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How to Optimize SSD Performance in Windows

Windows already optimises SSDs well. Make sure TRIM is enabled and scheduled optimisation is on, keep 10–20% free space, and update the SSD’s firmware. Avoid old “SSD tweaks” like disabling the page file or indexing.

Updated
Time
10 minutes
Difficulty
Easy
Applies to
Windows

By Published Oct 6, 2026

Quick answer

  1. 1 Check TRIM: in Terminal run fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify (0 means on).
  2. 2 Search Start for Defragment and Optimize Drives; make sure your SSD shows as Solid state drive and scheduled optimisation is on.
  3. 3 Keep at least 10–20% of the SSD free.
  4. 4 Update the SSD firmware with the manufacturer’s tool.
On this page
  1. Before you start
  2. Check TRIM is enabled
  3. Let Windows optimise the SSD
  4. Other things that help
  5. Troubleshooting
  6. Frequently asked questions

Before you start

  • A Windows PC with an SSD

Method 1 Check TRIM is enabled

  1. Step 1: Open Terminal

    Right-click Start > Terminal (Admin).

  2. Step 2: Run the check

    Run the command below. DisableDeleteNotify = 0 means TRIM is on (good).

Check (and if needed, enable) TRIM
fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify
fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0

Method 2 Let Windows optimise the SSD

  1. Step 1: Open Optimize Drives

    Search Start for Defragment and Optimize Drives.

  2. Step 2: Check the media type

    Your SSD should show as Solid state drive. For SSDs, Windows runs TRIM, not a traditional defragment.

  3. Step 3: Keep the schedule on

    Make sure Scheduled optimization is On (weekly is fine). Click Optimize to run it now.

Method 3 Other things that help

  1. Step 1: Leave free space

    SSDs slow down when almost full. Keep 10–20% free.

  2. Step 2: Update firmware

    Use Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive, WD Dashboard or your SSD maker’s tool to install firmware updates.

  3. Step 3: Use the right mode and drivers

    In the BIOS, SATA SSDs should use AHCI mode. NVMe drives in an M.2 slot work best in a slot connected to the CPU (check your motherboard manual), with up-to-date chipset drivers.

  4. Step 4: Use a high performance power plan on desktops

    Settings > System > Power > Power mode > Best performance reduces power-saving latency.

Troubleshooting

The SSD shows as “Hard disk drive”

Run winsat formal in an admin Terminal to make Windows re-detect it, then check Optimize Drives again.

The SSD is much slower than its rated speed

Check it’s in the right M.2 slot or SATA port, AHCI is on, the drive isn’t nearly full, and it isn’t overheating (CrystalDiskInfo shows temperature).

Frequently asked questions

Should I defrag my SSD?

No traditional defrag. Windows’ Optimize Drives runs TRIM on SSDs, which is what they need.

Does Windows optimise SSDs automatically?

Yes, if scheduled optimisation is on, which is the default.

Summary

Confirm TRIM is enabled, keep Optimize Drives scheduled, leave 10–20% free space and update the SSD firmware. Skip outdated tweaks that disable Windows features.

Sources

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Written by

James Chambo

Founder

James is the Founder and Senior Editor of OnlineHow with more than 20 years of experience in internet publishing.