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How to Fix High CPU Usage by iastordatasvc on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Steps

If you have noticed your Windows 11 computer running slow or the fan working harder than usual, the process iastordatasvc might be using too much CPU. This can affect your device’s performance and cause frustration. Understanding how to fix high CPU usage by this service is important for a smoother experience.

This article will guide you through simple and clear steps to troubleshoot and resolve the issue. You do not need to be a tech expert to follow along. Just take your time and follow each instruction carefully.

Before diving into solutions, it’s helpful to know what iastordatasvc is and why it might cause high CPU usage. This process is related to Intel storage drivers and services that manage your system’s data operations.

Let’s get started with some quick checks and basic tips to fix this problem and improve your PC’s performance.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Initial Checks

  • Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date. Sometimes, updates fix bugs and improve system performance.
  • Check if you have any third-party antivirus or security software interfering with system processes.
  • Ensure you have administrator access on your PC to perform the necessary troubleshooting steps.
  • Close unnecessary programs before starting, so you can better observe changes in CPU usage.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary glitches that cause high CPU usage. Restarting clears the memory and stops any stuck processes.

  1. Click on the Start button.
  2. Select Power and then click Restart.
  3. Wait for your PC to reboot and check if the CPU usage by iastordatasvc has decreased.

If the problem continues, move on to the next step.

Step 2: Update Intel Storage Drivers

Outdated or faulty Intel storage drivers can cause iastordatasvc to use more CPU than usual. Updating drivers often fixes bugs and improves compatibility.

  1. Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Storage controllers section.
  3. Right-click on the Intel storage device (such as “Intel(R) Rapid Storage Technology”) and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow any prompts to install updates and then restart your computer.

If Windows does not find an update, you can visit the official Intel website to download the latest drivers manually.

Step 3: Disable Intel Rapid Storage Technology Service Temporarily

If updating drivers didn’t help, temporarily disabling the Intel Rapid Storage Technology service can help identify if it’s the cause of high CPU usage.

  1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type services.msc and press Enter.
  3. In the Services window, scroll down and find Intel Rapid Storage Technology or a similar service named related to iastordatasvc.
  4. Right-click the service and select Stop.
  5. Check Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) to see if CPU usage drops.

Note: Stopping this service may affect storage performance or certain features. Only keep it stopped temporarily for testing.

Step 4: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

Corrupted system files can sometimes cause processes to misbehave. Running the System File Checker will scan and repair damaged files.

  1. Click on the Start button, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan may take some time. Once completed, it will show if any files were repaired. Restart your PC and check if the CPU usage issue persists.

Step 5: Check for Malware

Sometimes malware disguises itself as legitimate processes and uses high CPU. Running a full system scan helps ensure your PC is safe.

  1. Open Windows Security by searching it from the Start menu.
  2. Go to Virus & threat protection.
  3. Click Scan options and choose Full scan.
  4. Start the scan and wait until it finishes.

If malware is detected, follow the instructions to remove it and restart your PC.

Step 6: Advanced Option – Clean Boot

If the problem remains, performing a clean boot helps identify if other programs or services conflict with iastordatasvc.

  1. Press Windows + R, type msconfig, and press Enter.
  2. In the System Configuration window, go to the Services tab.
  3. Check Hide all Microsoft services to avoid disabling essential services.
  4. Click Disable all to turn off third-party services.
  5. Go to the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
  6. Disable all startup items by right-clicking and selecting Disable.
  7. Close Task Manager and click OK in the System Configuration window.
  8. Restart your computer and check if the CPU usage improves.

This method helps isolate problematic software. If the CPU usage is normal after clean boot, enable services one by one to find the culprit.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is iastordatasvc?

iastordatasvc is a background service related to Intel storage technology, managing data and storage operations on your PC.

Is it safe to disable iastordatasvc?

Disabling this service temporarily for troubleshooting is generally safe, but it may affect disk performance or features related to Intel storage drivers. Only disable it temporarily and enable it back after testing.

Why does iastordatasvc use high CPU?

This can happen due to outdated drivers, corrupted system files, software conflicts, or malware infections affecting the service’s operation.

Can updating Windows fix this issue?

Yes, Windows updates often include fixes and improvements that can resolve high CPU usage problems caused by system services.

Do I need to reinstall Intel Rapid Storage Technology to fix this?

Reinstalling or updating the Intel Rapid Storage Technology driver can help if the current installation is corrupted or outdated.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and the high CPU usage by iastordatasvc continues, consider these final options:

  • Contact Microsoft Support: They can provide specialized help for Windows-related issues.
  • Visit Intel Support: For driver-specific issues, Intel’s official support can guide you through advanced troubleshooting.
  • System Restore: Use a restore point to revert your system to a time before the problem started.
  • Reset Windows 11: As a last resort, resetting Windows can fix deep system problems but will remove installed apps and settings.

Conclusion

High CPU usage by iastordatasvc on Windows 11 can slow down your system, but it is usually fixable with simple troubleshooting steps. Start with basic actions like restarting your PC and updating drivers. If needed, proceed to more advanced methods like running system scans and performing a clean boot.

Understanding why this service uses high CPU helps you take the right steps without causing additional issues. Remember to always keep your system and drivers updated, and run regular security scans to maintain a smooth and safe computing experience.

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