100% Disk Usage on Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2014-06-22T07:15:31+00:00

Hello, I'm Leo

I would like to address the problem with windows 8.1, i find that with updating Windows from Windows 8 to 8.1 causes a very concerning problem.

the problem causes the disk usage as show in the task manger to be 100%.

The problem with 100% disk usage causes some problems like:

  • Slows Down Computer
  • Ruins Hard Drive (Over Long term use without FIX)

I've tried to fix it many times, i have used many methods like: 

  • Running Command Prompt
  • Scanning my Files and Hard Drives
  • Restore my PC to Factory Settings

non of these worked and now i have read the post of where u run "services.msc" and disable few services like "Superfetch" or "Windows Services" but i realize that this is not a fix and that when windows tells you to do this it only to make it look like your disk it not 100%, my computer still runs pretty slow (Got my Laptop 3 months ago) and i have not downloaded any third party software cause my network is always at 0% when i have 100% Disk usage.

Conclusion:

Windows 8.1 is the cause of the 100% Disk Usage. Windows 8.1 has a lot more background programs running than windows 8 did this change has caused windows to use up 100% of the disk space

I need help i need someone to help fix this problem

Ps all my files and programs are up to date including my BIOS

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Performance and system failures

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2015-03-23T15:41:01+00:00

Hi Joel,

Try the following methods and check if it resolves the issue.

Method 1:

Step 1: Try Safe Mode

Safe mode is the configuration of Windows, when it is running on only basic set of drivers and all the startups are disabled. To know more about safe mode, follow the article below:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-in/windows-8/windows-startup-settings-safe-mode

If the issue is resolved in safe mode, follow step 2 after restarting the computer in regular mode.

Step 2: Clean Boot

A clean boot is performed to start Windows by using a minimal set of drivers and startup programs. This helps eliminate software conflicts that occur when you install a program or an update or when you run a program in Windows. To know more, follow the article below:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135

Note: After troubleshooting, refer to this section ‘How to reset the computer to start normally after clean boot troubleshooting’.

Method 2: Run a Virus Scan

I would recommend you to run a complete virus scan using the Microsoft Safety Scanner. It will scan the computer for viruses and malicious programs. To download it and know more about it, click on the link below.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/scanner/en-us/default.aspx

Disclaimer: Any data files that are infected may only be cleaned by deleting the file entirely, which means there is a potential for data loss.

Hope this information was helpful.

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  1. Anonymous
    2015-08-30T17:31:03+00:00

    Disabling "SUPERFETCH, WINDOWS UPDATE and WINDOWS SEARCH"

    Now for solutions that worked for everyone else:

    Disabling or Uninstalling "Windows Defender"

    Opening and Uninstalling "Skype"  for Windows (start menu only)

    Hey, new here.  I had this problem crop up this morning.  At first I thought it had to do with a botched attempt to update my video card with Nvidia experience.  Turned out no, that was not the case.  Crappy program btw.  So I dug through this thread and followed most of the suggestions above.  Opening Skype from the start up window did nothing other then telling me that is was defunct. Downloading the update and running it after I deleted Skype from start up window worked, It fixed my memory leak. 

    Windows update was what was really killing me though.  Every time I opened it to try to use it, 100% disk and a memory leak.  I ran services.msc and disabled it.  That seems to have mostly fixed it.  The only problem I have now is Windows Defender spiking my disk usage while the system is idle.

    Note: SuperFetch and Windows Search had been disabled first along with BitLocker.  I also went through my registry and turn the vast majority of start up programs off.

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  2. Anonymous
    2015-08-16T14:26:59+00:00

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  3. Anonymous
    2015-08-12T22:33:56+00:00

    You had this issue on Windows 10 as well?

    I was not able to follow JohnDunlop2015's directions to correct the issue. I have a Lenovo running Windows 8.1. It mostly hangs up when I'm running Outlook 2007. I'm installing Office 365 right now.

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  4. Anonymous
    2015-08-12T13:50:28+00:00

    Great Help,  I have Windows 10 it is worked on Wondows 10 also. 

    Tank you

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