100% disk usage cripples my Win 8.1 machine


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Hi all,

 

Every other day I get a period of 100% disk usage. This has been happening since I first installed Windows 8 in 2012. Back then, I found out it was the Windows Defender Service, and disabling it seemed to do the trick: no more slow-downs, no more excessive disk usage, and no more pain.

 

Enter 8.1 -> the issue came back. This time, however, disabling Windows Defender doesn't disable Windows Defender. I've gone through all the settings, I've gone through all the options and menus, however the 100% disk usage still has me by the balls at least once every three or so days. I don't even know what its scanning or what its doing, but more importantly I don't even know how to stop it.

 

If anybody has any ideas it would be extremely appreciated.

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What does Resource Monitor Read B/Sec tell you?

 

There is no specific threshold it passes where Task Manager suddenly approaches/starts reporting 100% disk usage. The usage for the process is typically no more than what Chrome uses. But I'll make sure to note down what Resource Monitor says and report back the next time it happens.

 

edit: approx 1,700,000 read/write

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1) Which process is using the most disk resource in Task Manager?

 

2) Check the event log (Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System) for any disk access errors.

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1) Which process is using the most disk resource in Task Manager?

 

2) Check the event log (Event Viewer > Windows Logs > System) for any disk access errors.

 

1. Windows Defender Service. 

 

I should also mention that Sky Drive use to cause the same issues, and after disabling it it fixed it (this is back on Windows 8).

 

2. Event Viewer doesn't report anything strange.

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I find the default columns in Resource Manager/Disk useless - I set them as File, Read, Write, Image....

 

Sometimes you've just got to close everything down, 1 by 1 - Apps, then Services, then Processes...


Checking "PF Delta" in the Task Manager, Details might show a process getting hyperactive with the Pagefile too.  Then there's I/O Reads, etc...

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You could try disabling Defender entirely and installing a free Anti-Virus (Like Avast or AVG) instead.

Remember to uncheck all or any other stuff the free installer might have (Chrome, home page adjustment etc etc).

 

Edit:

 

There are 2 Windows Defender services you can disable to completely kill it.

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Vs killing it via stop services can't you just uninstall it with simple uncheck of "turn on this app" in the settings, administrator section?

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Same.. once I disable it (I just uncheck the "Use this program" option), it's never turned itself back on on any of my systems.  Not that it's related to this but System Restore though does though, need to disable it through group policy if you want it gone.

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Hi all,

 

Every other day I get a period of 100% disk usage. This has been happening since I first installed Windows 8 in 2012. Back then, I found out it was the Windows Defender Service, and disabling it seemed to do the trick: no more slow-downs, no more excessive disk usage, and no more pain.

 

Enter 8.1 -> the issue came back. This time, however, disabling Windows Defender doesn't disable Windows Defender. I've gone through all the settings, I've gone through all the options and menus, however the 100% disk usage still has me by the balls at least once every three or so days. I don't even know what its scanning or what its doing, but more importantly I don't even know how to stop it.

 

If anybody has any ideas it would be extremely appreciated.

 

what is the model of your computer/laptop?

 

also can you install a free AV solution so you can see if the behaviour is the same (high IO) or not? I've had a few HP "windows 8 ready" desktops that, since the factory installed HDD were dogslow (5400RPM, crappy ones), the installed AV (in that case, SEP) crippled the desktop during scans.

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i notice this issue on any computer that has a 5400RPM drive and windows 8 / 8.1

 

 

Hmm... My hardware is old as digital dirt and I don't have this problem. I've had specific applications that caused huge thrashing issues but that's about it.... *glares at SWTOR*

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I could not find one of the post.  I am sure you might have use that technique from that post to set the timer on all device to sync.  I try that command and my hard drive went nuts... I had to re-install my OS to reset that command.  After a fresh reformat, my hard drive works fine and no longer hard at work.  It was working so hard to the point it was going to die.  Save your hard drive and undo that command that you use to sync all the timer.  It makes the hard drive use that timer and hard drive will scream.

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