Fix Service Host SysMain High Disk Usage in Windows (2024)

Service Host Sysmain, also known as Superfetch, is a Windows process that helps optimize performance of frequently used apps. It stores data to speed up launch times by using available memory.



This process sees what apps are used most and preloads sections of them into memory, making launch times faster.

When Service Host Sysmain starts using too much disk usage, it can slow down your computer. You can try disabling Superfetch or clearing the Sysmain cache. Disabling Superfetch will reduce disk and memory usage, but might slow down certain programs. Clearing the cache frees up space and improves performance.

Check for malware or viruses on your system that could be causing increased disk usage. Update device drivers to keep your system running smoothly.

Note: If disabling Service Host Sysmain’s features is not enough, consider upgrading hardware or investing in a more powerful computer system.



service host sysmain

Steps to Fix Service Host SysMain high disk usage in Windows

If you are facing issues with the high disk usage caused by service host sysmain on your Windows system, then worry not. This article will provide you with a step-by-step guide to fix the problem efficiently.

  1. Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl+Shift+Esc.
  2. Locate the Service Host: Sysmain and right-click on it.
  3. Click on End task from the context menu.
  4. Open Command Prompt as administrator and type the following command: net.exe stop “SysMain”
  5. Press Enter and restart your computer.

Do note that sysmain is an essential process in Windows. Hence, shutting it down permanently could impact your system’s performance. Therefore, it is recommended to disable it temporarily and observe any changes in the system.

Step 1: Stop the Superfetch Service

Superfetch is a common issue that can cause high disk usage on Windows systems. To fix it, we must stop the service. Here’s 6 steps to do it:

  1. Press Win+R.
  2. Type “services.msc” and press enter.
  3. Find Superfetch or related services.
  4. Right-click it and click “Properties“.
  5. Select “Stop” under Service Status.
  6. Click “OK“.

Stopping Superfetch will not harm your computer. It is just a caching mechanism for applications.

Step 2: Disable Windows Search Service

Do you have service host sysmain high disk usage on Windows? Disabling Windows Search Service might help. Here’s how:

  1. Press the Windows key + R. Type “services.msc” in the Run dialogue box.
  2. Look for “Windows Search” from the list of services. Right-click it and select “Properties“.
  3. Change the startup type to “Disabled” and click “Stop“.

By disabling Windows Search Service, you may see a reduction in high disk usage caused by service host sysmain. Keep in mind, though, that this will also disable search functionality on Windows.

Note: Restart your computer after disabling any services for better effects.

Step 3: Change Virtual Memory Settings

Need to optimize virtual memory and fix service host sysmain’s high disk usage on Windows? Follow these five simple steps!

  1. Right-click ‘This PC’ and go to ‘Computer Properties’.
  2. Click ‘Advanced System Settings’.
  3. Under ‘Performance’ tab, select ‘Settings…’.
  4. On ‘Advanced’ tab, click ‘Change…’.
  5. Uncheck the option for automatic paging file size management. Set custom size based on RAM size.

Remember: Balance between computer performance and storage space. Check if enough RAM too.

Plus, system updates and regular malware scans can help reduce such issues.

Step 4: Update the System Drivers

Updating system drivers is a great fix for “Service Host Sysmain High Disk Usage” issues on Windows. Here’s how:

  1. Right-click on ‘This PC’ in the Start menu. Select ‘Manage.’
  2. Go to ‘Device Manager’ on the left-hand side.
  3. Right-click on the driver that needs updating and choose ‘Update driver.’
  4. Either search online for the update or find it manually on your computer.
  5. Click ‘Install’ and follow any on-screen instructions.

For improved system performance and to prevent issues, make sure all drivers are updated to the latest Windows version. Outdated drivers can cause crashes and severe hardware problems. Updating drivers can be time-consuming but it’s worth it in the long run.

Step 5: Run System Maintenance Troubleshooter

To resolve service host sysmain high disk usage, running the System Maintenance Troubleshooter is your best bet. To do so, follow these steps:

  1. Hit Windows key + R on your keyboard.
  2. Type msdt.exe -id MaintenanceDiagnostic and press OK.
  3. The System Maintenance Troubleshooter window will open. Click Next to start the scan.
  4. If any issues are identified, select the Apply this fix checkbox and let it repair automatically.
  5. After it’s complete, restart your computer and check if the issue persists.
  6. If no issues are found, close the troubleshooter window.

It’s important to keep in mind that the System Maintenance Troubleshooter only solves basic problems related to system maintenance tasks, such as disk cleaning and updates. Furthermore, it’s an intuitive tool that identifies common system maintenance problems with little user effort.

Note: If your issue is still unresolved after running the troubleshooter, try scanning your computer for malware or viruses with an up-to-date anti-virus software program.


