How to Improve SSD Performance on Windows 11

Let’s admit it: SSDs were supposed to be faster than HDDs, and users installed them on their laptops or computers to increase their system performance. However, after upgrading to the latest Windows 11, many users have complained about slow SSD performance.

Users have claimed their SSD performance has become slower than ever after updating to Windows 11. After getting many user complaints, Microsoft released an update focusing on fixing slow SSD performance on Windows 11.

The update removed the bug interfering with SSD functionality, but the problem remained, and users were forced to look into other ways to fix it. Hence, you may find this guide useful if you have noticed a significant drop in your SSD performance.

1. Install the Windows 11 KB5007262 Update

As we noted early in the post, Microsoft released a patch to fix the SSD performance issue on Windows 11. The patch is available in the Windows 11 KB5007262 update. So, check for the available updates on your Windows 11 PC and install it.

If your PC isn’t eligible to receive the KB5007262 update, you need to download and install it manually. To do that, follow the simple steps we have shared below.

1. Open your favorite web browser and visit the Microsoft Update Catalog page.

2. On the Microsoft Update Catalog page, search for KB5007262.

3. Next, download the x64 version for the update file. Once downloaded, install the update on your computer.

This is how you can download and install the Windows 11 KB5007262 manually.

2. Enable the Fast Startup

The update will probably fix the slow SSD performance issue on your Windows 11 computer. However, after applying the patch, you can make a few changes to enhance your SSD performance even further. Here’s how to enable Fast Startup.

1. Open the Control Panel on your Windows 11 and click on Hardware and Sound.

2. On the Hardware and Sound page, click on Power Options.

3. On the Power Options, click the Choose what the power button does.

4. On the next screen, click on the Change settings that are currently unavailable.

5. Under the Shutdown settings, check Turn on fast startup. Once you have done this, click the Save Changes button.

3. Disable Startup Programs on Windows 11

Unnecessary startup programs can slow down the boot time of your Windows 11. Even if you have an SSD, you will notice a drop in performance if you have many Startup Programs enabled. Here’s how to disable Startup Programs to improve SSD performance on Windows 11.

1. First, click the Windows 11 search and type Task Manager. Next, open the Task Manager app from the list of matching results.

2. On the Task Manager, switch to the Startup Apps tab, as shown in the screenshot below.

3. Now click on the Status section to sort enabled apps. Now, right-click on all unnecessary apps and select Disable

4. Disable the SSD Defragmentation

The Windows disk Defragmentation tool allows you to free up storage space and speed up an aging drive. The tool fills empty gaps and brings the stored data closer for faster access.

However, you don’t need to run the defragmentation on the SSD, as it will shorten its lifespan. Many users have reported speeding up SSDs just by disabling SSD defragmentation. Here’s what you need to do.

1. First, click on the Windows 11 search and type Defragment. Next, launch the Defragment and optimize drives tool from the list of matching results.

2. Click on the Change settings button under the Scheduled Optimization.

3. On the Optimize Drives prompt, uncheck the Run on a schedule option. Once you’ve done this, click the OK button.

This is how you can speed up SSD On your Windows 11 by disabling the SSD defragmentation.

5. Disable Indexing

The indexing in Windows is done to speed up the file searches. However, this can often affect the speed and performance of the SSD. You can try disabling the indexing to see if it helps speed up a slow SSD.

1. Open the Windows 11 File Explorer. Next, right click on your SSD drive and select Properties.

2. On the Disk Drive properties, uncheck the Allow files on this drive to have contents indexed in addition to file properties.

3. Once done, click Apply. On the Confirm attribute change prompt, select Apply changes to subfolders and files and click OK.

Also read: Windows 11 Free Download

These are some of the best ways to speed up your SSD on your Windows 11 computer. In the comment box below, let us know if you know of any other ways to speed up a slow SSD on Windows 11.