Solid State Drives (SSDs) are an essential component of any desktop or laptop computer, as they are where all personal data and files are stored. Considering the critical nature of SSDs, monitoring their health becomes of the utmost importance. Regrettably, Windows does not provide a simple method for an average user to assess this metric. In light of this, the following are three straightforward approaches to evaluate the condition of your solid-state drive (SSD).
When should an SSD health check be performed?
While it is generally prudent to monitor the performance of an SSD, there are specific circumstances that demand immediate health checks. These may consist of abrupt sluggishness, extended application loading times, or a higher frequency of the infamous blue screen of death occurring on your desktop or laptop. If any of the following occur, assess the health of your SSD immediately using the following tools:
Windows Prompt for Commands
Users who desire a straightforward verification process without the need to install additional software can utilise the Command Prompt in Windows 11. Describe how:
Navigate to the Start menu, then select Command Prompt.
Once “WMIC” is entered, press submit.
Enter “diskdrive get status” followed by the enter key.
The output at the command line will be “OK” or “Pred Fail.” “OK” denotes typical operation, whereas “Pred Fail” alerts of a malfunction that necessitates an immediate backup of data.
Put CrystalDiskMark to use
Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART), which monitors the performance of the SSD in an independent manner from the other components, is present in every modern SSD. Third-party applications such as CrystalDiskMark utilise SMART data to offer vital insights regarding the condition of your storage drive. Proceed by following these steps:
Where can one obtain CrystalDiskMark?
Initiate the programme.
Determine their health status.
SSD producer resources
Users who have constructed a personal computer and are cognizant of the brand of their SSD have the option to install the software directly from the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM). The comprehensive data provided by this software comprises health status, operating temperature, power cycles, and written data.