This page explains how Defraggler can optimize your solid-state drive (SSD) using a TRIM function.
Note: If you're unfamiliar with TRIM, this content may not be suitable for your needs.
Defraggler's TRIM function helps rejuvenate tired SSDs:
As with a standard HDD, the performance of an SSD deteriorates with use over time. Defraggler can optimize your SSD using a TRIM function.
What is the TRIM function?
When you write a file to a new SSD, it gets written to the block at full speed. However, if you delete this file, it doesn't get instantly removed. Instead, the space it occupies is marked by the operating system as “not in use.” When the operating system needs this space, it overwrites it. Unlike a standard HDD, it cannot do this in one action. First, it must erase all the data before writing the new information to the block. When you delete a file on an SSD, a TRIM command is also sent to wipe the marked block clean. This allows the SSD to write to a completely blank block. For TRIM to work, both the operating system and the SSD must support the feature, and it has to be enabled within the operating system itself.
How to enable TRIM in 4 steps:
- Click on the Windows Start button (
) - In the Search box, type: "cmd"
- Right-click the Command Prompt result > click Run as Administrator
- Type and enter: "fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0"
Does TRIM work on older types of SSD?
Older SSDs can't support the TRIM function, and TRIM is only supported on Windows 7 and later operating systems.
Note: You can use our Speccy software to determine if your current configuration supports TRIM.
Is TRIM not supported by your SSD or by your operating system?
Fear not, as Defraggler can use an alternative method to help improve the write speed performance of your SSD. This is by using a method called Zero Filling.
What is Zero Fill?
SSD performance is based on the time taken to write to a block. This is at its quickest when the block is blank (zero-filled). If there are no blank blocks left, the blocks must be erased to provide space for the new data. This slows down the writing process. If no TRIM function is available, the SSD can't erase the blocks in advance. To stop this from happening, Defraggler can overwrite all the free space on the drive with zeroes. This means that there's a supply of fresh, 'empty' blocks available, and you can write data to these. This can take longer than a TRIM and puts a bit more wear and tear on the drive, but it is a good alternative for configurations that do not support TRIM.
We don't recommend using Defraggler's defrag function on SSDs:
The defrag functions of Defraggler should not be used on solid-state drives since they may shorten the lifespan of these drives or even damage them outright while also having no impact on the drive's performance.
Find out more information.
