Need Laptop Help!!

Check for auto update for Microsoft. If set for "auto" MS tends to do that check and starts downloads at boot up time.

You tend to think there is something eating your PC but there are lots of activities MS does to keep you up to date. Personally, I shut mine off and manually check for updates once a month.

Run task manager
Click the process tab.
click the disk col (once for ascending sequence again for descending order)

It will show you what application or process is the hog.

If you see 'antimalware service executable' it is normal.

I believe it is part of windows defender and scans in the background. Every time you boot up it will take off where it left off the last time.

Windows 8.1 task manager is your friend.

Hope it helps.

Since it still in warranty give Dell a call or chat. IF it is the hard drive light then it could be going bad. If it is a SSD do not defrag it at all. You can go to Dell support and they can check it out online. If you need help on the just PM me.

The disc-drive indicator would most likely come on solid when the laptop is first started up. Windows is running check out for problems each time it is started. Also; any antivirus programs (malware, etc.) will be running at that time too.

Dependent on how many apps you have loaded, especially the type that update often on the web, the computer's CPU may be running close to 100%.

If you haven't been bothering defragment the hard-drive every once in a while it add to your problem.

Any number of things, but most likely it's whatever anti-virus you have doing a scan. Try disabling the anti-virus and see if that helps.

And if you say "Gee I don't have anti-virtus", then you probably picked something up.

Moved to Technology Corner