Forum Discussion
Windows 11 system experiences lag when gaming with an external SSD.
An external SSD connected via USB port functions normally under Windows 10. However, after upgrading to Windows 11, severe lag or even freezing occurs when running games (particularly noticeable during initial loading). After a brief freeze, performance returns to normal, but the issue reoccurs upon restarting the game.
2 Replies
It sounds like the issue could be tied to how Windows 11 manages USB storage drivers and power settings. I’d recommend updating chipset/USB drivers from your device manufacturer, turning off USB selective suspend in Power Options, and ensuring the SSD is connected to a USB 3.1/3.2 port with UASP support. Also, try updating the SSD’s firmware and testing a different cable/port — many users have seen reduced lag after those steps.
That kind of lag often points to how Windows 11 handles USB storage drivers and power management compared to Windows 10. I’d suggest checking for the latest chipset/USB controller drivers from your motherboard or laptop vendor, and disabling USB selective suspend in Power Options to prevent the SSD from momentarily powering down. Also, make sure the drive is connected to a USB 3.1/3.2 port with UASP support, since gaming off an external SSD can bottleneck if Windows falls back to BOT mode. Updating firmware on the SSD (if available) and testing another cable/port may also help stabilize performance.
