Solid state drives (SSDs) have become increasingly popular in recent years as a replacement for traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) in computers. SSDs offer faster access times, better durability, and lower power consumption compared to HDDs. However, there are some key differences in how SSDs and HDDs function that impact maintenance tasks like disk cleanup.
How Do SSDs Differ from HDDs?
The key difference between HDDs and SSDs is that HDDs use spinning magnetic platters to store data, while SSDs use flash memory chips. This means:
- SSDs have no moving parts, making them more shock and vibration resistant.
- SSDs are much faster for reading and writing data due to improved access times.
- SSDs use less power and generate less heat than HDDs.
- SSDs have higher cost per gigabyte compared to HDDs currently.
These differences have implications for how disk cleanup tools work with each storage technology.
What Does Disk Cleanup Do on HDDs?
On traditional HDDs, the Windows disk cleanup utility helps:
- Delete temporary files – Things like system and application cache files, browsing history, download history, and other temp files built up over time.
- Remove system files and apps that are no longer needed – Old Windows update files, logs, error reports, and other system data that is safe to remove.
- Empty the recycle bin – Permanently deleting files that were deleted by the user but still reside in the recycle bin.
- Compress old files – Windows can compress older files that have not been accessed in a while to save disk space.
By deleting unnecessary files and compressing older data, disk cleanup can free up valuable storage capacity on HDD volumes. It helps keep things organized and minimize the disk space used.
Do Those Tasks Apply to SSDs?
When it comes to SSDs, some of the disk cleanup tasks are not necessary or recommended:
- Deleting temporary files – This can still be done safely on an SSD, as it does not involved excessive writing.
- Removing old system files – Generally safe to do, but offers minimal space savings on an SSD.
- Emptying the recycle bin – Works the same way as on HDDs.
- Compressing files – Not recommended on SSDs, since this requires heavy write operations.
The key thing to avoid with SSDs is excessive writing. Repeated writes to SSD memory cells cause them to wear out over time. This is called write amplification – something disk cleanup tools can exacerbate.
TRIM and Garbage Collection
SSDs perform their own “cleanup” processes to maintain performance and efficiency:
- TRIM – Allows the SSD to reset cells no longer in use and prepare them to be rewritten to. This happens automatically in the background.
- Garbage collection – SSD controller consolidates data to free up full blocks of cells that can then be erased and rewritten. This also occurs in the background.
Enabling TRIM support allows the operating system to notify the SSD which data blocks are no longer in use. The SSD can then perform garbage collection and block erasing more efficiently.
Manual Disk Cleanup on an SSD
So should you manually run disk cleanup on an SSD? The answer is a qualified yes:
- Delete temporary files and clear the recycle bin to keep things tidy.
- Avoid frequent or excessive use of manual disk cleanup tools.
- Let the SSD manage lower level tasks like garbage collection.
- Enable TRIM support if available.
- Don’t attempt manual partitioning or compaction of files.
As a general rule, let the SSD self-manage as much as possible. But occasional use of disk cleanup to purge unneeded files is fine.
When to Run Disk Cleanup on an SSD
Some appropriate times to manually run disk cleanup on an SSD include:
- After a major Windows update when many temporary install files have built up.
- If an application, browser, or system process appears to have leaked significant disk space.
- Before a scheduled image backup to reduce used space.
- When preparing to migrate the SSD’s contents to a new drive.
Based on the SSD model and controller, excessive disk cleanup can potentially hinder performance. But when used judiciously, it can be helpful.
How Often Should You Run Disk Cleanup?
There are no strict rules for how often to run manual disk cleanups on an SSD. Some general guidelines include:
- Older SSDs – Clean up every few months as a precaution.
- Newer SSDs – Clean up every 6-12 months unless disk space is critically low.
- After major system updates or software installations.
- When monthly free disk space drops below 10-20% as a space-saving measure.
If your SSD seems to be slowing down, one cause can be having under 5-10% free space available. Try running disk cleanup and check if performance improves.
What Does Disk Cleanup Remove on SSDs?
When running the disk cleanup utility on an SSD drive, here are some of the main file types that can safely be removed to free space:
| File Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Temporary files | Browser caches, download history, logs, system debug files |
| Anti-virus spftware | Scanning history, quarantined threats, program cache |
| Desktop Office files | Temporary files, backup files, error logs |
| Old update installers | Windows updates, driver updates, software upgrades |
| Recycle bin files | Any files deleted by the user |
As long as plenty of free space remains, this type of general cleanup is fine for SSDs. But repeated, aggressive cleanups may cause undue wear.
What Does Disk Cleanup Not Remove?
Some files that disk cleanup does not typically remove from SSDs include:
- Active system files in Windows, Program Files, Users folders
- Current user documents, media, downloads
- Application installers for programs still in use
- Compression of old files to save space
- Defragmentation or optimization of file storage
Removing active, current files risks stability issues. And compression/defragmentation writes excessively to the SSD.
Disk Cleanup Alternatives for SSDs
Some alternative cleanup options to consider for SSDs:
- Storage Sense – Automatic file removal in Windows based on age, recycle status, etc.
- Ccleaner – Removes browser caches, histories, logs, and old Windows files.
- Wise Disk Cleaner – Cleans temporary files, installations folders, recycle bin.
- BleachBit – Open source utility focused on preserving SSD lifespan.
- Manual deletion – Carefully removing unneeded files yourself.
The best option depends on your use patterns and comfort with each tool. The key is avoiding aggressive cleanup too often.
SSD Optimization Tips
Aside from periodic disk cleanup, other tips for optimizing SSD storage and lifespan include:
- Enable TRIM support in Windows or other OS.
- Update SSD firmware for latest optimizations.
- Don’t completely fill drive – leave 10-20% free space.
- Use a journaled file system like NTFS.
- Avoid excessive paging or swapping to SSD.
- Manage indexing and scheduled tasks to limit writes.
Carefully research optimization steps specific to your SSD make and model. Newer SSDs often need fewer manual optimizations.
Conclusion
Disk cleanup on SSDs should be approached differently than on HDDs. While you can safely delete temporary files and clear unneeded system data, compression and defragmentation writes excessively to flash cells. Manual cleanup should be occasional, not frequent. Ideally, enable TRIM support and let the SSD’s controller handle lower level tasks like garbage collection. With a judicious cleanup approach, an SSD can deliver great performance and endurance.