How to Resolve the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED Issue

The ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED message signifies that the file system in use does not allow the file-level trim operation to be carried out. This operation is crucial as it notifies the storage device about which data ranges are no longer needed, enabling it to manage storage more efficiently and enhance overall performance.

This issue often arises if a file is encrypted or compressed, or when using a storage device that does not support the trim feature. Specifically, drives formatted with the FAT32 file system will not be able to utilize the trim operation.

How can I resolve ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED?

1. Verify File System Compatibility

1. Press Win + E to launch File Explorer.
2. Right-click on the drive you wish to investigate and select Properties.
3. Select the General tab to view the File system type. Ensure that it is either NTFS or ReFS since FAT32 does not support trim operations.

If your external drive is formatted with FAT32, you’ll need to reformat it to NTFS or ReFS to utilize the trim function. If you encounter issues while formatting, check our guide on troubleshooting formatting problems.

2. Turn Off Compression and Encryption

1. Right-click on the file you wish to modify and select Properties.
2. Navigate to the General tab and click on Advanced.
3. Ensure that both Compress contents to save disk space and Encrypt contents to secure data are unchecked.
4. Click OK to apply these changes.

By disabling these features, your file will no longer interfere with the trim operation, preventing the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED from occurring again.

3. Deactivate the Trim Function

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. Input the following command and press Enter: fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify
3. If the output states DisableDeleteNotify = 0, trim is currently enabled. A result of 1 means trim is turned off.
4. To disable trim, enter this command and hit Enter: fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 1

4. Update Your Storage Drivers

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. Select Search automatically for updated driver software.
5. Follow the prompts to complete the driver update.

Issues stemming from the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED can also be linked to outdated drivers. Updating them might resolve the error. For optimal results, consider using a reliable driver updater tool to automatically find the correct drivers.

5. Perform Disk Optimization

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

If you find that the drive is inaccessible in Windows, follow the highlighted link for solutions to that issue.

By executing these steps, you should be able to resolve the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED problem and ensure the optimization of your storage device. For further assistance with any of these steps, feel free to leave a comment below.

Author: Egor Kostenko

My goal is to make complex technical topics simple and accessible. On this site, I gather unique and useful content that not only solves users’ problems but also helps them better understand the capabilities of Windows.