How do I identify which process is causing my HDD to run at 100%

PEBMAFerror · 29 Sep 2021

The problem is whenever I walk away from my computer for more than a few minutes, some process is causing my HDD to run at 100%, and is making the computer slow and unresponsive. As soon as I try to open task manager, the process stops. I don't know what it is, but it's very annoying. I've read a couple threads on this subject, and tried disabling superfetch, and disk compression. It's not a virus or an update, because I even tried a full reinstall of windows. Any ideas?

Pejole2165 · 29 Sep 2021

Sounds like the indexing system and/ or defender scans, in which case, as long as it stops when you want to use your PC, I would not be concerned.
Open task manager and sort the processes tab by CPU and see which processes have the most % listed over the course of time, this should allow you to identify the "culprit". There is the free Indexer Diagnostics utility available from MS on the store if you want to check on how the indexing service is performing.

jbcarreon123 · 29 Sep 2021

Open Task Manager.

This may be the problems:
1. The System process (ntoskrnl.exe)
2. Windows Defender
3. Some apps installed

idgat · 29 Sep 2021

Leave your device on overnight and let it get on with what ever it's trying to do.

Then if it still happens, you'll need to investigate further. Wouldn't worry about it until then.

AddRAM · 29 Sep 2021

do you have disk defragmenter turned on ?

The 3 things your PC should do when you walk away from it are

1) screensaver should start

2) monitor should go off

3) pc should go to sleep

that`s it