Alex Ruben
Fix 100% Disk Usage in Windows 10/11 to Boost Your PC Performance
If you’re facing slow performance and high disk usage on your Windows 10 or 11 PC, you’re not alone. This guide will walk you through several effective steps to fix the 100% disk usage problem, enhancing your PC’s speed and overall efficiency. By the end of this tutorial, you’ll learn how to disable unnecessary apps, manage system settings, and make adjustments that can lead to significant performance improvements.
Step 1: Check and Disable Unnecessary Background Apps
Begin by checking which apps are consuming your disk resources:
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
- Go to the “Processes” tab and identify any apps that you are not using but are running in the background.
- Right-click on the unnecessary applications and select “End Task” to shut them down.
Step 2: Disable Windows Search and Superfetch (SysMain)
Windows Search and Superfetch can contribute to high disk usage:
- Press Win + R to open the Run dialog.
- Type
services.mscand hit Enter. - In the Services window, locate “Windows Search,” right-click, select “Properties,” and set the “Startup type” to “Disabled.”
- Repeat these steps for “SysMain” (previously known as Superfetch).
Step 3: Fix Disk Errors Using Command Prompt
Running a disk check can rectify any errors affecting performance:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator by searching for “cmd” in the start menu, right-clicking, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
- Type the command
chkdsk /fand press Enter. - When prompted to schedule the disk check for the next restart, type Y and restart your PC.
Step 4: Adjust Virtual Memory Settings
Improper virtual memory can lead to performance issues:
- Press Win + Pause to open the System properties.
- Click on “Advanced system settings,” then the “Settings” button in the Performance section.
- Select the “Advanced” tab and click on “Change” in the Virtual Memory section.
- Uncheck “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives” and set a custom size based on your needs or select “No paging file” if sufficient RAM is available.
- Click “OK” to apply the changes.
Step 5: Disable Startup Programs
Reducing the number of startup programs can improve boot time and overall system speed:
- Open Task Manager again using Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- Navigate to the “Startup” tab.
- Review the list and disable programs that you don’t need to start automatically by right-clicking and selecting “Disable.”
Step 6: Stop Windows Tips and Suggestions
Windows tips can unnecessarily consume resources:
- Go to Settings by pressing Win + I.
- Navigate to “System” and click on “Notifications & actions.”
- Disable “Get tips, tricks, and suggestions as you use Windows.”
Step 7: Use a Lightweight Antivirus
Some antivirus programs can consume excessive disk resources:
- If you’re using a heavy antivirus suite, consider switching to a lightweight alternative that offers sufficient protection without hogging resources.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
To ensure a smoother process:
- Always back up important files before making major system changes.
- Regularly check for Windows updates to ensure you are using the latest version of your operating system.
- Be cautious when disabling system services as it could lead to unexpected behavior.
By following these steps, you should see a noticeable decrease in disk usage and an improvement in your PC’s performance. If problems persist, consider additional troubleshooting or reaching out for technical support.
