7 Ways To Make SSD Last Longer

There are several things that some people who use SSDs rarely know. Using an SSD is not the same as using a conventional or external hard disk.

There is a trick to treating your SSD properly to remain durable. Because SSDs also have a lifespan. The more frequently the SSD is written, the shorter its lifespan. The explanation is a bit technical. But this applies to all laptop and computer users with an SSD in it.

The following are tips for using SSDs so they last a long time

1. Don't store large files on an SSD
Unless your laptop only has an SSD as storage, don't save your data (work files, videos, music, software installers, ISO files, photos, etc.) on the SSD, but save it on a regular hard disk. Usually, ultrabooks or laptops with SSDs also have a hard disk with a much larger capacity.

The write capability on an SSD is slower than the read speed. So it is not suitable for storing large data or files. It's not impossible, but it's not suitable.

It's best if the laptop has 2 slots such as HDD and a DVD slot. So, just use the DVD slot as an HDD slot. And replace the internal HDD slot with an SSD slot. Then save the data on the hard disk, while the OS is installed on the SSD only. Especially if you use a version of Windows 8 and above installed on an SSD, wow... the speed can be really noticeable. Not surprisingly, Windows 8 can boot at almost 3 times the speed of Windows 7.

2. No need to defragment
Defragmentation is rearranging the data on a storage medium to make writing data easier. On HDDs, the defragmentation process can optimize HDD disk performance. However, this does not apply to SSDs, the defragmentation process will only shorten the life of SSDs because they do not use disks like HDDs.

Defragmentation is also not necessary on flash disks. Current OS, Windows 7 and newer, have automatically turned off this defragmentation feature if it detects that you are using an SSD as storage.

3. Reduce writing or deleting files
SSDs are ideally used to run operating systems or application programs. SSDs also have limits when it comes to writing and deleting data.

4. Increase RAM capacity
When the OS is running and launching an application, it certainly requires quite a lot of RAM. The operating system will utilize some of the storage capacity to increase its capacity. We usually call it a swap file or page file. The size is usually large. Even though we can set the amount, we should let the OS set it. Unless you need a special process.

So, if your laptop or PC has enough RAM, then the need to use this swap file will be less. As a result, the OS will not force reads and writes to the SSD. That way, the SSD will last longer. To make it even better, you should make sure you buy a good RAM module. Don't just buy cheap RAM and large capacity.

5. Don't just clone anything
The cloning process is carried out when we want to move the OS or data completely from one storage to another. For example, when you have just bought a new laptop. Is it absolutely not allowed?

Not really. The bottom line is, don't make the mistake of using hard disk cloning software. Use a tool or utility that supports SSD use. The most recommended is the O&O SSD Migration Kit or Paragon Migrate OS to SSD.

If you make the mistake of using a cloning utility that supports conventional hard disks only, the risk is that the lifespan of your SSD will decrease significantly.

6. Enable TRIM
What is TRIM? TRIM is a feature on SSDs that will tell the OS which blocks are considered unused and delete the remaining data internally so that the SSD can work optimally per disk space.

How do you know if TRIM is active on your OS?

There is a CrystalDiskInfo application that runs on Windows to display TRIM activation information. You can also use Command Prompt. Type:

fsutil behavior query disabledeletenotify

If the result displays "DisableDeleteNotify = 0" it means TRIM is active.

7. Avoid hibernation or sleep mode
In hibernate or sleep mode, some data is still stored on the SSD. This can affect SSD performance in the long term. It is best to immediately turn off the PC completely if it is no longer in use.

So there you have it, 7 effective ways to keep SSD life longer. Try to apply it so that the SSD remains durable and lasts longer.