Really odd problem. Intel's IASTOR software is up and running on this Win 10 64 Pro 1903 laptop.
IASTOR Data Manager Service
IASTORICON
Using about 12% CPU all the time and lots of RAM.
Going into Device Manager, it's drivers are NOT in use. Standard SATA AHCI Controller and driver.
So I'd say they are doing nothing except bogging down the CPU.
Can I remove the software? Any issues in doing so?
Thanks!
For what I know, IASTOR drivers is only needed when you have a RAID array. If you don't have a RAID array, uninstall IASTOR.
I think (not sure) that if you enable Controlled Folder Access in Windows Security, this service, IAStor DataMagrSvc, is stopped (a notification appears).
What makes me nervous is that I've read in numerous places that uninstalling IASTOR can have horrible consequences for a PC. Though that ought only to be an issue if its drivers are being used. But Intel gives so little support for it I don't know what to believe.
You can uninstall the Intel Rapid Storage Software (RST) package, and it will leave the drivers(s) it needs. It's mainly used for Optane memory caching. If you don't have Optane memory (most people do not), just get rid of it.
The only driver I have remaining in that class is IASTORAC, as seen in Autoruns. No spinning or high usage at all.
Same here, only have the iaStorAC driver as I have an Intel 300 series SATA/PCIe controller.
I did not use the RST package to install it, just the pre install f6flpyx64 download (right-click .inf to install or update through device manager), this avoids having all the RST "bloat" added for RAID, fast start up from sleep etc.
So despite all the warnings online saying you'll destroy your Windows installation if you remove the Intel Storage software, if your PC is not using its drivers, then you should not have any problem. I'll create a Restore Point before I uninstall it.
The weird thing - that this software uses a chunk if RAM and piles of CPU time even though it's not doing anything.
If you haven't already, I would download Autoruns from Sysinternals and use it to un check all the unwanted RST services, make an image first though. Then restart and remove the software through control panel. The only one you shouldn't remove/ uncheck is iaStorAC if it is listed as being used by your SATA/AHCI controller in device manager.
It is possible to remove RST completely but it involves using safe mode to allow Windows to install it's default AHCI driver.
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