Windows 10: Unusual PC Behavior

Hello. I have been having problems with my computer constantly freezing and crashing. I have tried many things to fix this issue, including:1. Cleaning my registry with trusted software2. Updating all of my drivers,3. Removing junk files4. Using the sfc/ scannow and dskchk commands in Powershell5. Switching out my GPU6. Switching out my SSD7. Checking for firmware issues8. Checking for BIOS issues9. Running memory diagnostics to check for RAM issues10. Doing a factory reset11. Scanning for viruses and malware using Windows Defender, Malwarebytes, Iobit Malware Fighter 9 Pro, and Vipre Security

:)

 

Unusual hard disk behavior


I uninstalled Avast and switched to Windows Defender for the time being. Unfortunately that did not cure the weird HDD activity. You can clearly see the spikes every couple of seconds in this screen shot:





That pattern continues indefinitely until the PC is shut down.

These are the apps I've installed since the first of the year:





I don't see anything there that would cause constant disk activity, but I do think narrowing down possible causes is a good idea. I'm certainly open to suggestions. Thanks for your help so far.

 

Unusual hard disk behavior


I have power options set to never turn the hard disk off. So far the drive hasn't been shutting off, but the constant activity has continued.

This is my task manager processes sorted by most disk activity:





I also ran the Western Digital Diagnostics app and it passed the tests as you can see here:





As suggested I'm in the process of backing up my drive, but I would certainly prefer it not die on me. *Sad

 

Unusual hard disk behavior

Is this the screen you think would be more helpful?





It looks to me that an Avast Anti-Virus related process could be the cost for the weird disk activity.

EDIT: Actually this next screen shot seems to show "system" as being responsible for it: