How to Fix High Disk Usage in Windows 11

Is your computer giving you a hard time? Does it move at a snail’s pace, freeze, stutter, or frequently hang up? If so, your system might be grappling with high disk usage. This guide will walk you through the steps to resolve high disk usage issues in Windows 11, so you can enjoy a smoother computing experience.

Understanding High Disk Usage in Windows 11

In a typical scenario of high disk usage, your computer’s disk usage consistently hovers around the range of 80% to 100%. You might notice this spike as soon as you launch a web browser, work on a spreadsheet, or open a document. High disk usage can be attributed to various factors, including startup programs, background applications, outdated device drivers, malware, and corrupted software or system files. To diagnose and resolve this issue, you can start by checking the disk usage in the Task Manager.

As you can see in the image above, when the Disk column is marked in red with High Disk Usage (99%), it means that your computer’s resources are maxed out.

Restart Your Computer

The first step to tackle high disk usage is simple but effective: restart your computer. This can help rule out the possibility of a stuck program or process causing the issue. If high disk usage was the sole problem, you should notice improved performance after a reboot.

Repair System Files Using SFC

Sometimes, high disk usage can be attributed to corrupted system files. To address this, follow these steps:

1. Type “CMD” in the Windows Search bar.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” in the search results and select “Run as Administrator.”
3. In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” and press Enter.

Windows will scan your computer for system file errors and attempt to repair them. Be patient during this process.

Disable Startup Apps

One common cause of 100% disk usage in Windows is the automatic startup of Microsoft apps like Skype, Teams, and OneDrive. To prevent them from launching on your computer, do the following:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on “Apps” in the left pane.
3. Then, click on “Startup” in the right pane.
4. To stop apps and programs from starting up automatically, switch the toggle to the OFF position next to the app’s name.

After a computer restart, you’ll notice that the disabled apps no longer launch with your system.

Prevent Apps from Running in the Background

Even after disabling the automatic startup of certain apps, they might still run in the background when you open them. To prevent this, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. In the left pane, select “Apps.”
3. Click on “Installed Apps” in the right pane.
4. For the app you want to stop from running in the background, click on the 3-dots icon next to it.
5. Select “Advanced options” from the dropdown.
6. Scroll down to the “Background App Permissions” section and set “Let this App Run in Background” to “Never.”

Repeat this process for apps like Skype, OneDrive, and others that you want to prevent from running in the background.

Disable SuperFetch

While the SuperFetch feature is designed to efficiently load apps, it has been associated with high disk usage. To disable it, follow these steps:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Run.”
2. In the Run command window, type “services.msc” and click “OK.”
3. Double-click on “SysMain.”
4. Set the “Startup type” to “Disabled” and click “Stop.”
5. Click “Apply” and “OK” to save this setting.

Disable MSI Mode in StorAHCI.sys Driver

If you’re experiencing 100% disk usage on a Windows computer with an SSD drive, the problem could be related to a firmware bug that prevents SSD drives from completing input/output requests. Here’s how to address it:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
2. In the Device Manager screen, expand “IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers.”
3. Right-click on “Standard SATA AHCI Controller” and select “Properties.”
4. Switch to the “Driver” tab and click on “Driver Details.”
5. If you see “storachi.sys” in the Driver Details, you need to disable MSI Mode for the driver using the Registry Editor fix mentioned on Microsoft’s support page.

Disable Tips & Tricks

While Microsoft’s tips can be helpful, they have also been linked to high resource usage. To disable them, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select “System.”
3. Click on “Notifications.”
4. Scroll down and uncheck the “Get tips and suggestions when using Windows” option.

Switch OFF Diagnostic Data & Tailored Experiences

Your computer sending out diagnostic data can also contribute to excessive system resource usage. To disable this, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Click on “Privacy & Security” in the left pane.
3. Scroll down and click on “Diagnostics & feedback” in the right pane.
4. Disable “Diagnostic data,” “Improve inking & typing,” and “Tailored experiences.”

While this last fix may not be directly related to high disk usage, users have reported reduced CPU usage when these options are disabled.

Disable Updates from More Than One Place

Disabling updates from more than one place has been identified as a solution to reduce Runtime Broker Activity and should also reduce high RAM and CPU usage on your computer. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Go to Settings.
2. Select “Windows Update” in the left pane.
3. In the right pane, click on “Advanced options.”
4. Click on “Delivery Optimization” and then disable the “Allow Downloads from other PCs” option.

Setup Visual Effects for Best Performance

Adjusting visual effects for better performance can also help reduce disk usage. Here’s how to do it:

1. Right-click on the Start button and select “Run.”
2. In the Run Command window, type “SystemPropertiesAdvanced” and click “OK.”
3. In the pop-up screen, switch to the “Advanced” tab and click on the “Settings” button under the “Performance” section.
4. In the Visual Effects tab, select the “Adjust for best performance” option.
5. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save these settings.

Check for Viruses and Malware

The presence of viruses and malware on your computer can cause various problems, including 100% disk usage errors. To check for viruses and malware, make sure your antivirus program is up to date. You can also use Microsoft’s free Safety Scanner to scan your computer for malware and viruses.

Conclusion

High disk usage in Windows 11 can be frustrating, but with the right steps, you can optimize your system’s performance and enjoy a smoother computing experience. By following the provided solutions, you can address various potential causes of high disk usage and enhance the overall efficiency of your computer.

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