But what if the slow speeds you were hoping to avoid are still happening on a device with an SSD? It may be hardware-related, but there are also some things you can try on the software side. We’re using Windows 11 for the purposes of this tutorial, but most of the settings mentioned are also available on Windows 10. Here’s what you need to know.
Check if it’s a hardware issue
Sometimes, the problem isn’t to do with Windows at all. The performance of SSDs degrades over time, and there can be defects which make this process happen quicker. There are two ways to check if that’s what’s affecting your device.
Via File Explorer
Using the File Explorer is the easiest method, and the one we recommend for most people:
Via Command Prompt
It’s also possible to do this via Command Prompt, although it will just identify any issues rather than try to solve them: Even if no issues are detected, it’s worth doing some of the file management you normally would to see if the situation has improved. If not, move on to the next step.
Check for software updates
A Windows 11 update may have caused the issue, so it’s worth checking if any potential fix has been released. Almost every update will fix some bugs. To do so, just check and install any updates like you normally would:
Disable startup programs
By reducing the number of apps that launch each time you turn on your device, you decrease the load on your SSD and potentially help it perform better: Remember, only do this for apps you’re familiar with. If unsure, it’s best to leave them or do research to see if they’re important.
Turn off SSD defragmentation
The disk defragmentation tool is important for hard disk drives (HDDs), but not necessary on SSDs. In fact, it could reduce the performance of your SSD, so it’s worth turning off:
Delete USN Journal
A USN Journal file provides a log of all the changes made to the volume where it’s stored. But it’s not necessary for the running of your device, and it can slow down SSD read and write speeds. To delete it: Hopefully one (or more) of these steps will have fixed the problem or boosted SSD speeds. If not, it might be time to consider a new SSD or even new laptop. As the resident expert on Windows, Senior Staff Writer Anyron’s main focus is PCs and laptops. Much of the rest of his time is split between smartphones, tablets and audio, with a particular focus on Android devices.
