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.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
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.

Was this answer helpful?

70+ people found this answer helpful.
0 comments

130 additional answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2015-05-04T08:16:09+00:00

    My problem was Windows Defender. As soon as I disabled it I got my performance back.

    Same Here. Disabling Windows Defender was my solution.

    It was still running even though I had another anti-virus (Avast) on my system.

    I solved with an uninstall and reinstall of Avast but also going into windows defender and disabling it will work.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2015-05-12T11:45:46+00:00

    Hi,

    I think you should help 41393 views, customers still have the problem, huge problem I think we are not being taken seriously. Our systems are not working properly for almost a year .

    Would like a solution for the problem.

    Sincerely,

    Eduardo

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2015-05-13T10:41:46+00:00

    Hi Eddyc,

    I would like to ask you:

    • Have you tried all the steps mentioned by me and other community members in this thread?
    • If so, are there any errors? If so, what is the error message?

    Do reply with the required information so that we can research better and provide you with a better response.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2015-05-13T21:18:11+00:00

    Hey it's Leo!

    So it seems some people are having problems on what solution they could use to solve their 100% disk problem,  so I'm going to list the solutions that people have found to work for them.

    first I will list the solution that I found worked for me which is:

    Disabling "SUPERFETCH, WINDOWS UPDATE and WINDOWS SEARCH"

    Now for solutions that worked for everyone else:

    Disabling or Uninstalling "Windows Defender"

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

    Replace hard drive with a new one (not recommended unless your willing to put out the money)

    Hope this Helps 

    Leo Nguyen

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments