Excessive SSD writes
can be caused by factors like malware, continuous disk swapping due to low RAM, and certain background processes, but can also be due to legitimate heavy workloads like video streaming or large file caching. To fix this, increase RAM, scan for malware, disable unnecessary services like Superfetch (SysMain), or check for Windows/driver updates
Common causes
Low RAM: If the system lacks enough RAM, it will use the SSD as virtual memory, leading to continuous swapping of data between RAM and the drive.
Malware: Viruses or other malicious software can cause excessive background disk activity.
Background processes: Services like Windows' Superfetch (now called SysMain) or the Windows Search indexer can cause high write activity.
Heavy workloads: Actions like streaming video, large downloads, or running memory-intensive applications can naturally cause a high volume of writes.
Outdated drivers or OS: Bugs in older drivers or operating system versions can lead to performance issues and high disk usage.
Improper drive settings: Power-saving settings that frequently spin down the drive can contribute to write cycles.
Faulty firmware or monitoring tools: Sometimes, a drive's firmware or a monitoring tool like CrystalDiskInfo may report incorrect data.
Solutions
Increase RAM: Add more physical RAM to your computer to reduce the need for the system to use the SSD for virtual memory.
Scan for malware: Run a full system scan with your antivirus software to ensure no malicious programs are causing the excessive writes.
Disable unnecessary services:
Superfetch/SysMain: Open services.msc, find the SysMain service, and set its startup type to Disabled.
Windows Search Indexing: This can often be disabled in the Windows settings.
Update your OS and drivers: Go to Settings > Update & Security to check for and install any pending Windows updates. Also, update your disk's specific drivers, if available.
Adjust power settings: Change power plan settings to prevent the drive from spinning down too frequently.
Disable the page file: For users with a large amount of RAM, disabling the page file can prevent swapping. Note that this may cause issues with some applications, so proceed with caution.
Monitor with CrystalDiskInfo: Use a tool like CrystalDiskInfo to monitor your SSD's health. If it reports abnormally high writes, and your system otherwise seems okay, it might be a reporting error.
