Optimizing Windows for SSD Performance

SSD drives provide high speed and reliability, but to fully benefit from their performance and extend their lifespan, it’s essential to configure Windows properly. Let’s go through the steps to optimize Windows for an SSD.

1. Enable AHCI Mode

For optimal performance and to support TRIM and NCQ commands, it’s recommended to use AHCI (Advanced Host Controller Interface). If you’re installing Windows from scratch, ensure that AHCI is enabled in the BIOS before installation. For existing installations, follow these steps to switch to AHCI:

  1. Open the Registry Editor (run regedit).
  2. Navigate to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\iaStorV and set Start to 0.
  3. Restart your computer, go to the BIOS, and change the SATA mode to AHCI.

2. Disable File Indexing

File indexing can reduce SSD performance by causing Windows to access the drive frequently. To disable it:

  1. Open This PC and right-click on your SSD drive.
  2. Select Properties, then uncheck Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed.

3. Disable Prefetch and Superfetch

These features are designed for traditional hard drives and can put unnecessary load on SSDs. To turn them off:

  1. Open the Registry Editor and go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters.
  2. Change the values of EnablePrefetcher and EnableSuperfetch to 0.

4. Verify TRIM Command is Enabled

TRIM allows the operating system to manage deleted data more efficiently, which boosts SSD performance. To check if TRIM is enabled, run:

fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify

If you see DisableDeleteNotify = 0, TRIM is enabled. If not, enable it with the command:

fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0

5. Turn Off Disk Defragmentation

SSDs don’t require defragmentation, and performing it can wear out the drive’s memory cells faster. Windows 10 automatically disables defragmentation for SSDs, but you can double-check:

  1. Open Optimize Drives by pressing Win + S and searching for Defragment.
  2. Ensure SSD optimization is set to “Analyze only.”

6. Disable Hibernation

Hibernation writes your session to the drive, taking up significant space and potentially increasing wear on the SSD. To disable it, run:

powercfg -h off