how to fix 100% disk usage and freezes

Question

Just upgraded from Windows 10 to W-11. Task Mgr. shows 100% disk usage. Sometimes it will later drop down to 10% to 50%. Operation is slow and freezes. Cannot restart without using the power button or unplugging power supply. Same problem with Windows 10?

I have seen a list of 15-20 causes of 100% disk usage.

Can this problem be permanently fixed?

Thanks, PM

Answer 1

Hi, I'm Bernard, a fellow Windows user. I'm happy to help!

This error occurs when there is a miscalibration with the file system or when there is a disk-related issue on the PC. In this case, can you please check the System logs on the PC so I can further examine the root cause of the issue?

 

To share the System logs, please follow the steps in the link below:

 

Press the Windows key + X, then select "Event Viewer"

Click the drop-down of "Windows logs"

Right-click System > click Filter Current logs > Check: Critical, Warning, and Error > Hit OK

On the right pane, click "Save Filtered Log File As..."

Save the System logs file to your desktop and share it by following the steps from the link:

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/office/share-onedrive-files-and-folders-9fcc2f7d-de0c-4cec-93b0-a82024800c07

 

Note: You can also use your preferred cloud storage to upload and share the logs.

Answer 2

Hello Peter MacQueen,

Thanks for joining the Q&A Forum.

I see you're experiencing 100% disk usage issue after updating Windows 10 to Windows 11. The issue has contributed to slow and freeze operation.

In terms of this issue, I found a very similar case which has been confirmed solutions by another user. Please take a look:

Windows system uses near 100% disk after update to Windows 11

If the guide in that thread doesn't work for you. Then upgrading HDD (Hard Disk Drive) to an SSD (Solid‑State Drive) is probably the most effective permanent fix. SSDs use fast flash memory with no mechanical delays, so they avoid the slow seek times that make HDDs struggle with Windows 11’s increased background activity.

In terms of this method, I came across this clear, beginner‑friendly video guide. Feel free to check it out: How to Move Windows from a Hard Drive to an SSD | EASIEST METHOD

Note: This is a third-party video posted by a YouTube user, not by Microsoft. The information appears to be accurate and reliable. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products).

At the same time, consider some temporary ones below:

• Disable problematic services

Press Win + R, type services.msc, and hit Enter.

Locate SysMain and Windows Search, right‑click each, choose Stop, and set Startup type to Disabled.

• Adjust virtual memory settings

Open System Properties > Advanced > Performance Settings > Advanced > Virtual Memory > Change.

Select Custom size and set values based on your RAM

• Run CHKDSK /f via Command Prompt as administrator to fix file system errors contributing to high disk usage: Open Command Prompt as admin:

Type chkdsk C: /f (replace C: with your drive) and press Enter.

If files are in use, type Y to schedule on restart, then reboot

• Run a malware scan: Use Windows Security or a trusted antivirus to rule out malicious activity.
• Free up drive space: Please follow this Microsoft's official guide for details: Free up drive space in Windows
• Update drivers: Go to Device Manager (right click Windows icon) and update storage controller drivers.

Hope this helps. I'm here if you have any further questions!

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