Tips to Reduce High Disk Usage in Windows

In Windows, a common issue that users face is High Disk Usage. This can cause your computer to slow down and become unresponsive. Here are some effective Tips to Reduce High Disk Usage in Windows:

  1. Disable unnecessary startup programs using Task Manager
  2. Clean up temporary files and system files using Disk Cleanup tool
  3. Disable Superfetch service, which uses a lot of disk resources
  4. Update device drivers and Windows OS to keep them optimized

It is essential to keep your system optimized to avoid High Disk Usage issues. Ensure to regularly clean up your system using the above tips and updates. Remember, a well-optimized system not only speeds up processes but also prevents potential risks of losing data and other useful resources.

1. Close unused programs and services

Having a computer running slow due to high disk usage? Here’s a 6-step guide to help you out:

  1. Press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the “Processes” tab to view all running programs and services.
  3. Select the program or service to close and hit “End Task”.
  4. Sort processes by ‘CPU’, ‘Memory’, and ‘Disk’ to identify which are taking up more resources.
  5. Third-party apps like CCleaner or Anti-Virus can detect and close unwanted programs.
  6. Be careful not to close any necessary or system-critical processes.

2. Disable unnecessary startup programs

When you switch on your PC, you might see a delay. This is usually because of programs running when you start up. Here’s how to turn them off and reduce disk usage.

  • Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and click on Task Manager. Then, go to the Startup tab and disable any program not necessary for startup.
  • If you’re not sure, look it up or ask a tech-savvy friend.
  • You can also use third-party tools like CCleaner to manage your startup programs better.

Disabling unnecessary programs during startup not only reduces disk usage but also speeds up your computer.

Plus, it’s important to clean up your disk by deleting old files and temporary files. This frees up space and reduces disk usage while improving performance.

3. Use Disk Cleanup to free up disk space

Disk Cleanup can be a great way to free up space on your Windows computer. It looks for unneeded files that are taking up space. Here’s how to use it:

  1. Open the Start Menu and type ‘Disk Cleanup’.
  2. Choose it from the results and open.
  3. Select the drive (usually C).
  4. Wait for the tool to calculate how much space it can clear.
  5. Tick all boxes in the ‘Files to delete’ section, or pick manually.
  6. Click OK and let Disk Cleanup work its magic.

Remember that Disk Cleanup can’t always spot all types of junk files. It’s best for regular maintenance, not a single-time fix.

You should also uninstall applications or programs that you don’t need. This helps save disk space and boosts performance. Windows also has Storage Sense, which gets rid of temp files, empties Recycle Bin, etc.

4. Upgrade hardware components

To reduce high disk usage in Windows, upgrading hardware parts is an option. Here are 6 things to think about:

  • Get an SSD drive for speed and dependability.
  • Change RAM for better multitasking.
  • Switch CPU for quicker processing.
  • Put in a dedicated graphics card for great gaming and videos.
  • Upgrade the PSU for the power needs of newer components.
  • Get more fans or upgrade the cooling system to prevent overheating.

Moreover, research which components will work with your setup before buying. Always remember to backup important files before upgrading.

5. Use Resource Monitor to identify disk usage

Are your computer’s response times slower than usual? High disk usage might be the cause. To fix this, use Resource Monitor! Follow these 4 steps:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. In Performance tab, click ‘Open Resource Monitor‘ at the bottom.
  3. In Disk tab, sort by Total (B/sec). Look for processes with high disk activity. Usually, it’s anti-virus programs or Windows’ System Host: Local System process.
  4. Identify the process causing high disk usage. Try updating, uninstalling, or limiting its access rights in Security tab of Properties window.

Don’t forget, outdated hardware can cause disk usage too. Also, users can experience random disk spikes when doing certain actions like opening a file or running a program. Update or reinstall device drivers for hard drive to see if it helps performance.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is ‘service host sysmain’ and why does it use high disk usage on my Windows PC?

‘Service host sysmain’ is a Windows system process responsible for managing and optimizing memory usage for frequently accessed files and applications. Sometimes, this process can use high disk usage, which slows down the computer and makes it less responsive.

2. How can I check if ‘service host sysmain’ is causing high disk usage on my PC?

Open the “Task Manager” by right-clicking on the taskbar and selecting “Task Manager.” Click the “Processes” tab, and look for “Service Host: Sysmain” under the “Processes” column. If this process is using a high percentage of disk usage, it may be the cause of the problem.

3. How can I fix ‘service host sysmain’ high disk usage?

One solution is to disable the “Superfetch” service, which is responsible for managing the sysmain process. To do this, type “Services” in the search box and open the “Services” app. Find and right-click on the “Superfetch” service, select “Properties,” then change the “Startup type” to “Disabled,” and click “OK.”

4. What if disabling the ‘Superfetch’ service doesn’t fix the problem?

If disabling the “Superfetch” service doesn’t help, try disabling other services that may be causing high disk usage, such as the “Windows Search” or “Background Intelligent Transfer Service” (BITS) services.

5. Can I delete the ‘sysmain’ process from my PC?

No, you cannot delete the sysmain process as it is a vital part of the Windows operating system and is required for efficient memory performance and caching of frequently used files.

6. Is it safe to disable the ‘sysmain’ process?

It is generally safe to disable the sysmain process if it is causing high disk usage on your PC. However, disabling this process may result in slower application loading times and reduced memory performance.

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