Windows 7: Optimize SSD - how it works

Windows 7 is actually setting up an SSD hard drive correctly. With a few tricks, you can optimize the SSD even further. We'll show you how it's done.

Disable automatic defragmentation of the SSD

In contrast to HDD hard disks, SSD hard disks do not need to be defragmented. This can even reduce the lifespan. Therefore switch off the function:

1. Click the "Windows" and "E" keys at the same time so that the "Computer" opens in Explorer.
2. Right-click on the hard disk and select the "Properties".
3. Under the "Tools" tab, click "Defragment Now". Select "Configure Schedule" in the top right.
4. Click on the "Select disk" button and remove the check mark in front of the SSD. Then close all windows with "OK".

Optimize SSD: Deactivate prefetching

With HDD hard disks, files are sorted that are required for startup so that they can be called up more quickly. This is not necessary for SSD hard drives.

1. Press the "Windows" and "R" keys simultaneously so that the "Execute" command opens.
2. Enter "regedit" there and click "OK". The registry editor opens.
3. Navigate to the following path on the right: "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SYSTEM \ CurrentControlSet \ Control \ Session Manager \ Memory Management \ Prefetch Parameters".
4. Double-click the "Enable Prefetcher" entry and change the value to "0".

Deactivate hibernation

When the computer wakes up from hibernation, the SSD is subjected to enormous write access. The file hyberfil.sys is always loaded and has the size of the main memory. This has a major impact on the lifespan of an SSD. Tip: Switch off hibernation and switch the PC off completely instead.

1. Simultaneously press the "Windows" + "R" keys, enter "cmd" and click "OK".
2. Enter the command "powercfg -H off" and confirm with Enter.
3. Hibernation is deactivated and the hyberfil.sys file is deleted. This way, you also create a lot of free space.

Deactivate the timestamp function and DOS file name

These two functions also block the capacities of the SSD and are actually not required. The timestamp function saves which file was opened, edited and created when. In addition, each file has a DOS-compatible file name. Since nobody actually uses DOS-based programs anymore, this function can also be switched off.

1. Simultaneously press the "Windows" + "R" keys, enter "cmd" and click "OK".
2. Enter the command "fsutil behavior set disablelastaccess 1" and confirm with Enter.
3. Then do the same with the command "fsutil behavior set disable8dot3 1".

For more tips and tools on SSDs, see this article.