How to Enable or Disable TRIM Support for SSDs in Windows 10

Solid-state drives (SSDs) have changed the way we store and access data with their lightning-fast speed. However, these drives still need thorough maintenance to maintain their performance and possibly extend their lifespan, which is where SSD TRIM support comes in.

TRIM is a command that lets Windows system inform the SSD which data blocks are no longer needed. It allows the drive to “pre-erase” them and “prepare” for new writes. While Windows 10 has the command enabled by default, there may come a time you will need to verify, toggle, or temporarily disable it.

In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to manage TRIM, whether you’re optimizing a gaming rig, a workstation, or a server.

How to enable TRIM support

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Win + X to open the Power User menu.
   • Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run the TRIM enable command:
   • In the windows, type this command, then press Enter:
     • “fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0”
3. Confirm if the command succeeded:
   • After executing the command, you will see a confirmation message:
     • “DisableDeleteNotify = 0”
   • If you want to double check if the command is properly executed, you can run the status command (see how to check if TRIM is enabled).

Once you’ve confirmed the command is executed, the changes will take effect immediately and no reboot is needed.

How to disable TRIM support

Despite the benefits of enabling TRIM support, there are specific scenarios where disabling it makes sense, like temporarily halting background cleanup for data recovery tools or testing drive behavior.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   1. Press Win + X, then select the Power User menu.
   2. Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run the TRIM disable command:
   1. In the windows, type this command, then press Enter:
      1. “fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 1”
3. Confirm if the command succeeded:
   1. After executing the command, you will see a confirmation message:
      1. “DisableDeleteNotify = 1”
   2. If you want to double check if the command is properly executed, you can run the status command (see how to check if TRIM is enabled).

After confirming, TRIM support is now disabled, and no reboot is needed for the changes to take effect. However, proceed with caution because having it disabled for a long time can lead to slower write speeds and increased wear on your SSD.

How to check if TRIM is enabled

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Win + X, then select the Power User menu.
   • Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run the TRIM Status query command:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type this command, then press Enter:
     • “fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify”
3. Interpret the output:
   • TRIM is enabled: It will show the output, DisableDeleteNotify = 0.
   • TRIM is disabled: It will show the output, DisableDeleteNotify = 1.

After learning the results, you will need to have it enabled (DisableDeleteNotify = 0) to optimize your SSD’s performance and longevity.

Important notes about TRIM support for SSDs

TRIM applies only to SSDs

The commands will only affect SSD TRIM support. Traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) don’t use this feature since they don’t suffer from the same limitations as SSDs when erasing data.

TRIM is safe and recommended

Modern SSDs are designed to work with TRIM, and disabling it long-term has risks like slower write speeds and increased write amplification (which means your SSD is doing unnecessary extra work). There may come certain scenarios to disable it, but it is best to avoid it to maintain optimized performance and longevity.

Some SSDs may handle TRIM internally

Some high-end SSDs often include advanced firmware that handles garbage collection independently. Brands like Samsung, Crucial, or WD may optimize their drives to self-clean stale data. You can maximize this by pairing the firmware-based cleanup with OS-level TRIM.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Should I disable TRIM for data recovery?

Yes, you should. Temporarily disabling TRIM during data recovery can improve your chances of retrieving deleted files. When TRIM is active, Windows regularly informs the SSD which blocks are unused, removing data when the SSD performs garbage collection. This cleanup process can overwrite data before the recovery tools retrieve the deleted files.

Just remember to re-enable TRIM immediately after recovery to avoid long-term performance hits.

Does Windows 10 enable TRIM automatically?

Yes, it is the default setting. Windows has TRIM automatically enabled for most modern SSDs since Windows 7. If you’re using a drive connected via SATA, NVMe, or a compatible RAID array, TRIM is likely already active.

If you want to make sure that TRIM is enabled, especially if you’ve recently upgraded your OS or drive, read the section above on how to check if TRIM is enabled.

Can I re-enable TRIM at any time?

Absolutely. You can toggle it on or off using Command Prompt whenever needed. You can follow the steps mentioned above on how to enable or disable TRIM support for SSD.

Will TRIM shorten the life of my SSD?

No. TRIM actually extends the lifespan of your SSD, since it reduces write amplification which are extra writes caused by stale data. This feature ensures your SSD is not prematurely worn out. Without it, the performance and longevity of your drive will exponentially decrease in a short amount of time.

Troubleshooting common SSD TRIM support issues

Issue: Command is not being recognized

If typing the fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify command returns an error, you’re likely missing administrative privileges. This is how you can fix this:

• Right-click the Start menu. Select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
• Ensure you are not using PowerShell or a non-elevated window.

OR;

• If you’re still stuck, type cmd in the Windows search bar, right-click Command Prompt app. Select Run as administrator.

Issue: TRIM is not being supported on my SSD

If enabling TRIM has no effect, your SSD may lack the TRIM support feature, which is common with older SSD models or non-standard hardware. Consult your SSD manufacturer for documentation.

Issue: SSD is still performing poorly

If performance is still lagging even with TRIM enabled, other factors can be at play. Follow this checklist to deduce the issue:

Checklist:

• Enable scheduled optimization: 
  • Search for Defragment and Optimize Drives in Windows.
  • Select your SSD, and click Optimize.

NOTE: We talk about this more in What Is Disk Defragmentation and Why Does It Matter.

• Update SSD Firmware: Use tools like Samsung Magician, WD Dashboard, or Crucial Storage Executive. Your firmware is possibly outdated, causing the slowdown.
• Avoid overfilling: Keep your SSD at least 10% to 20% free to give garbage collection room to work.

SSD TRIM Support: A small setting change with a big impact

Today, SSDs power almost everything from gaming rigs to enterprise servers. SSD TRIM support is crucial to maintaining this drive’s health and performance. This is the reason why Windows 10 has it enabled by default, but knowing how to confirm and adjust it still gives you control over your system.

Just remember to use the fsutil command from time to time in Command Prompt to check its status when needed. With TRIM active, your SSD stays ready for whatever you throw at it, without risking its performance and longevity.