Disk Usage Spikes to 100%

Question

Hi, I have an ASUS Laptop here with the following specs:

Intel Optane 1TB HDD

Intel Core i5 8300H at 2.7Ghz

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050

8GB RAM

Windows 10 Home running Version 1909 (OS Build 18363.592)

I have reinstalled windows from a USB  after backing up my files off the laptop and still have the same issues. (Note: All the troubleshooting was done post reinstall)

The disk usage spikes are seriously affecting the performance of the computer ranging from random stutters in the video output and keyboard response to full on applications freezing and crashing (Applications like Task Manager and Windows Explorer). I have tried a clean boot with everything disabled in the services (Except Microsoft processes) and everything disabled on the start-up but since it is a clean install there is nothing installed that could be causing the problem other than windows itself and drivers for the hardware. I have installed all the updates available and tried to boot safe mode as well but still the same issue occured. Even before I can enter my password (local user account) I see the animation of the launch screen with the date and time being slow and unresponsive and once I get to enter my password the keystrokes are delayed. Suggestions would be much appreciated.

The disk usage with minimal to no load / processes:

Answer 1

Hi there win10needswork,

My name is Jin and I am an Independent Advisor. I can see that you are encountering some difficulty with your disk usage.

From what you have mentioned, you already have reinstalled Windows 10 and the issue still occurs. I have experience this same kind of issue and this is unfortunately caused by a deteriorating hard drive. You may want to start to backup your files and have the disk replaced.

In the meantime, try to optimize your drive and see if there will be some improvements.

To optimize your hard drive:

1. Press Windows Key and type in "Defragment."
2. Select "Defragment and Optimize drives.
3. Click on the 1TB drive and click on Optimize.

I hope this will help.

Answer 2

I have experience this same kind of issue and this is unfortunately caused by a deteriorating hard drive. You may want to start to backup your files and have the disk replaced.

Considering the laptop is around 6 months old, Crystal Disk Info shows the HDD status as good with only 1325 power on hours and the fact that I have experienced this issue with multiple devices running windows 10 it is unlikely a hardware issue. I can't rule a possible hard drive issue out completely and will likely replace the HDD with a smaller SSD but I have experienced this issue on both HDDs and SSDs in different devices running windows 10. Optimisation doesn't solve my problem either.

CrystalDiskInfo:

Answer 3

Hello,

See if this fix helps you:

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-windows-10-100-percent-disk-usage-problem

Let us know if this helps!

Note: Included link in this reply refers to blog post by a trusted Microsoft MVP.

Answer 4

See if this fix helps you:

https://www.kapilarya.com/fix-windows-10-100-percent-disk-usage-problem

Hi, 

Unfortunately while the fix may work on the SSD I had which had the same problems, I am running on a HDD which doesn't have the controllers mentioned in the article so I can't follow the steps mentioned.

My Device Manager:

Answer 5

Hi win10needswork,

I’m Rey, your Windows 10 Advisor.

I understand you are having a CPU usage 100% when you did an upgrade from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

I had experienced this before and fix it temporarily but I was ended to do a clean installation.

The reasons why, since there will be several issues especially hardware configuration are designed original base from the Windows 7 system.

YOu may disable things but it's totally different if you'll do a clean installation instead.

Solutions to Fix the High CPU Usage

Solution 1: Restart the WMI Provider Host

Step 1: Search for Services and open it.

Step 2: In the window, find Application Management and right-click it. Then select Restart.

Solution 2: End the Processes that Cause High CPU Usage

Step 1: Search for Task Manager and open it.

Step 2: Click the CPU column header to sort the processes by CPU usage and check which processes cause your CPU to become higher.

Step 3: Right-click the process that consumes lots of your CPU and then you should click End task to finish this process.

Solution 3: Disable Third-Party Antivirus Software or Run an Antivirus Scan

Solution 4: Reset Your Power Plan

Step 1: Choose Hardware and Sound after you launch Control Panel, and click Power Options.

Step 2: Then choose Balanced if your computer is on Power saver.

Step 3: Then click Change plan settings that are next to the Balanced.

Step 4: Now, you just need to click Restore default settings for this plan and click OK to make the changes.

Solution 5: Modify Settings in Registry Editor

Step 1: Press the Windows logo key and the R key at the same time to open the Run dialog.

Step 2: Type Regedit and then press Enter to open Registry Editor. You’ll be prompted for permission and please click Yes to open it.>

Step 3: Follow the path to locate the correct system files: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\TokenBroker.

Step 4: Right-click the Start entry on the right side of the pane and select Modify…..

Step 5: Then change the Value data to 4 and click OK to save the change.

Solution 6: Turn Windows Notification Settings Off

Step 1: You should click the Start button and click Settings to open the Windows Setting.

Step 2: Then choose System and click Notifications & actions on the left side of the pane.

Step 3: At last, you just need to turn off the feature Get notifications from apps and other senders.

I hope this information gives you the support you need. If you need more, let me know.

I believe that these steps will help you solve this issue you have. If not, kindly contact me and let me know.