficiency compared to Windows 10. ChromeOS is known for its lightweight and efficient operating system, which can help alleviate the stress on your disk.

By using ChromeOS, you can benefit from a streamlined and optimized process that prioritizes efficient disk usage. This means that your disk will be able to handle tasks more effectively, resulting in improved overall performance.

To switch to ChromeOS, follow these steps:

1. Back up your files: Before making any changes, it’s always a good idea to back up your important files and documents.

2. Research and choose a Chromebook: There are many different Chromebook options available, so make sure to find one that suits your needs and preferences.

3. Transfer your files: Once you have your new Chromebook, transfer your files from your Windows 10 computer to your Chromebook. This can be done using external storage devices or cloud services.

4. Get familiar with ChromeOS: Take some time to explore and learn about ChromeOS. It has a user-friendly interface and offers a wide range of productivity tools and apps.

By switching to ChromeOS, you can enjoy a more efficient and streamlined disk usage experience, resulting in improved performance for your computer.

Restart System to Troubleshoot High Disk Usage

To troubleshoot high disk usage in Windows 10, restarting your system can often resolve the issue. Shut down your computer completely and then turn it back on. This simple action can help refresh your system and resolve any temporary issues that may be causing the high disk usage.

If the problem persists after restarting, you can try other ways to fix the issue. Check for any pending Windows Updates as they can sometimes impact disk usage. You can do this by going to the Windows Update section in the Settings app.

Additionally, you can use the Task Manager to identify any processes or applications that are consuming a significant amount of disk resources. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc, go to the “Processes” or “Details” tab, and sort by “Disk” to see which processes are using the most disk capacity.

By following these steps, you can effectively troubleshoot and resolve high disk usage in Windows 10, improving the performance of your system.

Update Windows to Improve Disk Utilization

To improve disk utilization in Windows 10 and fix the issue of 100% disk utilization, here are 12 helpful ways:

1. Disable Windows Search Indexing: Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc, go to the “Services” tab, find “Windows Search,” right-click, and select “Stop.”

2. Update Device Drivers: Visit the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers for your hardware.

3. Disable Superfetch: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and type “net.exe stop superfetch” to disable this service.

4. Adjust Power Settings: Go to the Control Panel, select “Power Options,” choose the “High performance” plan, and click on “Change plan settings.” Set both options to “Never.”

5. Disable Windows Tips and Tricks: Open the Settings app, go to “System,” select “Notifications & actions,” and toggle off “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions.”

6. Check for Malware: Run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus software to eliminate any potential threats.

7. Disable Windows Update Delivery Optimization: Open the Settings app, go to “Update & Security,” select “Windows Update,” click on “Advanced options,” and choose “Delivery Optimization.” Toggle off “Allow downloads from other PCs.”

8. Disable Background Apps: Open the Settings app, go to “Privacy,” select “Background apps,” and turn off unnecessary apps.

9. Disable Windows Notifications: Open the Settings app, go to “System,” select “Notifications & actions,” and toggle off “Show me tips about Windows.”

10. Change Virtual Memory Settings: Right-click on “This PC,” select “Properties,” go to “Advanced system settings,” choose the “Advanced” tab, click on “Settings” under “Performance,” navigate to the “Advanced” tab, and click on “Change.” Uncheck the “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” option and select “Custom size.” Set both initial and maximum size to the recommended value.

11. Disable Automatic Maintenance: Open the Control Panel, go to “Security and Maintenance,” click on “Maintenance,” and select “Stop maintenance.”

12. Clean up Disk Space: Open the Settings app, go to “System,” select “Storage,” and click on “Temporary files.” Check the boxes for items you want to delete and click on “Remove files.”

Implementing these steps should help improve disk utilization and resolve the issue of 100% disk usage in Windows 10.

Disable Windows Search to Reduce Disk Usage

If you’re experiencing 100% disk utilization in Windows 10, disabling Windows Search can help reduce disk usage. Windows Search constantly indexes files on your computer, which can consume a significant amount of disk resources. Here’s how to disable it:

1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Click on the “Processes” tab and look for “SearchIndexer.exe”.
3. Right-click on “SearchIndexer.exe” and select “End Task”. This will temporarily stop the Windows Search service.
4. To permanently disable Windows Search, open the Start menu and type “services.msc“.
5. In the Services window, scroll down and locate “Windows Search”.
6. Right-click on “Windows Search” and select “Properties”.
7. In the Properties window, under the “General” tab, set the “Startup type” to “Disabled“.
8. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.

Disabling Windows Search may slightly impact the search functionality on your computer, but it can significantly reduce disk usage and improve overall system performance.

Check for Malware Causing High Disk Utilization

If you’re experiencing 100% disk utilization in Windows 10, malware could be the culprit. To check for malware causing high disk utilization, follow these steps:

1. Open the Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
2. Click on the “Processes” tab.
3. Look for any suspicious processes, especially those consuming high disk usage.
4. If you find any suspicious processes, right-click on them and select “Open File Location.”
5. Scan the file location using your preferred antivirus program to check for malware.
6. If malware is detected, quarantine or remove it immediately.
7. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

This should help resolve the issue if malware is causing high disk utilization. Remember to keep your antivirus software up to date and perform regular scans to prevent future infections.

Stop Superfetch Service to Optimize Disk Usage

One of the ways to fix 100% disk utilization in Windows 10 is by disabling the Superfetch service. Superfetch is a Windows feature that preloads frequently used applications into memory to improve performance. However, in some cases, it can cause high disk usage.

To stop the Superfetch service, follow these steps:

1. Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type “services.msc” and press Enter to open the Services window.
3. Scroll down and locate the “Superfetch” service.
4. Right-click on it and select “Properties.”
5. In the General tab, change the startup type to “Disabled.”
6. Click Apply and then OK to save the changes.

Disabling the Superfetch service can help reduce disk usage and improve system performance. Remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Note: It’s important to mention that while disabling Superfetch can help in some cases, it may not be the solution for everyone. If you notice any negative impact on your system, you can re-enable the Superfetch service by following the same steps and selecting “Automatic” as the startup type.

Change Energy Options to High Performance for Better Disk Utilization

To optimize disk utilization and improve performance in Windows 10, changing energy options to high performance is a recommended solution. This can be done by following these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type “power options” in the search bar.
2. Select the “Power Options” item from the search results.
3. In the Power Options window, select the “High performance” power plan.
4. This change will ensure that your computer is using maximum power for better disk utilization.

By switching to high performance mode, your computer will prioritize performance over energy efficiency. This can help alleviate the issue of 100% disk utilization and improve overall system speed. Remember to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

If you continue to experience slow disk performance or high disk usage, it may be worth considering other fixes such as updating device drivers, checking for malware, or disabling unnecessary startup programs.