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26 June 2024  Jennifer Thatcher  Technology Manager of Test Dept.
 

Summary
This article highlights the integration of a new feature in Windows 11 that enables users to monitor the health of their NVMe SSDs directly from the Settings app. Users can access this functionality by launching Settings, navigating to System > Storage, and exploring the Advanced storage settings. The guide explains how to check an NVMe SSD's health status and interpret the provided drive health information for maintaining system performance and preventing data loss.



Table of contents

table iconAssessing Modern NVMe SSD Health
table iconInterpreting Drive Health Indicators
table iconDealing with Critical Warnings
table iconChecking Traditional SSDs and HDDs Health
table iconConclusion
In the realm of modern computing, Solid-State Drives (SSDs) have become increasingly prevalent due to their faster read/write speeds compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). Ensuring the health of your SSD is crucial for maintaining optimal system performance and preventing potential data loss. Windows 11, Microsoft’s latest operating system, now integrates a convenient feature allowing users to monitor the health of their NVMe SSDs directly from the Settings app. This article will guide you through the process of checking your SSD’s health status and interpreting the provided information.

Assessing Modern NVMe SSD Health

For NVMe SSDs, Windows 11 provides a straightforward method to assess drive health:
1. Access Settings: Launch the Settings app either through the Start menu or by pressing Win + I.
Win + I key
2. Navigate to Storage Settings: Within Settings, click on System, followed by Storage on the right pane. Proceed to click Advanced storage settings and then Disks & volumes.
3. Inspect Drive Properties: Choose the target SSD and click Properties. Under the Drive health section, you’ll find vital indicators:
- Estimated Remaining Life: This percentage represents an estimated lifespan of the drive based on manufacturer predictions. A value below 100% doesn’t automatically imply imminent failure but signals the gradual depletion of its expected lifetime.
- Available Spare: This denotes the reserved storage capacity used to substitute faulty sectors, prolonging the drive’s life. A low spare capacity might warrant attention.
- Temperature: Monitoring drive temperature is essential; consistently high temperatures can degrade SSD performance and lifespan.
Windows 11 Drive Health Details 

Interpreting Drive Health Indicators

  • Remaining Life Span: Understand this as a general guideline rather than a definitive expiration date.
  • Available Spare Space: Lower spare space could indicate the drive is using its reserve to manage failing sectors.
  • Temperature: Monitoring ensures the drive isn’t overheating, which can harm its longevity.

Dealing with Critical Warnings

Windows may issue alerts such as “Spare capacity is low,” indicating the need for more significant monitoring or backup procedures. If “Reliability is degraded” or the drive becomes “read-only,” immediate action—like backing up data and replacing the drive—is advisable.

Checking Traditional SSDs and HDDs Health

For non-NVMe drives like SATA SSDs or HDDs, while the direct “Drive health” feature isn’t available, you can still leverage the Performance Monitor:
1. Access Windows Toolsfrom the Start menu.
2. Launch Performance Monitor, navigate to Data Collector Sets > System > System Diagnostics, and start the diagnostics.
3. Review the generated report under Reports > System > System Diagnostics, focusing on the SMART Predict Failure Check. A “Failed” value of “0″ with a “Description” stating “Passed” confirms a healthy drive. (more about SMART Failure)
Performance Monitor Check Drive Health 

Conclusion

Maintaining awareness of your SSD’s health is a proactive measure to safeguard against data loss and ensure your system operates at peak efficiency. By following the outlined steps, Windows 11 users can easily monitor their NVMe SSDs’ health status and take necessary actions to address any potential issues promptly. For traditional SSDs and HDDs, leveraging the Performance Monitor’s SMART data provides a means to assess drive reliability. Regular checks and prompt responses to warning signs are key to extending your storage device’s lifespan and overall system health.
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