How to Boost SSD Performance on Windows 11
If you have an SSD, you might be used to enjoying fast data transfer, boot times, and application responses. But if your SSD has become slow after upgrading to Windows 11, you might want to fix the issue without wasting any time.
Since facing a lag in SSD speed is a common issue for Windows 11 users, there are multiple solutions available for the problem.
To help you benefit from these fixes, this guide takes you through the process to boost your SSD performance in Windows 11.
How to Boost SSD Performance in Windows 11?
You can boost your SSD speed in Windows 11 through a variety of approaches. Some of the most popular methods include the following.
Install the Relevant Windows Update
After noticing the complaints from a large group of users regarding their SSD slowing down, Microsoft released a Windows Update that directly addresses the issue.
The update titled KB5007262 addresses the issue of SSD as well as the affected performance of other disks such as HDDs. The update was released on November 11, 2021. For most people, installing it boosts the SSD performance in Windows 11.
This update should have automatically been installed for you. But if it is not, you can follow the steps below.
- Access the Start Menu.
- Search and click on Settings.
- Click on Update & Security.
- Select Windows Update.
- Check Optional Updates Available.
- Look for the update label.
- Install the update.
If the issue for your SSD performance does not get resolved even after installing the KB5007262 update for Windows 11, you can look into other methods.
Limit Startup Programs
In some cases, a slew of programs that start right after you boot your Windows can also slow down your system and make your SSD lag behind from its ideal performance.
You can disable these programs manually to make sure that your SSD does not slow down anymore.
In order to do so, follow the steps outlined below.
- Click on the Start Menu.
- Search for Task Manager.
- Go to the Startup tab.
- Disable any apps that are not necessary to run your computer.
As you move forward with this process, you have to make sure that you are not disabling any apps that can impact your overall system performance or which you use on a regular basis. While Windows 11 gives you a status level for these apps through indicators such as Low, High, None, and Not Measured, you need to be vigilant about the apps that you disable.
Check If Fast Startup is Enabled
You can boost your SSD performance by enabling the Fast Startup option in Windows 11. To do this, you can go through the following steps.
- Go to the Start Menu.
- Search for Control Panel and click on it.
- Go to Hardware and Sound.
- Click Power Options.
- Select Choose What the Power Button Does.
- Choose Change Settings That Are Currently Unavailable.
- Look over Shutdown Settings.
- Check if the box for Turn On Fast Startup is checked.
- Click Save Changes.
If there are no hardware issues with your SSD, going through these three options may often solve your SSD performance issue in Windows 11. But if you keep running into the same problem despite your SSD DIY solutions, you may want to get your SSD and system checked through a professional.
