How to Test Your SSD for Potential Problems

How to Test Your SSD for Potential Problems and Keep Your Data Safe

Solid State Drives (SSDs) are a great upgrade for any PC, offering faster read/write speeds and improved reliability compared to traditional hard drives. However, even the best SSDs will fail eventually. This is due to the limited number of read and write cycles that SSDs can endure before their memory cells start to degrade. While it’s difficult to exhaust these cycles, an SSD may still fail prematurely. Knowing how to test your SSD can help you avoid data loss and take action before it’s too late.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through different ways to test your SSD for potential problems, from using simple built-in tools to more advanced third-party applications.

Signs Your SSD May Be Failing

Before we dive into the tools, it’s important to recognize some early warning signs that your SSD might be in trouble:

Frequent system crashes
Blue screens of death (BSOD)
Slower-than-usual performance
Data loss or corruption
Inability to write new files

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to test your SSD. Here are the best ways to do it.

1. Check SSD Health in Windows Settings

For a basic check, you can use the built-in Windows Settings to get a quick overview of your SSD’s health.

Steps:

Press the Windows + I keys to open Settings.
Go to System > Storage, then select Advanced storage settings.
Click Disks & Volumes, pick your SSD, and check its health under Properties.

Windows will display your SSD’s remaining lifespan, temperature, and available space. While this is a simple check, it doesn’t provide in-depth details, so it’s best to use other methods if you suspect problems.

2. Test SSD Health Using Command Prompt

Command Prompt offers a quick way to check your SSD status. Here’s how:

Steps:

Open the Start Menu, type “Command Prompt”, and run it as an administrator.
Type wmic diskdrive get status and press Enter.

If your SSD status returns “OK,” you’re good. If it shows “Pred Fail,” back up your data immediately.

3. Use Windows PowerShell for Detailed Information

Windows PowerShell can provide more detailed information compared to the Command Prompt.

Steps:

Open PowerShell as an administrator.
Run Get-PhysicalDisk to check the health of your SSD.
For more in-depth data, use Get-PhysicalDisk | Get-StorageReliabilityCounter | Format-List.

This command provides additional metrics, such as the total write errors, SSD temperature, and more. You can also customize the output by selecting specific data points.

4. Optimize Drives in Windows

You can also use the built-in Optimize Drives tool to check and optimize your SSD.

Steps:

Search for Defragment & Optimize Drives in the Start Menu.
Select your SSD from the list and check its current status.

You can run the “Optimize” function to retrim your SSD, which reclaims unused space. However, avoid defragmenting SSDs as it can reduce their lifespan.

5. CrystalDiskInfo for In-Depth SSD Monitoring

CrystalDiskInfo is a popular free tool for monitoring SSD health. It checks the Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) data of your drive.

Steps:

Download and install CrystalDiskInfo.
Run the tool to view key details like power-on hours, total host writes, and health status.

CrystalDiskInfo offers easy-to-read information about your SSD, making it a reliable choice for regular health checks.

6. AIDA64 Extreme for Comprehensive Testing

AIDA64 Extreme provides a detailed report on your SSD and other hardware components. It’s not free, but it offers a 30-day trial.

Steps:

Download AIDA64 from the official site and install it.
Open the tool and navigate to Storage > SMART to find details about your SSD’s health and performance.

AIDA64 delivers similar SMART data as CrystalDiskInfo, plus additional system insights.

7. HWiNFO for Detailed Monitoring

HWiNFO is another free tool that provides comprehensive information on your SSD and other hardware.

Steps:

Download HWiNFO, choose between the installer or the portable version, and launch it.
Under Drives > NVMe Drives, select your SSD to view health metrics like power cycles and spare capacity.

HWiNFO also includes a real-time sensor monitor that reports on SSD temperature and read/write statistics.

8. Use Manufacturer-Specific Tools

Many SSD manufacturers offer specialized tools that provide deeper insights and troubleshooting options.

Samsung Magician (Samsung SSDs)
Western Digital Dashboard (WD and SanDisk SSDs)
Crucial Storage Executive (Crucial SSDs)
Kingston SSD Manager (Kingston SSDs)
Seagate SeaTools (Works with other brands as well)

These tools often provide firmware updates, optimizations, and diagnostics tailored to specific SSD models.

Time to Replace Your SSD?

If your tests reveal that your SSD is nearing the end of its life, it’s best to back up your data and consider replacing the drive. Knowing how to test your SSD can save you from unexpected failures and data loss.

By regularly checking your SSD health, you can ensure that your storage is in optimal condition and act quickly if any issues arise.

By following these steps and using the appropriate tools, you can proactively monitor your SSD’s health and ensure your data stays safe.

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How to Test Your SSD for Potential Problems