Step 1: Identify the Cause

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc → open Task Manager

• Go to Processes tab → sort by Disk column

See which process is using the most.

Step 2: Disable Windows Search Indexing

Open Command Prompt as Admin:

To disable permanently:

• Press Windows + R → services.msc

• Find Windows Search → Right-click → Properties

• Set Startup type to Disabled → click Stop

Step 3: Disable Superfetch/SysMain

In the same Services window:

• Find SysMain (Superfetch) → Disable and Stop it

Step 4: Change Virtual Memory Settings

• Windows + S → search for System > Advanced system settings

• Under Performance, click Settings

• Go to Advanced > Virtual memory

• Click Change → Uncheck Automatically manage…

• Set Custom size:

  • Initial: 4096 MB

  • Max: 8192 MB

Click OK and restart.

Step 5: Run Disk Check

In CMD as admin:

This will scan and fix drive errors.

Bonus Tips

• Chrome or Skype can spike disk usage — check background tasks.

• Consider replacing a failing HDD with an SSD for permanent improvement.