Microsoft Defender Antivirus is a built-in antivirus software that comes with Windows 10. It is designed to protect your computer against viruses, malware, and other malicious software. However, some users have reported that Microsoft Defender Antivirus causes high disk usage on their computers. In this article, we will discuss the possible causes of this issue and how to fix it.

What Causes High Disk Usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus?

There are several reasons why Microsoft Defender Antivirus may cause high disk usage on your computer. One of the most common reasons is that it is scanning your computer for viruses and malware. This can be a resource-intensive process, especially if you have a large number of files on your computer.

Another possible cause of high disk usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus is that it is updating its virus definitions. This is necessary to ensure that your computer is protected against the latest threats. However, if you have a slow internet connection, this process can take a long time and use up a lot of disk space.

Finally, high disk usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus can be caused by conflicts with other antivirus software or security programs. If you have more than one antivirus program installed on your computer, they may be competing for resources and causing high disk usage.

How to Fix High Disk Usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus

If you are experiencing high disk usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus, there are several steps you can take to fix the issue. Here are some of the most effective solutions:

1. Disable Windows Search

Windows Search is a feature that allows you to quickly search for files and documents on your computer. However, it can also cause high disk usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus. To disable Windows Search, follow these steps:

1. Open the Start menu and type "services" in the search bar.
2. Click on "Services" to open the Services app.
3. Scroll down and find "Windows Search" in the list of services.
4. Right-click on "Windows Search" and select "Properties".
5. In the Properties window, change the "Startup type" to "Disabled".
6. Click "Apply" and then "OK".

2. Exclude Folders from Scanning

If Microsoft Defender Antivirus is scanning a large number of files on your computer, you can exclude certain folders from the scan to reduce disk usage. To exclude folders from scanning, follow these steps:

1. Open Microsoft Defender Security Center.
2. Click on "Virus & threat protection".
3. Click on "Scan options" under "Current threats".
4. Select "Windows Defender Offline scan" and click on "Scan now".
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the scan.

3. Use a Different Antivirus Program

If you are still experiencing high disk usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus, you may want to consider using a different antivirus program instead. There are many free and paid antivirus programs available that can provide excellent protection without causing high disk usage.

Conclusion

High disk usage in Microsoft Defender Antivirus can be a frustrating issue, but it can be fixed with the right solutions. By disabling Windows Search, excluding folders from scanning, or using a different antivirus program, you can reduce disk usage and keep your computer protected against viruses and malware.

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