diskspd.exe

What is diskspd.exe?

diskspd.exe is the DiskSpd benchmarking utility from Microsoft. It is a command-line tool used to generate configurable I/O workloads on storage devices to measure throughput, latency, and I/O patterns. It targets storage volumes and supports threading, queue depths, block sizes, and duration-based tests for precise benchmarking across SSDs, HDDs, and NVMe devices.

DiskSpd issues configurable I/O patterns against a target volume using multi-threaded workers and adjustable block sizes. It reports IOPS, throughput, latency, and distribution stats for repeatable benchmarks on Windows with standard I/O APIs.

Types of DiskSpd Operations

• Controller/Manager: Main process orchestrating benchmarks and parameters
• I/O Worker Threads: Threads issuing read/write operations per the test profile
• Logging/Result Collector: Gathers timing, throughput, and latency data

Is diskspd.exe Safe?

Yes, diskspd.exe is safe when obtained from official Microsoft downloads and executed from trusted folders such as C:\Program Files\DiskSpd. Do not run executables from untrusted sources.

Is diskspd.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real diskspd.exe is not a virus. Malware sometimes uses similar names; verify the signature and location.

How to Tell if diskspd.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Ensure diskspd.exe is at C:\Program Files\DiskSpd\diskspd.exe or D:\Tools\DiskSpd\diskspd.exe. Any diskspd.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click C:\Program Files\DiskSpd\diskspd.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show 'Microsoft Corporation' as signer.
3. Command-line Origin: Check the hash and publisher: Get-AuthenticodeSignature 'C:\Program Files\DiskSpd\diskspd.exe' in PowerShell; Status should be valid.
4. Resource and Behavior: Legitimate diskspd.exe runs under known parameters and exits after tests; persistent or noisy background activity is suspicious.

Why Is diskspd.exe Running on My PC?

DiskSpd runs when you explicitly start a benchmark or when a script or CI job invokes it to measure storage performance. It may also run briefly during automated validation of disks.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Benchmark Run: You started a disk speed test with parameters (threads, queue depth, block size) and diskspd.exe spawns worker I/O threads.
• Automation and CI: A batch script or pipeline invokes diskspd.exe to collect performance data as part of a build or test suite.
• Scheduled Health Checks: Task Scheduler or monitoring tools launch diskspd.exe to validate disk health or throughput on a schedule.
• Background Logging: DiskSpd may run briefly to gather logs for diagnostics during storage tests or system audits.
• Multiple User Sessions: If more than one user or service runs diskspd.exe from a shared location, you may see concurrent instances.

Can I Disable or Remove diskspd.exe?

Yes, you can disable diskspd.exe. Stop any running benchmarks and remove the tool if you no longer need it. It is safe to uninstall or simply delete the executable folder.

How to Stop diskspd.exe

• End Current Benchmark: If running in a command prompt, press Ctrl+C to stop the test gracefully.
• Terminate Process: Open Task Manager, locate diskspd.exe, right-click, and choose End Task.
• Close Scripts: If invoked by a batch file, stop the script from continuing further runs.
• Prevent Startup: If launched automatically, remove it from startup tasks (Task Scheduler or startup programs).
• Secure Removal: Delete the DiskSpd folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\DiskSpd) to fully remove the tool.

How to Uninstall DiskSpd

• ✔ Delete the DiskSpd folder: C:\Program Files\DiskSpd
• ✔ If installed via a package manager, use its uninstall command
• ✔ Ensure no scheduled tasks or scripts reference diskspd.exe before removal

Common Problems: DiskSpd Benchmarking Tips

If diskspd.exe generates errors or produces unexpected results, review configuration, environment, and drive health. The following common problems and fixes help stabilize benchmarking.

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too aggressive I/O pattern: Reduce block size or queue depth; adjust test duration with -d and -t parameters to avoid saturation.
• Running on busy drives: Run tests on dedicated drives; close other I/O-heavy apps to isolate results.
• Outdated DiskSpd version: Download the latest DiskSpd from Microsoft and re-run with updated parameters.
• Insufficient privileges: Run in an elevated Command Prompt (Run as Administrator) to access raw devices.
• Incorrect parameters: Double-check syntax for -d (duration), -o (threads), -t (queue depth), -b (block size), -w (read/write mix).
• Cache effects: Test with or without OS cache; flush caches if needed using appropriate OS commands and repeat tests.

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