Windows 10: HDD being thrashed for about 10 minutes on EVERY restart

In the last few weeks, my HDD is being thrashed for about 10 minutes after every reboot of Windows 10.
I am almost unable to use normal apps/games till this thrashing stops.
Looking at Task Manager, it seems like AntiMalWare (Defender) seems to be at the top of the list most of the time with 'system' up there as well.
Didn't used to happen. Creator update?
Any help appreciated.

:)

 

Windows update fail KB4015438 with 0x800705b4

I get this repeatedly:

"There were some problems installing updates, but we’ll try again later. If you keep seeing this and want to search the web or contact support for information, this may help: (0x800705b4)"

a) What is this supposed to mean?

b) This is very annoying because every time I turn the computer on Windows decides to thrash the HDD and processor for 15 minutes trying to install the update again when I am trying to use the computer.

 

Microsoft Skype 32 bit running

Approx after 30 minutes my new Dell E7450 i7 laptop boots Windows 10 the process "Microsoft Skype (32 bit)" causes >35% CPU utilisation and 95% of HDD activity. My HDD LED looks like the disk is thrashing. After a couple of minutes of this high activity
the laptop fans come on full speed. This runs for ~5-8 minutes and if I terminate the process it just kicks straight back in.

I don't have Skype installed, only Skype for business which was installed as part of Office 365 Cloud installation.

Skype for business does not automatically start with Windows and its not running when this issue occurs.

I also have Windows 10 64 bit installed, so why is this process 32 bit?

Other people in numerous forums have the same issue.

 

Hi, there's probably a good answer, but when I initially installed Win10 a couple of years back, my first reaction when I saw Defender doing that (which it shouldn't and I guess doesn't for most people) was to install Avast. Sorry I can't give you a direct answer- perhaps someone who uses Defender can.

As to whether that's anything to do with the Creator's upgrade, you will know if you have that as you will have seen the lengthy upgrade process proceed.

If unsure, see your Update History and check your Windows version.

Windows key + R, winver.

 

Thanks. I might give Avast a go.
I have the Creator update, what I meant was could it be that causing the issue as it's only been happening on the last few weeks. Might be coincidence.

 

Your other approach may be to post a screenshot of task manager (details tab, organised high to low by CPU use) and perhaps Process Explorer (free from MS) when your CPU use is high.

Also compare performance after a clean boot.
Perform a Clean Boot in Windows 10 to Troubleshoot Software Conflicts Windows 10 Performance Maintenance Tutorials
(part 1)