Despite the obvious, for many, more stable optimization of Windows 10 compared to previous versions of the operating system, it is often observed certain moments that characterize the software of Microsoft is not the best side.
One of such moments can be called peculiar to Windows 10 - excessive load on the components of the computer, which in previous versions was also observed, but in smaller quantities.
In this article, we will look at how to solve the problem when the hard disk of the computer is loaded at 100 percent, as eloquently evidenced by the "task Manager".
What is the reason for such a high load? And most importantly, how to reduce it? About all this and will be discussed further.
Software Activity
Of course, the high load on the computer components, in this case HDD/SSD can only be a consequence of regular processes that were initiated or the operating system (for example, during the installation of updates) or by the user.
Therefore, the first thing to do – is to see the running processes in the "Task Manager", for this:
- Press the key combination "CTRL + ALT+DELETE" or right-click on the start button and select "task Manager" from the list;
- In the window that opens, sort the list by the "Disk" column from larger To smaller;
- View all the processes that create the greatest load and analyze them;
- If there are suspicious processes among the selected ones, try to identify them and, if necessary, forcibly terminate their work by clicking on the "End task" button.
As you can see, in the situation under consideration, there may not be any problem. This entire load can only indicate that the resources offered to the operating system are simply not enough to perform the tasks assigned to it.
Error in AHCI drivers
Every computer user sooner or later faces the need to update the software drivers.
Often they are drivers for video card, processor, motherboard, external devices.
But there are important components that do not pay attention to themselves until there are any failures or decrease in the performance of the computer.
One of these components is the Sata AHCI controller driver, which is responsible for the correct operation of the disk.
Do not run to specialized software for driver updates. In this case, the best option is to follow the proven path – checking the installed version and manual download from the website of the motherboard manufacturer or laptop.
The sequence of actions is as follows:
P/S as insurance - create a restore point, as working with drivers always involves certain risks.
- Press the key combination “WIN+R “and run the command "devmgmt.msc”;
- In the opened window "device Manager" find the section "IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers" and right-click on the option presented there;
- Select "Properties" and go to the "Driver" tab;
- Open the website of your motherboard or laptop manufacturer;
- Go to downloads or technical support and find drivers for SATA AHCI;
- Map your driver version to the version suggested by the developer (if any);
- Download the driver archive and return to the task Manager window, where the Drivers tab is open»;
- Click on "Update driver";
- Select "Browse my computer for driver software";
- Click "Browse" and specify the location of the previously downloaded archive;
- Finally, click "Next" and agree to install the new version.
If the manufacturer"s website does not allow you to download the file with updates, you can try to initiate a driver search using the functionality of the operating system.
To do this, on the step "How do you want to search for drivers" click "Search automatic for updated driver software".
Despite the fact that the operating system has been delegated most of the authority to update all components of the computer, Windows 10 may have overlooked the new version or simply could not complete its installation, which led to the problem in question.
Additional option
As already mentioned, 100% disk load is not a new problem, but despite this there is no clear algorithm to fix it.
Such excessive load can also be caused by quite a harmless actions:
- You are logged in to multiple accounts;
- Many background processes are running;
- Regular disk check for errors by third-party software or built-in tools of the operating system is carried out.
Also, do not exclude viral activity, and most importantly, do not exclude that the disk has exhausted its resources and is gradually losing performance.
In the first case, a full scan of the computer and the connected storage devices with anti-virus software will help, and in the second case, you will need to apply certain diagnostic procedures that will show the quality of the physical drive.
Conclusion
As a last option noted by some users, consider disabling Message Signaled Interrupt technology, which may be active on unsupported hardware.
To do this, you will need to do the following (pre-create a restore point):
- Open device Manager again and the IDE ATA/ATAPI Controllers section;
- Open Properties and the Details tab;
- In the list, select the line "Device instance path";
- Without closing the window, start the registry editor (WIN+R + regedit);
- Open the "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ System\ CurrentControlSet\ Enum\ PCI\ P1\ P2\ Device Parameters\ Interrupt Management\ MessageSignaledInterruptProperties\", where "P1" is the address obtained from step above, and "P2" is the subkey with random number;
- If there is an entry "MSISupported" in the destination folder, open It and set the value to "0".
It remains to close the editor and restart the computer.