The problem with free hard disk space (HDD) is more common on computers running the Windows 10 operating system (OS) than in earlier versions. When the task manager displays information that the HDD is 100% full, errors in the operation of the system or drivers are likely. Less commonly, the cause is associated with malicious software (software) on the computer. There are several ways to solve the problem.



When a computer with Windows 10 (sometimes 8) runs very slowly for no apparent reason - the minimum number of running utilities, there is no download of large files, a problem with the hard drive may appear. If it is 100% full, there is no free space (reserve) for other processes - the computer "freezes".


The full load problem occurs for several reasons. Users who encounter it highlight the following:

  • Incorrect operation of a driver or system component.
  • Malicious software that damaged an important application.
  • Auto-loading of "heavy" utilities, services - Google Chrome and Skype, SuperFetch functions, Print Spooler, BITS.


TOP 5 ways to solve the problem

It is impossible to work on a device where the HDD is fully loaded. It “thinks” for a very long time and does not execute even simple commands. Often they try to "free up" space by disabling applications that load the system. But such actions can have undesirable consequences. For example, if you deactivate the print spooler, the function will have to be run continuously to restore the printer to work. And disabling such services does not guarantee success in reducing the load on the HDD.


Deactivating Windows Search

The service is responsible for quick access to data within the OS. To begin with, the conductor is turned off temporarily. This will help to make sure that the problem of full HDD loading is connected with the Windows Search service. After the OS reboot, the service is activated again. Disable it like this:

  1. Logged in as an administrator, start the command line.
  2. In the field that opens, enter net.exe stop "Windows search".
  3. Confirm by pressing the Enter key.
  4. Test the work of the PC.
  5. If the problem is resolved, turn off the explorer completely by pressing Windows + R, entering services.msc in the command field.
  6. Find the "Windows search" service, in the window that appears, after clicking the right mouse button, select "Properties" - "Startup type" - "Disabled".
  7. Save the settings by clicking "OK".


Disabling SuperFetch

The function is designed to reduce the boot time of the OS and frequently used utilities. But in the latest Windows modification, it causes the HDD to be fully loaded. The sequence of steps to stop the service:

  1. Run a command prompt as administrator.
  2. Enter net.exe stop superfetch in the field.
  3. Press Enter.

Performing a disk check

If the problem is damage to the hard drive, check it. Working process:

  1. They display the command line by logging into the OS as an administrator.
  2. Enter chkdsk.exe c: / f. When information is displayed about the impossibility of checking now, press Y and Enter to initiate the process after rebooting the OS.
  3. Press Enter and wait for the scan results.


Disable virtual memory

The drive type is responsible for expanding the amount of RAM on a computer / laptop. When RAM is low, the system allocates a part of the main one for writing data to utilities. Disabling this function can help with a full load of the HDD if you follow these steps:

  1. Right-click on "This computer" - "Properties".
  2. In the left part of the window, select the item "Advanced system parameters" - "Advanced" - "Parameters" (area "Performance").
  3. Find "Advanced", in the "Virtual Memory" tab click "Change".
  4. Uncheck the box opposite the "Automatically select paging file size" value.
  5. Activate the "No paging file" value to prevent the system from using the HDD.


Suspending the antivirus

The installation of additional anti-virus programs also causes a full boot of the hard drive. If you recently downloaded Norton, Kaspersky, AVG or others on your computer, they are temporarily deactivated. This helps determine if they are the cause. Actions are not dangerous, since the latest version of the system is equipped with its own "Defender". The latter is able to provide an excellent barrier against malware while deactivating a third-party utility.


The suggested methods do not always help. The reason may be a virus infection of the system or physical damage to the disk. Then you may need to reinstall the OS or replace the hard drive.

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