10 Best Tweaks to Optimize SSD Performance

Updated By - December 6, 2024

10 Best Tweaks to Optimize SSD performance for longevity. Modern Solid State drives (SSDs) are already designed to be fast, reliable, and long lasting. Many of the manual tweaks once recommended for older drives or operating systems are no longer necessary or beneficial.

In the following updated guide, I cover some of the best practices I've found to ensure optimal SSD performance to provide a long Solid State drive lifespan while working in conjunction with today's modern operating systems. In addition, I cover methods to check your drive settings and if necessary optimize SSD after cloning.

Optimizing SSD Drives for Performance and Long Life

optimize ssd performance

Ten Tweaks to Optimize SSD Performance

Here are ten simple tweaks you can use to help keep your (SSD) Solid State Drives, optimized.

1. Keep Your SSD Firmware Updated

Manufacturers regularly release firmware updates to improve and optimize SSD performance and reliability. Updating the firmware can fix bugs, improve compatibility, and enhance overall drive performance.

  1. Visit the manufacturer’s website and download their SSD management tool.
  2. Follow the instructions within the tool to check for and install firmware updates.

2. Ensure TRIM Is Enabled

TRIM is a command that helps maintain SSD performance over time by allowing the operating system to inform the drive about unused data blocks that can be erased. It is typically enabled by default on modern operating systems.

  1. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following and then press enter: 
    fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify
  3. If the result is DisableDeleteNotify = 0, TRIM is enabled. If not, you can enable it by entering the following: 
    fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0

3. Avoid Overfilling Your SSD

To maintain optimal performance, leave at least 10-20% of your SSD’s capacity free. This allows the drive to efficiently perform garbage collection and maintain speed.

4. Enable AHCI Mode in BIOS

Advanced Host Controller Interface (AHCI) mode is essential for proper SSD functionality. If your system was installed in IDE mode, you may need to reinstall the operating system to enable AHCI.

  1. Enter your system’s BIOS/UEFI during boot (usually by pressing Delete or F2).
  2. Navigate to the SATA configuration settings and select AHCI.
  3. Save changes and reboot.

5. Let Windows Handle SSD Optimization

Windows 10 and 11 include built-in optimization tools for SSDs, such as the "Optimize Drives" feature. It runs TRIM and ensures the SSD remains in peak condition.

  1. Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives in the Start Menu.
  2. Select your SSD and click Optimize. Ensure the optimization schedule is enabled.

6. Avoid Manual Defragmentation

SSDs do not benefit from traditional defragmentation and, in fact, frequent defragmentation can reduce their lifespan. Modern operating systems are SSD-aware and handle optimization automatically.

7. Disable Unnecessary Background Apps

While SSDs can handle significant read/write operations, reducing background processes can improve overall system performance. Use the Task Manager to review and disable apps running on startup:

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
  2. Go to the Startup tab and disable unnecessary programs.

8. Back Up Your Data Regularly

Even with proper care, all storage devices can fail. Use reliable backup tools or cloud storage services to protect your data.

  1. Set up automatic backups to an external drive or cloud service.
  2. Consider using tools like Windows Backup or third-party software for more robust options.

9. Monitor SSD Health

Use SSD management software provided by the manufacturer to monitor drive health, remaining lifespan, and temperature. Tools like CrystalDiskInfo can also provide detailed information.

10. Optimize the Pagefile

While modern SSDs are designed to handle pagefile writes efficiently, optimizing its size can balance performance and longevity. Rather than disabling the pagefile entirely, you can set a custom size to reduce unnecessary write operations.

  1. Navigate to System Properties (right-click "This PC" and select Properties).
  2. Click Advanced System Settings, then under the Performance section, click Settings.
  3. Go to the Advanced tab and click Change under the Virtual Memory section.
  4. Uncheck Automatically manage paging file size for all drives.
  5. Select your SSD, choose Custom Size, and set both the initial and maximum size to 1024MB (1GB) or 2048MB (2GB).
  6. Click Set and then OK to save changes.

Note: If you have less than 16GB of RAM, a larger pagefile size may be necessary for optimal system performance.

How to Optimize SSD After Cloning

After cloning a full system from one drive to another, additional steps may be required for SSD optimization. Here are some steps you can follow to verify and if necessary adjust your cloned SSD drive settings:

1. Check Partition Alignment

Proper partition alignment ensures optimal SSD performance. Misaligned partitions can result in slower read/write speeds.

  1. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following and press enter: 
    wmic partition get Name, StartingOffset
  3. Verify that the starting offset of each partition is divisible by 4096 (e.g., 1048576 bytes).
  4. If partitions are misaligned, use a tool like MiniTool Partition Wizard or AOMEI Partition Assistant to realign them.

2. Verify TRIM is Enabled

TRIM helps maintain SSD performance over time. After cloning, you can confirm that it is enabled:

  1. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. Type the following and press enter: 
    fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify
  3. If the result is DisableDeleteNotify = 0, TRIM is enabled. If not, enable it by typing 
    fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0

3. Expand the Partition

If your new SSD is larger than the source drive, cloning may leave unallocated space. Expand the partition to utilize the full capacity:

  1. Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
  2. Right-click the cloned partition and choose Extend Volume.
  3. Follow the wizard to add the unallocated space to the partition.

4. Verify Boot Configuration

Cloning can sometimes disrupt boot settings. Ensure the new SSD is set as the primary boot drive:

  1. Access the BIOS/UEFI during system boot (usually by pressing Delete or F2).
  2. Ensure the SSD is selected as the first boot device.
  3. Confirm that AHCI mode is enabled for the SSD.

5. Run a System File Check

Cloning can cause minor file inconsistencies. A system file check ensures everything is intact:

  1. Open a Command Prompt as Administrator.
  2. To scan the filesystem, type the following and then press enter: 
    sfc /scannow
  3. Allow the system to scan and fix any file integrity issues.

6. Install Latest Drivers

Ensure the SSD and chipset drivers are up-to-date for optimal performance. Visit the manufacturer’s website to download the latest drivers.

7. Adjust Power Settings

Reapply SSD-optimized power settings, especially if cloning reset them:

  1. Open Power Options from the Control Panel.
  2. Set Turn off hard disk after to Never.
  3. Apply the changes and exit.

8. Update SSD Firmware

Check for firmware updates from the manufacturer to ensure the SSD is running the latest optimizations and fixes. Following these post cloning steps will help ensure your SSD is fully optimized for performance. If you are looking for a simple way to produce a copy of an existing bootable drive, you can use a tool such as Balena Ecther to Clone a Drive.

Conclusion

By following these modern SSD optimization tips or SSD performance tweaks, you can ensure your SSD drive remains fast, reliable, and long lasting. Remember that today's operating systems and SSDs are designed to work together seamlessly, so manual tweaks are sometimes unnecessary. The most obvious focus should always be on keeping your drive updated, leaving space free, and maintaining a robust backup strategy.