Something called system, causing problems in task manager

Question

Something called system, causing problems in task manager

Tristan Russ 0

Windows 11 constantly has problems in the main one is I keep having disc problems and whenever I open task manager a thing called system is taking up 80% of my disc space Downloads, and my games I need this fixed now and it’s up. I can’t email anybody other than asking a question like this. On top of it if it’s not something called system it’s something else that’s windows are open Windows 11 should not have hindered my performance whatsoever but it did. I want answers now and why I can’t just email and I have to go through a forum.

Tristan Russ 0 Reputation points

2026-04-01T00:43:28.43+00:00

I shouldn’t EVEN HAVE PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD BE FIXING THEM EVERY BUT EVER UPDATE MESSES UP MORE CAN’T DO YOUR JOB FOR YOUR LIFE CAUSE YOU NEVER HAD TO and I don’t care about my language. I shouldn’t have to go out of my way to fix some that you should be fixing.

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**https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/support/code-of-conduct

3 answers

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Tristan Russ 0 Reputation points

2026-04-01T00:43:28.43+00:00

I shouldn’t EVEN HAVE PROBLEMS YOU SHOULD BE FIXING THEM EVERY BUT EVER UPDATE MESSES UP MORE CAN’T DO YOUR JOB FOR YOUR LIFE CAUSE YOU NEVER HAD TO and I don’t care about my language. I shouldn’t have to go out of my way to fix some that you should be fixing.

**MOD Note:
“Mate, I get that you’re frustrated, but you can’t post messages like that on Microsoft Q&A. The site has a strict Code of Conduct, and language like that will get your posts removed or your account restricted. If you want people to actually help you, you need to keep it civil and stick to the rules. You can still explain the problem and how annoyed you are — just do it without the swearing or personal attacks.”
**https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/answers/support/code-of-conduct

Answer 1

Lester Bernard Reyes 77,570 Independent Advisor

Hi Tristan Russ, this is normal, as Task Manager loads all processes to check and ensure everything is running properly. It should go back to normal after a while. Also, are you experiencing any system issues on your PC?

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Answer 2

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

Just to confirm, when you open Task Manager and the disk usage goes to 80%, does it return to normal after some time, or does it stay at 80% all day?

While waiting, 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.

Tristan Russ 0 Reputation points

2026-04-01T01:38:42.4866667+00:00

It varies. It can be 80% or it can be 50% but right after I open task manager gradually goes back down and if I close it, wait a little bit and open it back it goes back up and goes back down again

Answer 3

High disk usage by the “System” process in Task Manager usually means Windows is doing heavy background work (updates, indexing, drive optimization, or malware/driver issues). Use these steps to reduce it:

Install all Windows and driver updates

Select Start > Settings > Windows Update > Check for updates.
Install everything offered and restart.
Then go to Windows Update > Advanced options > Optional updates and install any available drivers.

Scan for malware Malware can cause constant high disk usage.

Select Start > Settings > Privacy & security > Windows Security > Virus & threat protection.
Select Quick scan and let it finish.

Check what is using the disk in Task Manager

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
On the Processes tab, sort by Disk.
If “System” is at the top, also check the Performance tab and Startup apps tab to see if many apps start with Windows. Disable startup apps that are not needed.

Improve performance settings

Select Start, type Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows, and open it.
On the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance.

Set power mode to performance If on a desktop or plugged-in laptop:

Select Start > Settings > System > Power & battery.
In Power mode, choose Best performance.

Optimize the drive

Select Start, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and open it.
Select the system drive (usually C:) and choose Optimize.

Free up disk space Low free space can cause constant disk activity.

Open File Explorer > This PC and check free space on the system drive.
If it is nearly full, remove unneeded files or apps. For more structured cleanup, follow the steps in the “Free up drive space in Windows” article.

Close unused apps and restart

Close browsers and apps not in use.
Select Start > Power > Restart.
After restart, open only the apps needed and watch Task Manager to see if disk usage drops.

If “System” still uses very high disk for hours or days after doing these steps, and updates/malware scans are clear, a repair install or reset of Windows (keeping personal files) may be needed, but that is beyond the information in the provided material.

References:

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Something called system, causing problems in task manager

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