How Can You Quickly Solve the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED Issue? Expert Solutions Inside!

Why Does ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED Appear? Proven Fixes for a Frustrating Error

Encountering the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED message can be frustrating, especially when you need your storage devices to perform at their best. This error typically means your file system or storage configuration does not support the file-level trim operation, which is essential for maintaining SSD performance and longevity.

What Causes ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED?

This error often appears due to the following reasons:

• The storage device uses a file system like FAT32, which does not support trim operations.
• Files are compressed or encrypted, preventing trim from functioning.
• Outdated or faulty storage drivers.
• The trim feature is disabled on your system.

Understanding these causes will help you apply the right solution and restore optimal storage performance.

Step-by-Step Solutions to Fix the Error

Solution 1: Check File System Compatibility

The trim command is only supported by certain file systems, such as NTFS and exFAT. If your drive uses FAT32 or another unsupported format, you may encounter this error.

1. Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
2. Select This PC.
3. Right-click the target drive and choose Properties.
4. Under the General tab, check the File system type.

If the file system is not NTFS or exFAT, consider backing up your data and reformatting the drive to a compatible file system.

Solution 2: Update Storage Drivers

Outdated or malfunctioning storage drivers can prevent the trim operation from working correctly.

1. Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
2. Expand the Disk drives section.
3. Right-click your storage device and select Update driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers and follow the prompts.

Updating your drivers ensures your hardware communicates properly with Windows, potentially resolving the error.

Solution 3: Disable Compression and Encryption

Compression and encryption settings on files or folders can block the trim operation.

1. Open File Explorer and locate the problematic file or folder.
2. Right-click it and select Properties.
3. Click Advanced under the General tab.
4. Uncheck Compress contents to save disk space and Encrypt contents to secure data.
5. Click OK to apply the changes.

Solution 4: Disable the Trim Function (If Necessary)

If you do not need trim functionality, disabling it can eliminate the error.

1. Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. Run: fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify
3. If the result is DisableDeleteNotify = 0, trim is enabled.
4. To disable it, run: fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 1

Solution 5: Run Disk Optimization

Optimizing your disk can resolve some underlying issues related to trim and overall drive health.

1. Press Win + S, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and press Enter.
2. Select your SSD or drive and click Optimize.
3. Wait for the process to complete and check the status.

By following these steps, you can resolve the ERROR_FILE_LEVEL_TRIM_NOT_SUPPORTED error and maintain your system’s storage efficiency. If the issue persists, consider consulting with a storage hardware professional for further assistance.