ReadyBoost is a feature in Windows that can help improve your computer’s performance by using a USB flash drive or other removable media as extra cache memory. It is especially useful for systems with limited RAM. However, many users wonder if ReadyBoost can be used with SSDs on Windows 11.
In this guide, we will walk you through how to use ReadyBoost with an SSD on Windows 11, step-by-step. We will explain why certain steps are necessary and what you need to know before starting.
Let’s explore this simple method to potentially enhance your Windows 11 experience using ReadyBoost.
Follow along carefully to get the best results and understand the process clearly.
Quick Note: What You Need to Know Before Using ReadyBoost with SSD
- ReadyBoost is designed mainly for slower storage devices: It helps by caching data on faster media like USB drives when your system drive is slow.
- SSDs are already very fast: Because of this, Windows usually disables ReadyBoost on SSDs as the performance gain is minimal or non-existent.
- Windows 11 may not allow ReadyBoost on internal SSDs: It is primarily meant for removable drives such as USB flash drives or SD cards.
- Using ReadyBoost with external SSDs: If you have an external SSD connected via USB, you might be able to enable ReadyBoost, but this depends on Windows detecting the device as removable.
- Check your device: Make sure your USB or external SSD has at least 1GB of free space for ReadyBoost and is formatted with NTFS or exFAT.
Step 1: Connect Your External SSD or USB Drive
Plug your external SSD or USB flash drive into a USB port on your PC. It must be recognized by Windows 11 as a removable device to be eligible for ReadyBoost.
If the device is internal or Windows identifies it as fixed storage, ReadyBoost will not work.
Step 2: Format the Drive (If Needed)
It’s important that the drive is formatted using NTFS or exFAT file systems. Here’s how to check and format your drive:
- Open File Explorer and right-click the drive.
- Select Properties to see the current file system.
- If it’s not NTFS or exFAT, right-click the drive and choose Format.
- Select NTFS or exFAT from the file system dropdown.
- Click Start to format the drive. Note: Formatting erases all data on the drive, so back up important files first.
Step 3: Enable ReadyBoost on the Drive
To turn on ReadyBoost, follow these simple steps:
- Open File Explorer and right-click the external SSD or USB drive.
- Select Properties from the context menu.
- Navigate to the ReadyBoost tab at the top of the Properties window.
- If the tab is missing or greyed out, Windows has detected the drive as fixed or too fast for ReadyBoost.
- If available, select Use this device.
- Windows will recommend how much space you can allocate for ReadyBoost. You can accept the default or adjust it using the slider.
- Click Apply and then OK to enable ReadyBoost.
Why is this important? Allocating space for ReadyBoost allows Windows to cache frequently accessed files on the faster flash memory, potentially speeding up your PC.
Step 4: Verify ReadyBoost is Working
After enabling, check if ReadyBoost is active:
- Right-click the USB or external SSD drive and go to Properties > ReadyBoost tab.
- You should see a message confirming the device is being used for ReadyBoost.
- Additionally, you can monitor your system’s performance through Task Manager or Resource Monitor to see if caching improves speed during heavy use.
Alternative Method: Using Command Prompt to Enable ReadyBoost
If you prefer using the command line, you can try enabling ReadyBoost with the following steps:
- Press Windows + S, type
cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. - Type the following command and press Enter:
rboost -enable X:Replace X: with the letter of your external drive.
Note: This method only works if the device is ReadyBoost-compatible and recognized properly by Windows.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use ReadyBoost with an internal SSD on Windows 11?
No, Windows typically disables ReadyBoost on internal SSDs because they are already fast enough, and caching doesn’t offer noticeable improvements.
Will ReadyBoost slow down my SSD’s lifespan?
ReadyBoost uses flash memory to cache data, but it is designed to minimize wear. However, excessive writes could theoretically reduce lifespan, but modern drives are generally durable enough for typical use.
What if the ReadyBoost tab is missing on my device properties?
This usually means your drive is either not compatible, identified as fixed storage, or already too fast for ReadyBoost. Only removable drives like USB flash drives or external SSDs recognized as removable support ReadyBoost.
Does ReadyBoost improve performance on systems with high RAM?
Not significantly. ReadyBoost is most beneficial on systems with less than 4GB of RAM. If your PC has plenty of memory, the gains are minimal.
Can I use an SD card for ReadyBoost?
Yes, if your SD card is fast enough and recognized as removable storage, you can enable ReadyBoost on it similarly to a USB drive.
When Nothing Works: Final Resort Options
- Update Windows: Ensure your system is fully updated, as fixes or improvements may be included in newer versions.
- Check Device Drivers: Update USB and storage drivers from Device Manager.
- Use Windows Performance Troubleshooter: Search for and run the built-in troubleshooter to identify system issues.
- Consult Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Windows Support page for detailed help.
- Consider Adding More RAM: If ReadyBoost isn’t helping, upgrading your physical RAM is often a better solution for improving performance.
Conclusion
Using ReadyBoost with SSDs on Windows 11 is quite limited due to the speed of SSDs and Windows’ design choices. While ReadyBoost can improve performance on slower drives or systems with low RAM, it generally does not benefit internal SSDs.
If you have an external SSD or USB flash drive recognized as removable storage, you can enable ReadyBoost following the simple steps described above. Always remember to check compatibility and format your device correctly before enabling ReadyBoost.
For the best performance gains, focus on ensuring your system has enough RAM and a well-maintained SSD. ReadyBoost can be a helpful tool in some cases but is not a replacement for hardware upgrades.