100% Disk usage in task manager

[GmanApple]

Hello, my computer has been slow ever since I've had it, but even slower now. And when I went to look for what the problem is, the task manager told me that my storage disk is at 100% utilization. I then figured that my computer was broken or whatever, but then I looked on the internet and there are a few things people have done to fix it, but I've done them all and I just can't seem to get rid of it. There's no error message. They all just take forever to load. I believe my computer has a terabyte hard drive and I don't believe it's full. I cleaned out my computer and nothing's changed. It is still indicating the same problem. Recently, after I tried a few things, it has fallen lower, but it is still at 100% when I turn on the computer, but if I am using it for say 10 or 20 minutes, it falls to zero and 10%, but everything is still quite slow.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @GmanApple,

Welcome to the HP Support Community.
 

Thank you for posting your query. I will be glad to help you.

I completely understand how frustrating it is when your PC is slow from the moment you power it on, especially when Task Manager shows the disk usage stuck at 100%. You're not alone in this, and I’m here to help you get the performance your HP 17.3-inch Laptop PC 17-c1000 series (4B770AV) can deliver.

Step 1: Update BIOS and HP Drivers

Please make sure your system BIOS and chipset drivers are up to date:

1. Visit your official driver page here:
   🔗 HP Laptop 17-cn1005ur (78W38EA) Software and Driver Downloads | HP® Support
2. Download and install:
   • BIOS Update
   • HP System Event Utility
   • Intel Chipset Drivers
   • Storage (Intel Rapid Storage Technology, if available)

Restart the PC after installation.

Step 2: Run HP Hardware Diagnostics

Let’s rule out any issues with the hard drive itself:

1. Power off your computer.
2. Turn it back on and immediately tap the ESC key repeatedly until the Startup Menu appears.
3. Press F2 to open HP PC Hardware Diagnostics UEFI.
4. Select Component Tests > Hard Drive > Quick Test
   (You can also run the Extended Test for a deeper scan.)

📌 If any test fails, please note the failure ID and provide it to us — this may indicate hardware degradation.

Step 3: Adjust System Settings to Reduce Disk Load

You can reduce disk usage by disabling a few Windows services that are known to cause excessive activity on hard drives:

Disable SysMain (Superfetch):

1. Press Win + X > Open Windows Terminal (Admin)
2. Type and press Enter:

sc stop "SysMain"

sc config "SysMain" start=disabled

Disable Windows Search (optional for testing):

sc stop "WSearch"

sc config "WSearch" start=disabled

You can always re-enable these later if needed.

I hope this helps.

Take care, and have an amazing day!
 

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Regards,

VikramTheGreat

[GmanApple]

Hello, thanks for the reply @VikramTheGreat I checked bios and it said it was up to date. So then I tried the HP recovery mode and it said that my hard drive passed all inspections. And I’ve already done the last two things that you’ve listed. So I am still pretty stuck. But thank you for the reply.

[VikramTheGreat]

Hi @GmanApple,

Thank you for letting me know. Request you to please share with us the pc details for additional help. And reach us in a private message.

Please help us with your HP unit serial number or the product number in a private message for further assistance.
 

Here is the link to find the product Serial number: - Click here

To access your private messages, simply click the private message icon in the upper right corner of your HP Support Community profile, next to your profile and send a private message to me with the serial number because we value your privacy.

VikramTheGreat

HP Support