Even with a top-of-the-line SSD, failure is inevitable eventually. SSDs operate on a limited number of read and write cycles, and each cycle degrades the NAND flash memory. Over time, this wear and tear accumulates, leading to failure. Fortunately, the probability of reaching the maximum cycle limit under normal use is very low. However, even if you haven’t reached the theoretical lifespan, your SSD may still experience issues or fail prematurely due to other factors. Follow this article (source) and learn how to do a good SSD health check before it’s too late.
Signs that your SSD may be failing include system crashes, blue screens of death (BSOD), slow performance, data loss, and difficulty writing new files. If you notice these symptoms, it's important to act quickly; you may still have time to back up your data. Discover effective methods to test your SSD and ensure your data remains safe.
Check SSD Health via Windows Settings
You can use Windows Settings to get a basic overview of your SSD's health. Keep in mind that this method only provides a general check, so consider using more comprehensive tools later if you suspect your SSD may be failing.
- Step 1: Open Windows Settings by pressing Windows + I, then navigate to: System > StorageAlternatively, you can type “Storage” in the Windows Search bar and select it. Storage Settings.
- Step 2: Scroll down and click Advanced storage settingsthen select Disks and volumes.
- Step 3: Select your SSD from the list and click FeaturesHere you can view basic details about your SSD, including its estimated remaining life, available space, and temperature. This utility provides a snapshot of your drive's health, but it lacks more detailed diagnostic features.
Use Windows Command Prompt
For a simple “yes or no” check of your SSD's health, the Windows Command Prompt (CMD) can be useful. This method provides a quick indication of whether your SSD is failing. If problems are detected, it is very important to back up your data immediately.
- Step 1: Open the Start Menu, type “Command Prompt”, right-click on the result and select: Run as administrator.
- Step 2: Enter the following command and press To enter:
wmic diskdrive get status
If the output shows “OK” then your SSD is probably fine. However, if it shows “Pred Fail” then this indicates a potential problem and you should back up your data and consider more extensive diagnostics.
Use Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell offers a more detailed look at your SSD health than Command Prompt. Here's how you can use it to gather in-depth information about your SSD:
Step 1: Open Windows PowerShell by searching for it in the Start Menu, right-click on the result and select: Run as administrator.
Step 2: To check the status of your SSD, use the following commands:
- Basic Health Check:
This command shows the operating status of your SSD and whether it is working properly.
- Detailed Health Information:
Get-PhysicalDisk | Get-StorageReliabilityCounter | Format-ListThis command provides a comprehensive overview, including current and maximum temperatures, read/write errors, and usage history of the SSD.
If the output columns are empty, you may need to use more advanced tools. You can also customize the command to display specific information. For example, to check for typing errors, use:
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Get-PhysicalDisk | Get-StorageReliabilityCounter | Select WriteErrorsTotal
Use Third-Party Apps for SSD Health Check
You can also rely on some reliable applications to check the conditions on your SSD. Among the most popular ones are CrystalDiskInfo and HWInfo. Both are great options for checking the current health of your drive.
CrystalDiskInformation
For a comprehensive assessment of your SSD's health, CrystalDiskInfo is an excellent, user-friendly tool. It provides detailed information about your SSD's health, including power-on counts, operating hours, and overall health.
Step 1: Download CrystalDiskInfo from its official website. After downloading, install and launch the application.
Step 2: CrystalDiskInfo offers a simple interface with no hidden complexities. It uses SMART (Self-Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting Technology) to monitor the health of your SSD. Once you run the tool, you can quickly assess the health of your SSD.
The key metrics to be examined are:
- Health Status Percentage: Shows the overall health of your SSD.
- Power Number: This shows how many times your SSD has been powered on.
- Power On Hours: Tracks the total operating hours of your SSD.
- Total Host Write Count: Provides the total amount of data written to the SSD.
These details will help you gauge whether your SSD is performing optimally or is nearing the end of its lifespan.
HWiNFO
HWiNFO provides detailed information about the health of your SSD. Here is a quick guide:
Step 1: Download HWiNFO from the official website and select the installer or portable version. Install or launch the program and Beginning.
Step 2: After opening, you will see two windows. Close the system summary window for more detailed information.
Step 3: In the main HWiNFO window, click on the arrow next to Driversselect NVMe Drivesand select your SSD. You can view health metrics, spare capacity, and errors.
Click for real-time data Sensors and slide CLEVER Track your SSD model to see metrics like temperature and read/write totals.
Solution
Monitoring the health of your SSD is important to ensure data integrity and prevent unexpected failures. Using tools like Windows Setup, Command Prompt, PowerShell, CrystalDiskInfo, and HWiNFO offers insights ranging from basic health checks to detailed diagnostics. Regular monitoring with these tools can help you detect potential problems early, giving you the chance to back up your data and take corrective action before major problems occur. By being proactive, you can extend the life of your SSD and protect your important files.