Solid-state drives (SSDs) have become the standard for modern storage, boasting superior speed and reliability compared to traditional hard drives. However, like all electronic components, they are subject to eventual failure. SSDs operate using NAND flash memory, which has a limited number of read/write cycles. Over time, these cycles lead to degradation of the drive. Although it is uncommon to exhaust these cycles completely, SSDs can still experience failures due to various other factors. Thus, it is essential to routinely check your SSD’s health to protect your valuable data.
This guide outlines different methods for evaluating your SSD’s condition, utilising built-in Windows tools, third-party applications, and manufacturer-specific utilities.
1. Checking SSD Health Through Windows Settings
Windows provides a straightforward way to check the health of your SSD. While this method offers only basic diagnostics, it serves as a quick preliminary check.
Step 1: Access Windows Settings by pressing the Windows and I keys together, or search for “Storage” in the search bar and select “Storage Settings.”
Step 2: Scroll down to “Advanced storage settings” and click on “Disks & volumes.”
Step 3: Select your SSD from the list, click on “Properties,” and scroll down to the “Drive health” section. Here, you’ll find details about your SSD’s estimated remaining life, available space, and current operating temperature.
While this overview provides a general sense of your drive’s condition, it lacks detailed data. If you suspect any issues, it is advisable to utilise more advanced diagnostic tools.
2. Quick Status Check Using Command Prompt
The Command Prompt (CMD) offers a simple way to verify whether your SSD is functioning correctly. Although it provides limited detail, this method is useful for a quick status check.
Step 1: Open the Start Menu, type “Command Prompt,” right-click the result, and select “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: Enter the following command and press Enter:
wmic diskdrive get status
If the response is “OK,” your SSD is functioning well. However, if it indicates “Pred Fail,” this is a significant warning that your SSD may soon fail, and you should prioritise backing up your data.
3. More Detailed Insights Using PowerShell
Windows PowerShell can furnish you with more comprehensive information about your SSD compared to the Command Prompt. By employing specific commands, you can extract vital data regarding your drive’s health and performance.
Step 1: Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start Menu, right-click it, and choose “Run as administrator.”
Step 2: To get a basic overview of your SSD, type the following command:
Get-PhysicalDisk
For a more detailed report, use:
Get-PhysicalDisk | Get-StorageReliabilityCounter | Format-List
This command will reveal details such as current and maximum temperatures, read/write errors, and the duration for which your SSD has been operational. You can tailor the command to focus on specific metrics. For instance, to check write errors, use:
Get-PhysicalDisk | Get-StorageReliabilityCounter | Select WriteErrorsTotal
4. Using the Defragment & Optimise Drives Utility
Windows includes a built-in utility that allows users to check their SSD’s health and optimise its performance. While defragmentation is unnecessary for SSDs, this tool can still perform important functions such as retrimming, which helps reclaim unused space.
Step 1: In the Start Menu, search for “Defragment & Optimise Drives” and launch the utility.
Step 2: A list of drives will appear. The “Current status” column will indicate whether your SSD is operating correctly. The tool also shows how long it has been since the last retrim. If necessary, click “Optimise” to initiate the retrim process.
5. CrystalDiskInfo for In-Depth Analysis
For users seeking comprehensive information about their SSD, CrystalDiskInfo is an excellent free tool. It provides detailed diagnostics using Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART), which tracks various performance aspects of the drive.
Step 1: Download and install CrystalDiskInfo.
Step 2: Once opened, the interface will display your SSD’s health status, power-on hours, and total writes. The tool uses a percentage-based health indicator, making it easy to determine whether your SSD is in good condition or exhibiting signs of wear. Key metrics to monitor include the “Health Status” and “Total Host Writes.”
6. AIDA64 Extreme for Advanced Diagnostics
AIDA64 Extreme is a more robust diagnostic tool, though it requires a purchase after a 30-day free trial. This software provides detailed information about not just your SSD, but your entire system, making it a valuable resource for advanced users.
Step 1: Download AIDA64 Extreme, install it, and launch the programme.
Step 2: In the left-hand menu, select “Storage,” then click on “SMART” to access detailed data about your SSD. AIDA64 presents information similar to CrystalDiskInfo, including lifetime writes, total power-on time, and other SMART attributes that indicate your SSD’s overall condition.
7. HWiNFO for Comprehensive System Monitoring
HWiNFO is another powerful tool that delivers detailed insights into your SSD and other components of your PC. It is particularly useful for real-time monitoring of hardware, including temperature and performance metrics.
Step 1: Download HWiNFO from the official website, opting for either the installer or the portable version.
Step 2: Upon launching HWiNFO, navigate to the “Drives” section in the left-hand menu. Select “NVMe Drives” to view comprehensive information about your SSD. This tool reports on health status, read/write cycles, power cycles, and any errors encountered by the drive.
You can also click on the “Sensors” tab to view real-time data, including temperature and total data written to the SSD.
8. Manufacturer-Specific Diagnostic Tools
Many SSD manufacturers provide proprietary tools for assessing the health and performance of their drives. While these tools may offer features similar to the third-party applications mentioned, they often include additional functionalities such as firmware updates or optimisation options.
Some notable tools include:
- Samsung Magician: Exclusive to Samsung SSDs, this software provides health monitoring, performance testing, and firmware updates.
- Western Digital Dashboard: Designed for WD and SanDisk drives, this tool allows for SSD health monitoring and firmware upgrades.
- Seagate SeaTools: Although primarily intended for Seagate drives, this utility can also run diagnostics on SSDs from other brands.
- Crucial Storage Executive: Specific to Crucial SSDs, this tool offers diagnostics and performance optimisation features.
- Kingston SSD Manager: This software provides SMART data, health monitoring, and secure erase functionality for Kingston SSDs.
What to Do If Your SSD Shows Signs of Failure
If any of the above methods indicate that your SSD is failing or nearing the end of its operational lifespan, it is vital to take immediate action. The first priority should be to back up your data. SSD failures can occur abruptly, and once the drive is compromised, recovering your data may be extremely difficult, if not impossible. After securing your data, you should consider replacing the SSD with a new unit.
Although SSDs generally offer greater reliability than traditional hard drives, they are not immune to failure. Regular testing of your SSD’s health using the methods outlined above can help identify potential problems before they lead to data loss. Should your SSD display signs of wear or impending failure, ensure your data is safely backed up and consider upgrading to a new drive to maintain the integrity of your storage solution.
