Question My HDD only makes a noise when I lock my computer, what's it doing?

[rlsaj_]

Windows 10 machine, with a 1TB SSD as my boot drive, and a backup 2TB Western Digital HDD.

Right now - while actively using the computer - I hear no HDD noise however as soon as I lock my computer (windows + l) I can hear my HDD being accessed (not a clicking, just the low-pitched whirring noise that I've come to understand as the drive being accessed). As soon as I unlock my computer again the noise stops.

I've run Malwarebytes and have Windows Security Real-time protection etc on, and no issues.

How can I find out what's actually happening to the HDD (as maybe my SSD) while my computer is in standby?

 

[Lutfij]

Got an audio clip of the sound you're hearing?

Moved thread from Windows 10 section to Storage.

 

[Ryzener]

It' might be nothing to worry about. It may de-fragment files or the antivirus may scan. I had similar situation with Windows 7. But that was the latest Windows I've ever used.

How can I find out what's actually happening to the HDD (as maybe my SSD) while my computer is in standby?

With Windows you never know.