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Check the health of a hard drive or SSD

The computer slows down, files become unreadable or the drive makes noise: is it about to fail?

TipBeginnerHardwarePowerShellBash / terminal
Get-PhysicalDisk | Select-Object FriendlyName, MediaType, HealthStatus, OperationalStatus

Output

FriendlyName        MediaType HealthStatus OperationalStatus
------------        --------- ------------ -----------------
Samsung SSD 870 EVO SSD       Healthy      OK

Explanation

Drives include a self-diagnosis system called SMART. The commands above return its verdict:

  • Windows: HealthStatus should read Healthy. For details, the free CrystalDiskInfo tool shows the SMART counters.

  • Linux: smartctl -H should read PASSED; smartctl -a gives the details (reallocated sectors, power-on hours…).

Warning signs: a rising reallocated sector count, a Warning or FAILED status, clicking noises on a mechanical drive. If so, back up your data immediately and replace the drive: a weakening drive can stop without notice.

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