Seeing 100% Disk Usage in your Windows 10 task manager can be quite distressing. This not only has the potential to slow down your computer, but it might also cause physical damage to the spinning components of a disk drive.
If this problem is left unchecked for a long time, it can produce excess heat that other components may struggle to handle, leading to a slowdown of your entire system.
Understanding Disk Usage and How It Slows Down Your PC
When your Windows 10 hard drive is running at 100% capacity, or in other words, spinning at its maximum rate continuously, this signals a disk usage error. Determining the exact cause can be tricky, but there are steps to identify the root of the problem and select the best solution from our recommendations.
High disk usage can be identified via data shown in the task manager of Windows 10. Here’s how:
- Press ctrl+shift+esc on your keyboard to open the task manager
- Click on the “Disk” column, making the small arrow point downwards. The task manager will then list the processes on the disk from largest to smallest impact.
Dark orange boxes indicate high usage. Note which processes are exerting a significant demand on your disk.
Identifying the Source of 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10
Often, it can be challenging to identify the exact cause. However, a helpful guide is that any processes demanding over 1MB/s are probably problematic. While short bursts of 100% disk usage are typical, continuous levels of even above 20% could harm your PC or disk drive. Use the above method to see if a specific program is causing the issue and disable, uninstall, or reinstall it as necessary.
Resolving 100% Disk Usage In Windows 10
Fixing this issue can be complex because there could be numerous reasons why your hard drive is running at 100%. Regrettably, one solution doesn’t cover all the potential causes. Here are some commonly effective solutions for you to reference.
Because high disk usage can make Windows 10 run slower, you might need to be patient while trying out these potential fixes.
Here are some fixes for the 100% disk usage error.
Fix 1: System Reboot
Often, the question, “Why is my disk at 100%, and how do I fix it?” can be answered with another question, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” A simple reset can fix various issues with laptops and desktops, including the 100% disk usage error in Windows 10.
Fix 2: Update Windows
Keeping your operating system up to date is another classic IT solution. Microsoft releases updates to enhance functionality and safety within the Windows environment.
Fix 3: Virus and Malware Check
Malware attacks can cause software issues that transition into hardware faults. Running a system scan can help eliminate malware from the list of potential error causes.
Fix 4: Junk Files Cleanup
Junk files are single-use files that accumulate over time on your computer. Regular deletion can free up disk space and potentially reduce 100% disk usage to an acceptable level.
Fix 5: Change Power Settings
A simple potential solution is to change the power settings from Balanced to High Performance.
Fix 6: Disable Windows Search
The search function of Windows 10 can cause a loop that burdens your disk usage. You can temporarily or permanently turn off Windows Search.
Fix 7: Disable Superfetch
Superfetch reduces boot time by helping programs load more efficiently. However, it can cause a high disk usage error if it malfunctions.
Fix 8: Turn Off Antivirus Software
Sometimes antivirus programs can cause issues. If you see that the disk usage error is fixed after turning off your antivirus, it might be time to switch to a different program.
Fix 9: Check for Physical Errors
Physical errors could be the cause of a 100% usage error. You can use Windows to check the physical health of a disk using DSKCHK.
Fix 10: Reset Virtual Memory
Windows 10 sometimes uses the storage on your disk as though it were RAM. When this happens, it creates a “pagefile.sys” file that can cause the 100% disk usage error when corrupted.
Fix 11: Turn off Browser Extensions
Chrome extensions that have access to your hard drive can sometimes cause 100% disk usage problems.
Fix 12: Uninstall Adobe Flash Player
Since Adobe no longer supports Flash Player, they recommend uninstalling it.
Fix 13: Restart With a Clean Boot
Windows 10 will restart with fewer startup programs and drivers when you initiate a clean boot. You can then selectively reinstall third-party programs to identify the cause.
Fix 14: Upgrade Your Hardware
The drive itself may be responsible for the Windows 10 100% disk usage issue. If you’re using an old spinning disk drive, consider upgrading to a Solid State Drive (SSD).
Caution: These Techniques Shouldn’t Be Attempted
There exist numerous potential solutions for the 100% disk error on Windows 10, but some may be effective momentarily, while leading to more severe issues with your computer in the long run.
Disabling Windows Updates
The phenomenon of planned obsolescence is no stranger to the tech industry, and sometimes, software updates can trigger it. However, it’s ill-advised to deactivate Windows updates.
It’s worth mentioning that past Windows 10 updates have rectified the 100% disk usage error.
Sure, OS updates can sometimes introduce their own complications, but software companies strive to rectify such issues as promptly as they can.
Deactivating BITS
BITS is an additional update service for Windows 10 that establishes fresh system parameters to align with Windows updates. Switching off this service might result in incompatible software patches, hence creating more challenges for your computer.
Altering Page Files Manually
Although we suggested rebooting your “pagefile.sys” during the virtual memory reset process (solution 10), manually tweaking the file with custom values could lead to additional disk damage.
It’s always better to let Windows handle your virtual memory to prevent any lasting problems.
Common Questions
Why is My Disk Usage Constantly at 100%? / How Can I Rectify 100% Disk Usage on Windows 10?
Regrettably, there’s not a single identifiable cause for the 100% disk usage error. You’ll need to try out the solutions in this guide to pinpoint the problem and find a remedy.
How Do I Resolve 100% Disk Usage Showing in Task Manager?
If you want to tackle the 100% disk error displayed in the task manager, and you identify the problematic program, you can simply right-click it and choose “end task.”
What’s the Typical Disk Usage?
Occasional spikes to 100% are normal, but sustained periods of 20% usage are not typical.
Can 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10 Damage My Disk?
Yes, if the disk usage is constantly at 100%, the resultant friction can cause wear and tear, reducing its lifespan. The heat produced might also negatively affect other PC components.
Which Remedy Should I Use for the 100% Disk Error in Windows 10?
As the exact cause of the 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10 is tricky to determine, it’s hard to advise on the best solution. However, you could try the following in order:
- Perform a hard reboot of your computer.
- Ensure Windows is updated.
- Check for viruses and malware.
- Inspect the drive for any physical faults.
From this point, it’s more of a calculated guesswork. Consider the probable cause and choose a suitable solution from the list.
With some luck, one of the initial remedies will resolve the issue. If your budget permits, consider upgrading your components first, as the enhanced speeds of a solid-state drive are worth the investment.
Once your computer is up and running, its productivity will soar. To boost your personal productivity, read our other articles on topics like using remote work communication tools or sharing a Google Calendar.