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If you have recently updated your Windows 10 to the Anniversary Update and noticed your disk usage hitting 100%, you’re not alone. This issue can slow down your computer significantly and make everyday tasks frustrating. Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to fix this problem.

In this guide, we will walk you through easy methods to reduce disk usage and improve your system’s performance. No advanced knowledge is required — just follow along carefully.

Understanding why disk usage spikes can help you decide which fix is best for your situation. Often, background processes or system settings cause these high disk reads and writes.

Let’s get started with some quick checks before moving into detailed troubleshooting.

Quick Note Before You Begin

• Make sure your Windows 10 is fully updated with the latest patches from Microsoft.
• Close all unnecessary programs before testing your disk usage again.
• Check your Task Manager (press Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see which processes are using the disk the most.
• Backup your important files regularly before making system changes.

Step 1: Disable Windows Search to Prevent Constant Indexing

Windows Search can sometimes cause high disk usage due to continuous indexing of files. Temporarily disabling it can help you identify if it’s the cause.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type services.msc and hit Enter.
3. Scroll down and find Windows Search in the list.
4. Right-click on it and select Properties.
5. Under Startup type, choose Disabled.
6. Click Stop if the service is running, then press OK.

This will stop Windows Search from running temporarily. Check your disk usage again to see if it improves.

Step 2: Disable Superfetch Service

Superfetch is a Windows feature that preloads frequently used apps into memory but sometimes causes excessive disk usage.

1. Open the Run dialog (Windows + R), type services.msc, and press Enter.
2. Find the service named SysMain (formerly called Superfetch).
3. Right-click and select Properties.
4. Set Startup type to Disabled.
5. Click Stop to halt the service if it’s running, then click OK.

Disabling SysMain can reduce disk activity caused by background caching.

Step 3: Check and Fix Disk Errors Using CHKDSK

Disk errors or bad sectors can cause Windows to access the disk heavily. Running a check disk scan can identify and fix these problems.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator. To do this, type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter:
   chkdsk.exe /f /r
3. You will see a message asking if you want to schedule the check on next restart. Type Y and press Enter.
4. Restart your computer to allow CHKDSK to scan and repair disk issues.

This process may take some time but can solve underlying disk problems affecting performance.

Step 4: Reset Virtual Memory Settings

Virtual memory uses a portion of your hard drive as extra RAM. Incorrect settings can cause high disk usage.

1. Right-click This PC and select Properties.
2. Click on Advanced system settings on the left.
3. In the System Properties window, under the Advanced tab, click Settings in the Performance section.
4. Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under Virtual memory.
5. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
6. Select your system drive (usually C:), then choose No paging file and click Set.
7. Click OK on all windows and restart your computer.
8. After restart, repeat steps 1-5, but this time select System managed size and click Set, then restart again.

This resets your virtual memory to default and can improve disk usage.

Step 5: Update Device Drivers

Outdated or faulty drivers, especially for storage controllers, can cause disk performance issues.

1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the IDE ATA/ATAPI controllers or Storage controllers section.
3. Right-click each device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow any prompts to install updates and restart your PC.

If Windows doesn’t find updates, you can visit your device manufacturer’s website for the latest drivers.

Alternative Method: Disable Background Apps

Some background apps can cause excessive disk usage. Disabling unnecessary ones may help.

1. Open Settings by pressing Windows + I.
2. Go to Privacy > Background apps.
3. Turn off the toggle for apps you don’t need running in the background.

This reduces background activity and frees up disk resources.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does my disk usage stay at 100% after the update?

The Anniversary Update sometimes changes system processes and services, causing them to access your disk more frequently. It can also highlight hardware issues or outdated drivers.

Is 100% disk usage always a problem?

Not always. Some processes like antivirus scans or Windows updates can temporarily push disk usage to 100%. However, if it stays high constantly, it may indicate a problem.

Can malware cause high disk usage?

Yes, malicious software can cause excessive disk activity. Running a full antivirus scan is recommended if you suspect this.

Will upgrading to an SSD fix this issue?

Switching from a traditional hard drive to an SSD can greatly improve disk performance and reduce the impact of high disk usage.

Is it safe to disable services like Superfetch or Windows Search?

Yes, these services can be disabled temporarily to troubleshoot. However, disabling them permanently may affect system features like faster app loading or file search.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and still experience 100% disk usage, consider the following options:

• Run the official Windows Troubleshooter for performance issues.
• Perform a system restore to a point before the Anniversary Update.
• Check your hard drive health with dedicated tools like CrystalDiskInfo.
• Consider a clean installation of Windows 10 as a last resort.
• Contact Microsoft Support or your PC manufacturer for professional help.

Conclusion

High disk usage after the Windows 10 Anniversary Update can be frustrating, but most cases can be resolved by disabling certain services, checking for disk errors, and updating drivers. Always start with the simplest fixes and gradually move to more advanced options.

Remember to keep your system updated and maintain regular backups to avoid future issues. With these steps, your computer should run more smoothly and efficiently.