How to Improve SSD Performance in Windows 11 [Step-by-Step Guide]

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Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

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Does Windows 11 slow down SSDs?

Newer operating systems are usually more optimized than older ones. So why do some people still report that their fresh Windows 11 installation is slowing down their SSD and ask how to “improve SSD performance?” This guide will show you how to prevent this and boost your SSD's performance in Windows 11.

But before we start optimizing the SSD performance, it's necessary to run an SSD speed test first. Click the link to see how to check M.2 SSD speed.

How to Check M.2 SSD Performance [3 Effective Ways]

This article will provide you with detailed information about M.2 SSD performance and offer a convenient and professional tool to check M.2 performance.

How to Improve SSD Performance on Windows 11

When people ask us the one question that matters most: “What can I do to improve my SSD's performance?” we always give them the same answer.

There is much that can be done, but the key question is: what should be done?

If your SSD drive isn't perfectly optimized for Windows 11, there are several ways to speed it up, with varying results. That's why we've put together a step-by-step guide outlining some of the most effective methods to boost your SSD's speed.

#1. Disable Startup Apps via Task Manager

The number one and most important way to improve SSD performance in Windows 11 is by disabling unnecessary startup apps through Task Manager.

Startup apps are programs that run automatically every time you power up your device, thus consuming some of its resources and slowing it down. This is particularly noticeable in Windows 11, as the new operating system is not yet fully optimized and can sometimes have bugs.

There are two quick ways to run Task Manager on your Windows 11 device.

Press Ctrl+Alt+Delete. This will bring up a menu.

Step 2: Left-click on the Task Manager button.

As you can see, at the bottom is Task Manager. When you click on it, you'll get a window that looks like this:

You can also open this window from your device using the "Run" command. Press the Windows key+R on your keyboard, then type taskmgr into the text box. Press OK or Enter, and you'll see the same result.

Step 3: After opening Task Manager, navigate to the "Startup" tab (as shown in the following image). On this page, right-click on the application and select "Disable" if it's enabled. This will prevent the app from running at startup,减轻 the load on your SSD.

#2. Run the latest Windows updates.

Another common reason for slow SSD performance is an outdated operating system. Thus, running Windows Updates usually improves SSD performance on Windows 11.

Microsoft will release updates over time to improve system optimization and address known bugs, helping your Windows 11 run better and better.

To run the latest Windows updates, please follow these steps:

Step 1: First, you need to open the Start menu on your computer. You can do this by pressing the Windows key or by clicking on it manually on your screen.

Step 2: Next, you should go to the Settings tab and choose the Windows Update option, as shown in the image below.

Run Windows Update

If your operating system isn't up to date, available updates will be displayed here. You can choose to install them immediately or on the next restart. In either case, you'll likely need to restart your device for the updates to install.

Step 3: Enable Fast Startup from Control Panel

Another common way to improve SSD performance in Windows 11 is by enabling Fast Startup from the Control Panel of your device.

Fast Startup is an optional feature that trades some convenience for performance, speeding up SSD boot times for a smoother experience.

Step 2: Locate the Control Panel icon in the menu, and left-click it.

3. Click the "System and Security" button.

Step 4: There will be many options here, each of which relates to your operating system. What you're looking for now is Power Options. Click the button.

Step 5: Select the function of the Power button. This option is located in the list on the left side of the screen.

Step 6: Clicking on it will bring up another window where you can set power plans for your computer. These plans can optimize for appearance or performance, and if you have a laptop, for power saving.

Step 7. The "Fast Startup" option might be grayed out, so you can't use it by default. Luckily, fixing this is very simple: just click on the "Change settings that are currently unavailable" button.

Step 8. Finally, you should see the Turn on fast start-up (recommended) option under Hibernate settings. Check the box and click on the Save changes button. You'll notice the difference the next time you boot up.

#4. Expand C Drive with Partition Master

Many people are looking for a way to boost SSD performance on Windows 11 without dealing with complex Windows features. Thus, software developers have created an application called Partition Master Tool.

By default, the app lets you resize partitions to free up more space on drive C for the installation of the Windows 11 operating system, which usually results in better performance.

Option 1: Extend System C drive using unallocated space

1. Right-click on the System C drive and select "Resize/Move Partition." 2. Drag the system partition towards the unallocated space to add it to the C drive. Then, click "OK." 3. Click "Execute Task" and "Apply" to perform the operation and extend the C drive.

Option 2: Extend the System C Drive without Unallocated Space

1. Right-click on a partition with ample space on the system disk and select "Allocate Space." 2. In the "Allocate space from (*) to" section, choose the system drive, then drag the end of System C to the unallocated space. Click "OK" to confirm. 3. Click "Perform Tasks" to see the pending operations, then click "Apply" to save the changes and extend the C drive.

0:00-0:26 Extend the system drive with unallocated space; 0:27-0:58 Extend the system drive without unallocated space.

However, speeding up your SSD is not the only purpose of this powerful software. Actually, you can use it for many other things, such as:

• Resize/Move partitions
• Combine two SSD drives
• Create/Format/Delete partitions
• Copy disk/partition
• Migrate OS to SSD

Step 5: Update Your Graphics Driver

Another often-overlooked way to improve SSD performance in Windows 11 is to update the graphics driver for your device.

The process is straightforward, and the performance gains can be substantial.

Step 1: First, you need to open the Power User menu on your device. The easiest way to do this is by pressing Windows + X.

Step 2. After that, select and left-click on the Device Manager option. You will now see a screen as shown below:

Step 3: Right-click on the Display adapters option in the drop-down menu and select Update driver. You should then check the box for Search automatically for updated driver software.

When it's done, your device will have updated its graphics driver.

Step 6: Remove Unnecessary Files and Programs

Lastly, perhaps the simplest way to improve SSD performance on Windows 11 is to free up space on the drive or its partition. You can do this by deleting files and programs that you no longer need.

Delete unnecessary files:

Deleting unnecessary files in Windows 11 is a straightforward task.

Step 1: First, you need to select the file or group of files you wish to delete.

Step 2: Right-click on the files, and a menu will appear with an icon of a trash can. Click this to move the files to the Trash.

Step 3: Next, you'll need to open the Recycle Bin. You can usually find this on your desktop. If not, search for it in the Start menu.

Step 4: Click the "Empty Recycle Bin" button. Confirm the deletion if prompted. The file is now removed from your computer.

Remove unnecessary or outdated programs:

This is a little more complex than simply deleting a file, and is usually done through the Start menu.

Step 1. First, press the Windows key or left-click the Start menu to view the list of apps on your computer.

Step 2. Next, tap and hold the app that you want to remove.

Step 3: You will see a drop-down menu with the option for Uninstall at the bottom. Click on it with your left mouse button.

Now, Windows 11 will ask you to confirm. Click “Uninstall” one more time in the pop-up, and your app will be removed, freeing up space and helping your SSD run faster.

Conclusions

As Windows 11 continues to receive balance updates and gains more traction with regular users, its SSD performance will likely improve.

That is not to say that you cannot do a great deal to speed it up while keeping your device in good shape.

This guide offers several ways to boost the performance of your SSD on Windows 11 and recommends an automated tool that we believe is particularly helpful for less experienced users.