Fixing the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Key Notes

  • Ensure your drive is formatted in NTFS or ReFS.
  • Disable encryption and compression on affected files.
  • Keep your storage drivers up-to-date for better compatibility.

Tackling the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED Issue on Windows

The ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED error occurs when the system encounters a file-level trim operation that the file system does not support. This guide will walk you through the essential steps to troubleshoot and fix this error, ensuring optimal performance and storage management on your Windows device.

How to Resolve ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED

Step 1: Verify File System Compatibility

To check your drive’s file system and ensure it supports the trim operation:

  1. Press Win + E to launch File Explorer.
  2. Right-click on the drive you want to investigate and select Properties.
  3. Go to the General tab to view the file system type. Ensure it is formatted as NTFS or ReFS, as FAT32 does not allow trim operations.

Pro Tip: If your external drive is formatted with FAT32, consider reformatting it to NTFS or ReFS to leverage the trim function.

Step 2: Turn Off Compression and Encryption

To disable file compression and encryption that may prevent trim operations:

  1. Right-click on the problematic file and select Properties.
  2. Access the General tab, then click Advanced.
  3. Uncheck both Compress contents to save disk space and Encrypt contents to secure data.
  4. Click OK to apply these changes.

Pro Tip: Disabling these settings ensures your file does not interfere with trim operations.

Step 3: Deactivate the Trim Function

To check and modify the trim function’s status:

  1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter : fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify
  3. If the output states DisableDeleteNotify = 0, trim is enabled; if it shows 1, trim is disabled.
  4. To disable trim, enter fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 1 and press Enter.

Step 4: Update Your Storage Drivers

Outdated or problematic drivers can also lead to the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED message. Here’s how to update them:

  1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
  2. Expand the Disk drives section.
  3. Right-click on your storage device and select Update driver.
  4. Choose Search automatically for updated driver software.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.

Pro Tip: For a smoother experience, consider employing a trusted driver updater tool to easily find and install the required drivers.

Step 5: Perform Disk Optimization

To optimize your disks effectively:

  1. Press Win + S and type Defragment and Optimize Drives.
  2. Select your SSD from the list and click Optimize.
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the optimization process.

Pro Tip: If your drive becomes inaccessible, refer to related troubleshooting guides for assistance.

By carrying out these steps, you should be able to eliminate the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED issue and maintain your storage device’s efficiency. For any further inquiries regarding these processes, please feel free to leave a comment below.

Additional Tips

  • Always ensure your backups are up-to-date before making changes to disk management.
  • Regularly monitor your disk health using third-party tools for longevity.
  • Consider using SSD maintenance software for better performance optimization.

Summary

In this guide, we explored essential steps to troubleshoot and fix the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED error. By verifying file system compatibility, disabling file compression and encryption, deactivating the trim function, updating drivers, and performing disk optimization, you can resolve this issue and optimize your Windows storage experience.

Conclusion

The ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED error can be a hurdle in maximizing your storage device’s performance. By following the outlined steps, you empower your system to manage storage efficiently while potentially improving overall performance. Should you have further questions or require support, don’t hesitate to ask!

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What does the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED error mean?

This error indicates that the file system does not support the file-level trim operation necessary for efficient storage management.

Can I fix this error without formatting my drive?

Yes, you can often resolve this error by disabling compression/encryption, updating drivers, and performing disk optimization without the need to format your drive.