High memory usage on Win 10

Hello everybody!

So, I have faced an issue recently that I couldn't manage to overcome so far. Task Manager shows that I am using 63% of my RAM, but nothing is running actually apart from the basic Windows services. I have disabled Windows Search, Superfetch, done everything, but nothing helped. I can hear that my PC is running at a high performance.

I found poolmon.exe, which helped me identify, which driver is causing the usage. It says, it is iaStorA.sys and iaStorAVC.sys. The one named iaStorA.sys I could locate, it stands for "Intel Rapid Storage Technology" - "Intel(R) 9 Series Chipset Family SATA AHCI Controller. My PC says, it has the latest driver, I tried to uninstall the driver and replace it with the old one, but it didn't solved the problem.
The other one - iaStorAVC.sys I could not locate, I don't know what that is, but it must be a part of the Intel Rapid Storage Technology. 

What can I do? I have an ASUS X540LJ with Intel Core i3-5005U, 4 GB RAM

Thanks for the replies!

Best wishes,
Milan
Hi Milan. I'm Greg, an installation specialist, 9 year Windows MVP and Independent Advisor, here to help you.

1) Update your drivers from the Asus Support Downloads web page, using the full model number or Serial Number on sticker. Compare the latest drivers available for download with the ones presently installed in Device Manager reached by right clicking the Start Menu. Make sure you have the latest BIOS or UEFI firmware, Chipset, Display (Video), Sound, USB3, Bluetooth, Network and all other drivers, or else download and install the latest now.

Then run the Intel Driver Update utility to compare the drivers it installs to see if there's any improvement: http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/...

2) Go over this checklist to make sure the install is set up correctly, optimized for best performance, and any needed repairs get done: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

Start with Step 4 to turn off Startup freeloaders which can conflict and cause issues, then Step 7 to check for infection the most thorough way, then step 10 to check for damaged System Files, and also Step 16 to test a new Local Admin account. Then continue with the other steps to go over your install most thoroughly.

3) If nothing else helps you can run a Repair Install by installing the Media Creation Tool and choosing from it to Upgrade Now. This reinstalls Windows in about an hour while saving your files, apps and most settings, solves many problems while also bringing it up to the latest version 1809 which you need anyway and by the most stable method. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-10/m...


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But remember that in Windows 10 everything depends upon the quality of the install, and Factory or Upgrade installs are inferior installs which most enthusiasts won't even run because they'd expect endless issues. Consider now or later doing the Clean Install in this link which compiles the best possible install that will stay that way as long as you stick with the tools and methods given: http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/wiki...

There is also an automated Fresh Start that reinstalls WIndows while shedding corrupting factory bloatware, saves your files, but doesn't clear the drive to get it cleanest: https://www.howtogeek.com/265054/how-to-easily-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and let us know how it goes. I will keep working with you until it's resolved.

________________________________________________________
Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites. The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.
____________________________
Retired 2023, thirteen year daily forums volunteer, Windows MVP 2010-2020

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Hi Milan

This article references CPU usage, but some of the same recommendations could be applied to your situation.

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/stop-whats-rev...

Information in the above link is sourced from a trusted Microsoft MVP blog.
Best regards,
Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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Hi, Milan,
you may try to switch to Microsoft driver, msahci.sys but only if SATA controller is configured as AHCI not RAID.

BTW you laptop supports 8GB RAM so I recommend to add 4GB RAM module.
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Thank you!

Unfortunately, it didn't seem to solve the problem. 

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How do I know wether it is configured AHCI or RAID? Can I do it without having to open BIOS?

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Unfortunately, controller's mode is set in BIOS. But if you have IRSE tool installed, it will show on screen.
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Just to further isolate the problem, could you try creating a new user account, sign in and monitor to see if the same problem happens:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/create-manage-...

I would also try performing a clean boot to see if it minimizes the impact:

How to perform a clean boot in Windows - Microsoft Support
https://support.microsoft.com/fil-ph/help/.../h...

If the problem still persists, I recommend you perform a Memory Test:

https://www.groovypost.com/howto/use-the-memory...


Information in the above link is sourced from a trusted Microsoft MVP blog.
Best regards,
Andre Da Costa
Independent Advisor for Directly

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Last updated January 16, 2022 Views 1,685 Applies to: