Question Hard Drive at 100% usage

[dmitriy1980]

I'm very good around computers but lately I'm very stumbled with the new computers that are being sold. I have a couple of computers that are always at 100% usage for at least 10 minutes after boot up. I went through most of the things that I can think of, like checking antivirus, malware (not present), Search service, start up items, etc. The thing is there are other computes that are exactly the same don't have the same issue. They are all set up exactly the same. All have the latest drivers, Windows Updates, etc. I'm just stumbled why.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Are you using an actual HDD? That's why. SSDs are recommended for Win10.

 

[dmitriy1980]

The issue is happening whether computer is SSD or HDD. I've checked everything I could and I can't determine what holds the disk. I did open task manager and resource manager. I also used Process explorer and can't figure it out. The issue is occuring with or without antivirus.

 

[MalVeauX]

Interesting that this is common enough that it was an easy search with multiple solutions...

Windows 10 100% Hard Disk usage Fix

This fixes the high disc usage bug in windows 10. ( NOT Superfetch/ prefetch etc.) This worked for me and many others on reddit. 1) Go to: Settings > System > Notifications. 2) Disable 'Show me tips

answers.microsoft.com

10 Ways to Resolve a 100% Disk Usage on Windows 10 (2025)

This article explains 10 different methods to try to resolve a 100% disk usage situation with a Windows 10 computer.

www.cleverfiles.com

Are You Getting 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10? Try These Simple Fixes

Is your disk drive constantly running at 100%? Here are 10 proven ways to fix 100% disk usage issues in Windows 10.

www.lifewire.com

[SOLVED] Windows 10 100% disk usage in Task Manager - Driver Easy

If your disk usage in Task manager is off the chart, especially after Patch Tuesday update on Windows 10, you're not alone. Here are 8 can't-miss fixes for you to try. One of them is bound to fix your 100 % disk usage problem.

www.drivereasy.com

Odd that even disabling windows tips was a solution? Weird.

Start chipping away at options, one by one.

Very best,

 

[dmitriy1980]

Thanks for the email. I did search, I did research and I did use my skills. Most of the solutions on the web can be summarized by items listed in https://www.cleverfiles.com/howto/100-disk-usage-windows-10.html and https://www.lifewire.com/fix-disk-usage-windows-10-4583918, which you actually already provided. None of them help.

 

[mikeymikec]

10 Ways to Resolve a 100% Disk Usage on Windows 10 (2025)

This article explains 10 different methods to try to resolve a 100% disk usage situation with a Windows 10 computer.

www.cleverfiles.com

This one has some truly dodgy suggestions, I'd recommend avoiding this one altogether. It reminds me of how a whole generation of computer users got the idea that they need to defrag their hard drive obsessively for maximum performance.

I'm curious about the Windows Tips one though, at least that one can't hurt to try. As opposed to messing with AHCI driver settings, that's a recipe for disaster.

The issue is happening whether computer is SSD or HDD. I've checked everything I could and I can't determine what holds the disk. I did open task manager and resource manager. I also used Process explorer and can't figure it out. The issue is occuring with or without antivirus.

Can you supply a screenshot of Task Manager's processes tab, sorted by highest disk usage?

 

[dmitriy1980]

attached is a screenshot of Task Manager. As far as Windows Tips, I'm attaching a screenshot. I'm assuming it's the 4th option. It's already disabled.