100% disk usage becomes a headache for users if it isn’t fixed in time. Even though Windows has improved a lot, bugs still exist, and one such bug involves IaStorA.sys 100% disk usage when doing nothing. What is peculiar is that even with minimal activity on the PC, the file keeps using the disk at 100%. 100% disk usage issues force the PC to lag down and show unresponsiveness when idle for a longer time. While the PC can return to normal usage after a restart, it can also happen on its own, but it’s still annoying.

What is IaStorA.sys?
IaStorA.sys is a driver file associated with Intel Rapid Storage Technology. It is a Windows driver designed to offer accessible communication between your PC and hardware or other connected devices. The iastora.sys process is a safe driver file and doesn’t pose a threat to your device. In addition, the driver has direct access to different internal features of the operating system or hardware. You can quickly stop the driver from Services in Control Panel.
IaStorA.sys 100% disk usage when doing nothing
Follow these suggestions to fix the problem with iastora.sys on your Windows 11/10 computer:
- Check for Hardware Failure
- Run CHKDSK in Advanced Recovery
- Reinstall the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Software
- Update Windows.
Please use the admin account to resolve this problem.
1] Check for Hardware Failure
Poor hardware is the main reason behind the different issues with your computer. Bad hardware can cause pop-up error messages when reading, copying, moving, and deleting data, and it can also slow the computer’s performance. If you suspect a hardware issue, contact the technical support team.
Most OEM tech support will run a hard disk diagnostic, which may take more than an hour. These tests will clarify if your hard disk health has deteriorated and is about to fail. If your laptop or storage device is under warranty, you can get a quick replacement instead of a new one.
If you do not want to go for a long press, you can download the OEM software and check it yourself. At the same time, these consumer software programs aren’t as advanced as OEM support, but they can help you assess the risk of failure.
Check this if you need some Freeware to Monitor Hard Disk for Potential Failure.
2] Run CHKDSK in Advanced Recovery

CHKDSK is a disk checking utility that can check file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors. As you know, the disk has issues. It’s best to run the utility in Advanced Recovery. You will need to use a bootable device.
You can go to System > Recovery > Advanced Startup and click on the Restart button.
Once in Advanced Recovery, Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
Type CHKDSK here, and press the Enter key. Type Chkdsk /f /r and press the Enter key. Let the scan complete and fix the problem with the disk.
3] Reinstall the Intel Rapid Storage Technology Software
You can choose any of your preferred OEM software options to resolve this issue. We prefer Intel Rapid Storage Technology because it relates to the problem here. Go to intel.com website and download and install the software and ensure features such as Optane memory, VMD support, configuration, and other maintenance features are enabled. It also fixes any problem related to the driver or files associated with iastora.sys
Fix: IAStoricon.exe Application Error
4] Update Windows
If you have tried all the solutions above and still face that annoying issue, it’s likely because of an older version of Windows. One forum user reported that things seemed to resolve after he upgraded to the latest Feature Update. So it could be bugs that future Windows updates fix. So ensure you always update Windows.
Go to Windows Settings > Windows Update to check if you have an update. Click on Check for updates button, download, and install whatever is available.
I hope this post was helpful and that you’ve successfully resolved the iastora.sys 100% disk usage issue now. It is one of the most annoying Windows issues that prevent you from accessing your device. It is a driver issue that eventually prevents communication between the PC and the hard drive.
We know how annoying it is to face this situation, so we’ve put together different solutions. Start with the simplest one for the best help. If you still have any questions or find anything complicated, you can ask in the comments.
How do I fix a stuck hard drive at 100%?
There are several reasons a hard drive gets stuck at 100%. This is annoying and prevents you from accessing your PC. You can update Windows or use OEM software to resolve this. You may also want to use Task Manager to check whether a process is continuously using the disk.
Why is my hard disc always running?
The hard disk of a computer system keeps on constantly working as it provides access and execution of all the commands being run. Moreover, this also ensures that all of the data stored here is safe in your computer system. Unless the hard disk is running too hard, making noises, or making the PC slow, you don’t need to worry about it.