author avatar
26 June 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
This guide focuses on monitoring the health of Solid State Drives (SSDs) under Windows 11. Although the operating system doesn't provide a native tool for this task, users can adopt three alternative methods to ensure their SSD's well-being and prevent data loss or performance issues. The article highlights the importance of regular checks, especially when encountering symptoms like system slowdowns, longer app launch times, or frequent system crashes. By staying vigilant and assessing the SSD's condition, users can address potential storage problems promptly.



Table of contents

table iconRecognizing the Need for SSD Health Assessment
table iconMethods to Evaluate Your SSD's Health
table iconConclusion
In the digital age, Solid State Drives (SSDs) have become indispensable components in personal computers and laptops, serving as the repository for all our precious data and applications. Given their pivotal role, regularly assessing your SSD’s health is of utmost importance to prevent unexpected data loss and maintain optimal system performance. While Windows 11 does not offer a built-in, user-friendly utility for this purpose, several practical methods can help you gauge your SSD’s condition effectively. This guide outlines three straightforward approaches to monitor the wellbeing of your SSD, ensuring you stay ahead of potential storage issues.

Recognizing the Need for SSD Health Assessment

It is advisable to periodically check your SSD’s health; however, certain symptoms necessitate immediate attention. These warning signs may include inexplicable system sluggishness, extended program launch times, or frequent system crashes, typified by the “blue screen of death.” Encountering such issues should prompt an immediate investigation into your SSD’s health.
Hot Topic - ADsRenee Becca – Safe and Quick System Migration to SSD

Automatic 4K alignment Improves SSD performance during system migration.

Support GPT and MBR Automatically adapt to the suitable partition format.

Support NTFS and FAT32 Redeploy various files in different file systems.

Back up quickly Back up files at up to 3,000MB/min.

Overall backup schedule Support system redeployment/system backup/partition backup/disk backup/disk clone.

Automatic 4K alignment Improve SSD performance

Support GPT and MBR Intelligently adapt to a partition format

Support NTFS and FAT32 Redeploy files in different file systems

Free TrialFree TrialNow 2000 people have downloaded!

Methods to Evaluate Your SSD's Health

1. Utilizing Windows Command Prompt

For a quick, no-frills check, Windows 11′s Command Prompt offers a simple solution:
1. Access Command Prompt: Launch the Start menu, search for “cmd” or “Command Prompt,” and open it.
run as administrator
2. Invoke WMIC: Type “WMIC” and press Enter.
3. Query SSD Status: Input “diskdrive get status” followed by Enter.
Command Prompt Health Check 
Expect to see either “OK” or “Pred Fail.” An “OK” status reassures normal operation, whereas “Pred Fail” suggests an impending failure, indicating the need for urgent data backup.

2. Leveraging CrystalDiskMark for In-depth Insights

To tap into the Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology (SMART) embedded in your SSD, third-party software like CrystalDiskMark is invaluable:
1. Download & Install: Retrieve CrystalDiskMark from its official website here.
2. Run the Program: Launch CrystalDiskMark.
3. Inspect Health Status: Within the interface, locate and review the Health Status section.
CrystalDiskMark Health Status 
This tool extracts SMART data, furnishing you with vital SSD health metrics.

3. Employing SSD Manufacturer-Specific Tools

If you’re well-versed with your SSD’s brand, consider using the manufacturer’s dedicated software:
1. Identify & Download OEM Software: Visit your SSD manufacturer’s website to find and download the appropriate utility.
2. Installation & Usage: Install the software following the provided instructions. Once set up, it will grant access to a wealth of SSD-related details, including health status, temperature, power cycle counts, and total data written.

Conclusion

Maintaining awareness of your SSD’s health is crucial to preserving your data’s integrity and overall system efficiency. By employing the methods outlined above—leveraging Windows Command Prompt, utilizing CrystalDiskMark, or adopting SSD manufacturer-specific tools—you can proactively monitor and address potential storage issues before they escalate. Regular checks empower you with the knowledge to take timely actions, safeguarding your digital assets and ensuring uninterrupted productivity.