how to lower disk usage windows 10
If your computer feels slow and laggy, it might be because your disk usage is hitting 100%. In this guide, we’ll show you how to lower disk usage in Windows 10. By following these steps, you’ll speed up your computer and make it run more smoothly. We’ll go through stopping unnecessary background processes, disabling Windows services, and checking for malware.
Step-by-Step Tutorial on How to Lower Disk Usage in Windows 10
Before diving into the steps, it’s good to know that these actions aim to reduce the strain on your hard drive, making your computer run faster and more efficiently.
Step 1: Open Task Manager
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
When you open Task Manager, you’ll get a clear view of what’s eating up your disk space. Look under the ‘Processes’ tab to see which programs are using the most resources.
Step 2: End High Disk Usage Processes
Right-click on the process with high disk usage and select ‘End Task’.
Ending high disk usage processes stops them from running and immediately frees up disk space. Just be careful not to end system-critical processes.
Step 3: Disable Windows Search
Press Win + R, type ‘services.msc’, find ‘Windows Search’, right-click and select ‘Properties’. Change ‘Startup type’ to ‘Disabled’.
Disabling Windows Search prevents your computer from constantly indexing files, which can hog disk space. This step is particularly useful if you don’t often use the search feature.
Step 4: Disable Superfetch
In the same ‘services.msc’ window, find ‘Superfetch’, right-click and select ‘Properties’. Change ‘Startup type’ to ‘Disabled’.
Superfetch can sometimes cause high disk usage by pre-loading apps you commonly use. Disabling it can help reduce disk strain.
Step 5: Check for Malware
Run a full system scan using Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus software.
Malware can secretly use up your disk space. Running a scan ensures that your system is clean and not being affected by malicious software.
Step 6: Adjust Virtual Memory
Right-click ‘This PC’, select ‘Properties’, ‘Advanced system settings’, then under ‘Performance’ click ‘Settings’. Go to the ‘Advanced’ tab and click ‘Change’ under ‘Virtual memory’. Uncheck ‘Automatically manage paging file size’ and set custom sizes.
Adjusting virtual memory allows your system to use disk space more efficiently. Setting a custom size can prevent Windows from constantly adjusting it, which can cause high disk usage.
After completing these steps, you should notice that your disk usage has significantly decreased. Your computer will likely run smoother, and those pesky slowdowns will become a thing of the past.
Tips on How to Lower Disk Usage in Windows 10
- Disable Startup Programs: Use Task Manager to disable programs that start automatically when you boot up your computer.
- Upgrade your Hard Drive: Consider upgrading to an SSD, which is faster and more reliable than traditional hard drives.
- Regularly Clear Cache: Use disk cleanup tools to regularly clear system and browser cache.
- Defragment Your Hard Drive: Though not as necessary with SSDs, defragmenting can help improve performance on HDDs.
- Keep Your OS Updated: Sometimes, high disk usage can be due to bugs that are fixed in newer updates.
Frequently Asked Questions About How to Lower Disk Usage in Windows 10
Why is my disk usage so high in Windows 10?
High disk usage can be caused by background processes, malware, or system services running inefficiently.
How can I see what’s using my disk space?
Open Task Manager and check the ‘Processes’ tab to see which programs are using disk space.
Is it safe to disable Windows Search and Superfetch?
Yes, it is generally safe, but it may slightly affect your computer’s search performance and how quickly programs load.
Can malware cause high disk usage?
Yes, malware can use disk space for various malicious activities.
Should I disable all startup programs?
No, only disable non-essential programs to ensure necessary system programs continue to run smoothly.
Summary of the Steps to Lower Disk Usage in Windows 10
- Open Task Manager with Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
- End high disk usage processes.
- Disable Windows Search in services.
- Disable Superfetch in services.
- Run a full system scan for malware.
- Adjust virtual memory settings.
Conclusion
Dealing with high disk usage in Windows 10 can be a real headache, but following these steps will help you get your computer back to running smoothly. By adjusting system settings, ending unnecessary processes, and running regular malware scans, you can significantly lower your disk usage.
If your computer still struggles, consider upgrading your hardware, like switching to an SSD. Not only will this improve your disk usage, but it will also give your computer a much-needed speed boost.
Remember, regular maintenance is key to keeping your system in top shape. Frequently check for updates, clear out junk files, and monitor your system’s performance. Doing these simple tasks will ensure your computer stays as efficient as possible. So, take action today and say goodbye to high disk usage in Windows 10!
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.