How do I fix 100% CPU and disk usage?

Answered by Randy McIntyre

There are several ways to fix 100% CPU and disk usage issues on your computer. Here are some methods that you can try:

1. Restart Your System:
Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve high CPU and disk usage problems. Restarting your computer can help clear any temporary issues or processes that might be causing the problem.

2. Update Windows:
Ensure that your operating system is up to date. Microsoft regularly releases updates that include bug fixes and performance improvements. Updating Windows can help resolve any underlying issues that might be causing high CPU and disk usage.

3. Disable Windows Search:
Windows Search indexing can sometimes cause high CPU and disk usage. You can temporarily disable this feature to see if it resolves the issue. To do this, open the “Services” application by pressing the Windows key + R, then type “services.msc” and press Enter. Look for “Windows Search” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Properties”. Change the “Startup type” to “Disabled” and click “Apply” and then “OK”.

4. Check for Malware:
Malware infections can also cause your CPU and disk usage to spike. Run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus software to check for any malware or viruses. Remove any threats that are detected.

5. Stop the Superfetch Service:
Superfetch is a Windows service that preloads frequently used programs into RAM to improve system performance. However, it can sometimes cause high CPU and disk usage. To stop the Superfetch service, open the “Services” application as mentioned earlier, find “Superfetch” in the list, right-click on it, and select “Stop”.

6. Change Energy Options from Balanced to High Performance:
Your computer’s power plan may be set to a balanced mode, which can limit CPU performance. Changing it to high performance can help alleviate high CPU and disk usage. To do this, go to the Control Panel, select “Power Options”, and choose the “High performance” plan.

7. Temporarily Turn Off Your Antivirus Software:
In some cases, antivirus software can interfere with normal system processes and cause high CPU and disk usage. Temporarily disabling your antivirus software can help determine if it’s the cause. However, make sure to re-enable it once you’ve identified the issue.

8. Reset Virtual Memory in Windows 10:
Virtual memory is a feature in Windows that uses a portion of your hard drive as additional RAM. If the virtual memory settings are incorrect, it can lead to high CPU and disk usage. To reset virtual memory, go to the Control Panel, select “System”, then “Advanced system settings”. Under the “Performance” section, click on “Settings” and go to the “Advanced” tab. Click on “Change” under the Virtual Memory section, select “Automatically manage paging file size for all drives”, and click “OK”.

These are some of the methods you can try to fix 100% CPU and disk usage issues. It’s important to note that the effectiveness of these solutions can vary depending on the specific cause of the problem. If the issue persists, it may be advisable to seek further assistance from a computer technician or the manufacturer’s support team.