How to Check SSD Health in Windows?

Like batteries in laptops, tablets, and phones, SSDs wear out with time. Sooner or later, you will have to replace the SSD in your computer as its memory chips degrade and lose their capacity. There are many signs of SSD degradation. If you suspect the solid-state drive in your computer might be getting ready to bite the dust, here is how to check SSD health in Windows.

How to Test SSD Health?

You can check SSD health on your computer using various third-party and first-party apps. Also, Windows supports checking SSD health natively in the Settings app.

Checking SSD Health Using the Settings App on Windows 11

1. Press Win + I to open the Settings app.
2. Go to System > Storage > Advanced Storage Settings.
3. Click Disks and Volumes.
4. Select the SSD you want to check and click Properties next to it.
5. Find the Drive Health section with all the details about your drive. The operating system should report drive temperature, estimated remaining life, and available spare (backup parts of the drive).

Note that this section might be unavailable on your computer. Microsoft says it is possible to check SSD health in Windows 11 only if you use an NVMe SSD, and SATA SSDs are not supported.

Samsung SSD Health Check

If you use an SSD from Samsung, you can use a wonderful tool called Magician. It allows for managing the SSD, updating its firmware, changing operation mode, troubleshooting the drive, checking its health, etc.

Note. Samsung Magician works only with Samsung-branded SSDs.

1. Download the Magician software from the official website. Install the app and run it.
2. Go to the Diagnostic Scan tab and run the available tests.
3. Alternatively, you can click the SMART button and see the results. All specs should be within the normal range. If some fields report bad values, it is time to replace the SSD.

Check SSD Health Using CrystalMark Info

The CrystalMark Info is a universal application for checking SSD health in Windows 10 and 11. You can download the app from the official website. Run the app once downloaded and wait for it to display you the information about your SSD.

Here are the main things you need to check to ensure the SSD is in good condition:

1. Health status: This is self-explanatory. It should say Good or Normal with 100%. Older drives might show lesser values, but the overall state should be Good.
2. Total Host Writes: Check this value with design specifications. For example, some SSDs are rated up to 1000 TB writes. If you have already exceeded this value, time to upgrade.
3. Power-on Hours: Similar to host writes, compare this value with the rated spec.
4. Temperature: This value should not be too high. A normal operating temperature for an average SSD is within a 30-45C range.

Decreased operating speeds are one of the most common signs of a failing SSD. You can check your SSD speed using various tools, such as CrystalDisk Mark or Samsung Magician.

Signs of a Degrading SSD

Here are the main symptoms of a degrading SSD that needs a health check and potential replacement:

1. Weird behavior in Windows. If the system stutters, freezes, or crashes, a failing SSD might be the reason.
2. Corrupt files.
3. Frequent blue screens of death. A failing SSD is one of the most common reasons for frequent blue screens of death, especially when handling large files.
4. Significant operating speed degradation.
5. Drive overheating.

If you experience some or all of the above, backup your data immediately and replace your SSD.