Boost Your Speed: How to Make Your SSD Faster at Intechs Computers

Is your once-blazing-fast PC starting to feel a bit sluggish? At Intechs Computers, we know that even the best Solid State Drives (SSDs) can lose their edge over time. Unlike old-school hard drives, SSDs can't simply overwrite data; they have to erase "blocks" before writing new information. This is where a powerful built-in Windows tool called TRIM comes in.

TRIM is a command that tells your SSD which data blocks are no longer in use, allowing the drive to wipe them in the background so it’s always ready for new data. Here is our expert guide on how to use it and other pro-tips to keep your system at peak performance.

1. Enable the TRIM Command

Most modern versions of Windows enable TRIM by default, but it’s always worth double-checking—especially after a major update or if you’ve noticed a slowdown.

• Check TRIM Status:

  1. Open the Start Menu, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Type the following command and press Enter:

     
     

     fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify.

  3. Interpret the result:

     • DisableDeleteNotify = 0: TRIM is enabled (This is what you want!).

     • DisableDeleteNotify = 1: TRIM is disabled.

• How to Enable It:

  
  

  If it’s disabled, type this command and press Enter:

  
  

  fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0.

2. Manually Run Optimization

If you've just deleted a massive 100GB game or a folder full of 4K videos, you don't have to wait for Windows' weekly schedule. You can trigger TRIM manually.

• The Quick Way: Search for "Defragment and Optimize Drives" in your Start Menu. Select your SSD and click Optimize.

• The Pro Way (PowerShell): Run PowerShell as administrator and use:

  
  

  Optimize-Volume -DriveLetter C -ReTrim -Verbose.

3. Give Your SSD "Breathing Room"

An SSD that is 99% full will inevitably slow down because its controller has no room to move data around for maintenance.

• The 15% Rule: Aim to keep at least 15-20% of your drive empty. This "free space" allows the TRIM and Garbage Collection processes to work efficiently.

4. Advanced Performance Tweaks

For those looking for every last drop of speed, consider these secondary optimizations:

• Enable Write Caching: This allows Windows to "queue up" write commands in your system RAM, making file transfers feel much faster. You can find this in Device Manager > Disk Drives > [Your SSD] > Properties > Policies.

• Set Power to "Best Performance": Windows power-saving modes can sometimes throttle your drive to save energy. Go to Settings > System > Power & battery and select Best Performance.

• Update Your Firmware: Manufacturers like Samsung, Crucial, and Western Digital release firmware updates to fix bugs and improve controller efficiency. Use tools like the Crucial Storage Executive or Samsung Magician to check for updates.

Summary of Quick Commands

TaskCommand (Run as Admin)Check TRIMfsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotifyEnable TRIMfsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0Manual Trim (C:)defrag C: /O

Need a professional hand? If your PC is still dragging despite these tweaks, it might be time for a hardware diagnostic or a fresh upgrade. Visit us at Intechs Computers in Nairobi for expert laptop repair and optimization services.

To help us give you the best advice for your specific machine, could you tell us:

• What is the make and model of your laptop or SSD?

• How much free space do you currently have on your C: drive?

• Are you experiencing slow boot times or lag during specific apps (like gaming or editing)?