Monday, December 1, 2025

How to Fix 100% Disk Usage in Windows 11 (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

 









Introduction

Many Windows 11 users face a frustrating issue: the disk usage suddenly jumps to 100% and the PC becomes extremely slow. Apps freeze, the cursor hangs, and even simple tasks feel impossible.

In this post, you’ll learn why the issue happens and how to fix 100% disk usage quickly using proven methods.

Common Causes of 100% Disk Usage

  • Windows Search indexing issues

  • SysMain (previously Superfetch) service

  • Faulty or outdated drivers

  • Background apps using too much I/O

  • Malware or viruses

  • Corrupted system files

  • Browser settings (Chrome/Edge preloading)

  • Hard drive health issues (especially HDD)

Fix 1: Disable SysMain (Superfetch) Service

Step 1: Open Services

Press Windows + R → Type:

services.msc

Step 2: Find "SysMain"

Right-click → Stop

Step 3: Disable Startup Type

Click Properties → Startup Type → Disabled
Click OK

Fix 2: Disable Windows Search Indexing

Step 1: Open Run →

services.msc

Step 2: Locate Windows Search

Step 3: Stop the service → Set Startup type: Disabled

This helps if Windows Search is repeatedly indexing files.

Fix 3: Turn Off Background Apps

Step 1: Go to Settings → Apps → Installed apps

Step 2: Select apps you don't need

Step 3: Disable Background app permissions

Fix 4: Reset Virtual Memory (Paging File)

Step 1: Open Control Panel

Go to System & Security → System

Step 2: Click Advanced System Settings

Step 3: Under Performance → Settings

Step 4: Go to Advanced → Virtual Memory

Step 5: Uncheck

✔ "Automatically manage paging file size."

Step 6: Set custom size

  • Initial size = 4096 MB

  • Maximum size = 8192 MB

Restart your PC.

Fix 5: Disable Chrome/Edge Preloading

For Chrome:

Go to:
Settings → Performance → Preload pages
Turn it OFF

For Edge:

Settings → System → Startup Boost → OFF
Preload pages → OFF

Fix 6: Update SATA / Storage Drivers

Step 1: Open Device Manager

Press Windows + X → Device Manager

Step 2: Expand

IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers
or
Storage controllers

Step 3: Right-click → Update driver

Fix 7: Run System File Checker (SFC & DISM)

Step 1: Open CMD as Administrator

Step 2: Run these commands one by one:

sfc /scannow

After it completes:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

These repair corrupted system files.

Fix 8: Check HDD/SSD Health

If you are using an HDD, 100% disk usage is more common.

Use Command:

wmic diskdrive get status

If it shows "Caution" or "Bad", replace the disk.

SSDs rarely show this issue unless failing.

Turn Off Tips & Suggestions

Go to:
Settings → System → Notifications → Additional settings
Uncheck everything.

This reduces background load.