How to Check SSD Health in 5 Minutes or Less?

Key Takeaways

Regularly monitoring SSD health can prevent data loss and ensure optimal performance. There are built-in tools available for both Windows and Mac users to check SSD health. You can also check SSD health through the BIOS for additional insights.

Solid State Drives (SSDs) have become a popular choice for data storage due to their speed, reliability, and energy efficiency. 

However, like any electronic device, they can degrade over time, potentially leading to data loss or decreased performance.

 Monitoring the health of your SSD is crucial to ensure that your system operates optimally. In this article, we will explore various methods to check SSD health, covering Windows 10, Mac, and BIOS.

How to Monitor SSD Health?

Monitoring your SSD health involves checking various metrics, such as the drive’s lifespan, total writes, and error rates. Most SSDs support a technology called S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology), which provides real-time monitoring of drive health. You can access this data using various tools and methods depending on your operating system.

Check SSD Health in Windows 10

For Windows 10 users, there are several methods to check SSD health. Here are the most effective options:

Using Windows PowerShell

1. Open Windows PowerShell:
   • Press Windows + X and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Run the following command:
   • Get-PhysicalDisk
3. Check the HealthStatus:
   • Look for the SSD in the list that appears. The HealthStatus column will indicate whether the SSD is healthy or not.

Using the Windows 10 Built-in Tool

1. Open Settings:
   • Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to System:
   • Click on System, then select About.
3. Access Device Manager:
   • Scroll down to Device Manager and expand Disk drives.
4. Check the Properties:
   • Right-click on your SSD and select Properties. Under the Tools tab, click on Check in the Error-checking section to scan for file system errors.

Using Third-Party Tools

Several third-party tools can provide more detailed insights into your SSD health:

• CrystalDiskInfo: This free tool offers an in-depth look at your SSD’s S.M.A.R.T. data and overall health status.
• SSD Life: This software provides information about your SSD’s lifespan and wear level.

How to Check SSD Health on Mac?

For Mac users, checking SSD health is straightforward, thanks to built-in tools. Here’s how to do it:

Using Disk Utility

1. Open Disk Utility:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. Select Your SSD:
   • Choose your SSD from the list on the left.
3. Check S.M.A.R.T. Status:
   • At the bottom of the window, you will see the S.M.A.R.T. Status. It should say either Verified or Failing.

Using Terminal

For a more advanced method, you can use the Terminal:

1. Open Terminal:
   • Go to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Run the Following Command:
   • diskutil info disk0
3. Review the Output:
   • Look for the S.M.A.R.T. status in the output, which indicates the health of your SSD.

How to Check SSD Health in BIOS?

Accessing the BIOS can provide additional insights into your SSD health, particularly if you want to perform low-level checks or diagnostics.

1. Reboot Your Computer:
   • Restart your computer and enter the BIOS setup. The key to enter BIOS varies by manufacturer (usually F2, F10, DEL, or ESC).
2. Navigate to the Storage Section:
   • Once in the BIOS, use the arrow keys to navigate to the Storage or Main tab, where you will find your SSD listed.
3. Check S.M.A.R.T. Data:
   • Look for the S.M.A.R.T. status and other metrics related to your SSD. Some BIOS versions allow you to run tests directly from this menu.

Using Manufacturer-specific software: 

1. Samsung Magician:

Samsung Magician is a comprehensive SSD management tool designed for Samsung SSDs. Key features include:

• Drive health status monitoring
• Performance benchmarking
• Firmware updates
• Secure erase function
• RAPID Mode (uses system RAM to enhance SSD performance)
• Data migration tool
• Optimization settings

It’s user-friendly with a graphical interface, making it accessible for both novice and advanced users.

2. Intel SSD Toolbox:

Intel’s SSD Toolbox is specifically for Intel SSDs. Its main features are:

• S.M.A.R.T. attribute monitoring
• Drive health estimation
• Secure erase capability
• Firmware updates
• System tuner for optimizing SSD performance
• Diagnostic scans
• TRIM support management

While not as visually polished as Samsung Magician, it provides comprehensive information for Intel SSD users.

3. Crucial Storage Executive:

Crucial Storage Executive is designed for Crucial SSDs. It offers:

• Drive information and health status
• Firmware updates
• Secure erase function
• TRIM support management
• Over-provisioning adjustment
• Momentum Cache feature (uses system RAM to improve performance)

This tool has a clean, straightforward interface and focuses on essential features for maintaining Crucial SSDs.

All these tools are free and regularly updated by their respective manufacturers. They provide more detailed and specific information than generic SSD tools, as they’re tailored to each brand’s unique technologies and features.

FAQs

1. How often should I check my SSD health?

• It’s advisable to check your SSD health at least once a month to catch any potential issues early.

2. What does it mean if my SSD shows a failing status?

• A failing status indicates that the SSD may soon become unusable. It is crucial to back up your data immediately and consider replacing the drive.

3. Can I check SSD health in Windows without third-party tools?

• Yes, you can check the health using PowerShell and the built-in Disk Management tools in Windows.

4. Is it safe to continue using a failing SSD?

• Continuing to use a failing SSD can lead to data loss. It’s best to stop using the drive and replace it as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Monitoring your SSD health is essential for maintaining optimal performance and preventing data loss. 

Whether you’re using Windows 10, or Mac, or accessing the BIOS, there are multiple methods available to check your SSD’s status.

 Regularly monitoring your SSD ensures that you can take proactive measures, such as backing up data or replacing the drive before issues arise. By staying informed about your SSD’s health, you can enjoy the benefits of faster, reliable storage without unnecessary interruptions.