How to Optimize SSD Performance in Windows 11

Edited 3 weeks ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Solid state drives (SSD) have changed the way we experience storage and computing speed in modern computing. SSD performance can make a significant difference in the overall speed of your computer. Windows 11, with its latest features, is well-equipped to run efficiently on an SSD. However, to get the maximum benefit, you need to optimize SSD performance. Here, we will explore several techniques to get the best out of your SSD in Windows 11.

Understand your SSD

Before diving into optimization, it's important to understand what type of SSD you have. There are different types of SSD, such as SATA SSD and NVMe SSD, each with its own features and performance capabilities. Make sure you know the specifications of your SSD to apply the right optimization techniques.

Enable AHCI Mode

Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) can unlock the full potential of an SSD. AHCI is a protocol that allows faster communication between your storage device and your system. If your BIOS is not setup for AHCI, your SSD may not be performing at its best.

To check and enable AHCI, follow these steps:

• Restart your computer and enter BIOS setup. This is usually done by pressing a key such as F2, Delete, or ESC during startup. The exact key depends on your computer's manufacturer.
• In your BIOS setup, look for a setting called "SATA Mode" or "SATA Configuration."
• Make sure it is set to "AHCI". If it is set to something else, change it to "AHCI".
• Save your changes and exit BIOS setup.

Update the firmware regularly

Like software updates, SSD manufacturers occasionally release firmware updates that enhance the performance and reliability of the drive. It's important to keep your SSD firmware up-to-date.

Firmware updates can be obtained from the manufacturer's website. Find your SSD model and follow the instructions to update the firmware. These updates can fix known issues, improve performance, and ensure better compatibility with your operating system.

Configure Windows Settings

Disable disk indexing

The speed of SSDs makes disk indexing unnecessary. Disabling this feature can prevent unnecessary write operations that contribute to wear on an SSD. Here's how you can disable indexing:

• Go to "This PC" or "File Explorer."
• Right-click on the SSD drive (usually "C:") and select "Properties."
• Under the "General" tab, uncheck the "Allow files on this drive to have their contents indexed in addition to file properties" option.
• Click "Apply" and then "OK." This will remove all indexing on the drive.

Disable Prefetch and Superfetch

Prefetch and Superfetch are features designed for mechanical hard drives that improve load times by predicting what data may be needed next. With an SSD, these are unnecessary and can be disabled:

1. Press "Win + R", type "services.msc" and hit "Enter". 2. Scroll down to find "SysMain" (formerly known as "Superfetch"). 3. Double-click "SysMain", then set the "Startup type" to "Disabled". 4. Click "Stop" if the service is running, then click "OK".

Minimize writing and pagefile configuration

SSDs have limited write cycles. Reducing unnecessary writes will increase the lifetime of an SSD. One way to achieve this is to configure the pagefile settings:

Adjust the pagefile

The pagefile is a portion of the SSD that is used as virtual RAM. When enough physical RAM is installed, the reliance on the pagefile is reduced, which can benefit the longevity of the SSD:

• Open "Control Panel", go to "System and Security" > "System".
• Select "Advanced system settings" and click the "Settings" button under the "Performance" section.
• Go to the "Advanced" tab and click "Change" under "Virtual Memory."
• Uncheck "Automatically manage paging file size for all drives."
• Select your SSD and choose “No paging file.”
• Click "Set," then click "OK," and restart your computer to apply the change.

Change power settings

Windows 11 includes power plans that can affect SSD performance. For the best SSD performance, create a high-performance power plan:

• Right-click the battery or power icon in the taskbar, and select "Power Options."
• Select "Create a power plan" from the left panel.
• Select "High Performance" or create a new plan based on "High Performance".
• Configure the plan settings and set the "Turn off the hard disk after" option to "Never".

Clean and defrag (trim) regularly

Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs do not require defragmentation and this can reduce their lifespan. Instead, SSDs use a technology called TRIM to optimize and clean up data blocks. Windows 11 automatically sends the TRIM command to the SSD:

• Search for and open "Defragment and Optimize Drives" from the Start Menu.
• Select your SSD and click "Optimize."
• Make sure the Optimization Status is "OK" and check that the SSD is being optimized weekly.

Disable System Restore

System Restore can consume SSD space with restore points. If you have reliable options for backup, consider disabling it:

• Search for "sysdm.cpl" in the Start menu to open System Properties.
• Go to the "System Protection" tab.
• Select your SSD and click "Configure."
• Select "Disable system protection" and apply the changes.

Enable write caching

Write caching can improve the performance of an SSD by temporarily storing data in the cache before writing it to disk:

• Open the Start menu by searching for "Device Manager."
• Expand "Disk Drives", and right-click on your SSD. Select "Properties".
• Under the "Policies" tab, check "Enable write caching on the device."
• Uncheck "Turn off Windows write-cache buffer flushing on the device", unless you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected.

Keep enough space free

SSDs require free space to work at maximum efficiency and speed. Keep at least 10-20% of your SSD free to ensure optimal performance. Delete unnecessary files and apps regularly, or move data to external storage if necessary.

Drive health monitoring

Regularly monitoring the health and status of your SSD can provide information and early warnings about potential problems. Many SSD manufacturers provide their own software for health monitoring. You can also use third-party tools like CrystalDiskInfo to check the drive's temperature, remaining lifetime, and health status.

Conclusion

Optimizing your SSD in Windows 11 involves system configuration, reducing unnecessary write operations, regular maintenance, and keeping your drive healthy. By following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure that your SSD delivers high performance and long-lasting reliability. These techniques not only apply to Windows 11, but can also be beneficial for older versions of Windows with SSD support.

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