New laptop, constant 100% Disk usage and ~50% CPU

The new Win8 touch laptop I just got is running ridiculously slow. Apps take minutes to open sometimes because the disk is constantly being used by several processes, even when idle.

The main culprits showing in Task Manager are "Service host: Local system", "Windows Modules Installer Worker", and "Antimalware Service Executable". Between them they are using 97+% of the disk and about 50% CPU constantly. It's gotten a bit better since I uninstalled all the trialware garbage that came on it, including McAfee, which was a massive slowdown. I plan on just using Windows Defender for security but it still says it's turned off, could that be the problem?

But for real, I'm pretty sure McAfee slows down the system more than the viruses.

I quit using Kaspersky anti-virus 2013 (our internet provider offers it for free), on my Windows 7 Dell Inspiron 1545 because it would use 100% CPU at random times several times a day. Went to Windows Defender and the problem cleared up. I now use Windows Defender on my new Windows 8.1 laptop.

Did you use the McAfee Removal Tool
How to uninstall or reinstall supported McAfee products using the Consumer Products Removal tool (MCPR)

I removed everything that I didn't install, and it's still pretty slow. How easy would it be to wipe it clean and install a fresh copy of Win8 using the same prouct key?

Try CCleaner on the registry.

https://www.piriform.com/CCLEANER

Enforcer574 said:

I removed everything that I didn't install, and it's still pretty slow. How easy would it be to wipe it clean and install a fresh copy of Win8 using the same prouct key?

Click to expand...

If you are talking about a factory reset to restore the computer to the same state as when you got it, watch this video:
How to factory reset asus notebook windows 8 - YouTube

The only drawback is that it is like starting over, you will have to reinstall your programs and data. Back up your data before doing anything.

Have you updated to Windows 8.1 yet, it is free through the Windows Store and it may fix some of the problem.

I'm not talking about a factory re-set as that would put back all the clutter and trial crap that I spent hours getting rid of. I mean wipe the hard drive and install a clean copy of Win8 straight from MS's website. Could I re-use the product key that came on this machine or would they make me buy it again?

You may try this procedure from this thread, post #8, but if it doesn't work you will have to purchase a retail key.
http://www.eightforums.com/installa...tted-genuine-windows-8-lenovo.html#post330277

Modules Installer is something that runs when updating/upgrading. I have found my system to be very sluggish while it is running. It is probably going through a lot of updating since it is new.