Our hard drives are critical, not because of what they are but because of what they store. If you want your data to last, you can do so by maintaining a healthy drive, and you can run a few tests to confirm that your hard disk is in top condition.
You can check your hard drive health using these simple methods:
1. Check Hard Disk Health Using CHKDSK Command
The CHKDSK command will run a scan to detect bad sectors or inconsistencies within your hard disk. You can use the steps below to run the command and keep your disk health in check-
1. Use the Windows search bar to locate the Command prompt and run it as administrator.
2. Type in chkdsk B: /f /r /x and hit Enter.
/f to scan for and rectify any errors.
/r to scan for and fix bad sectors and recover readable data.
/x to disconnect a drive to scan and fix it
2. Check Hard Disk Health Using Disk Management
Disk management is used to create partitions and format drives, but can also be used to check up on your hard drive
1. Using the search bar, locate and open Disk Management.
2. Right-click on your hard disk and select properties.
3. Access the tools tab and click on check.
(Windows will now scan your drive for any errors or vulnerabilities and fix them if possible)
3. Check Hard Disk Health Using SMART Monitoring (WMIC Command)
We can use the wmic command to scan our drive and verify its status immediately. You can follow the steps below to try it.
1. Use the Windows search bar to locate the Command prompt and run it as administrator.
2. Type in “wmic” and press Enter.
3. Type in “diskdrive get status” and hit Enter.
(If all is well, you should receive an OK status)
Signs of Hard Disk Problems
Here are a few common signs to look out for as they may indicate that your hard drive has issues-
Logical Issues
- The drive is unrecognizable by your system
- Your system hangs midway
- You come across error messages
- Data and folders seem to be corrupted or refuse to open
Physical Issues
- Unusual noises like grinding or clicking
- Dirty or damaged exterior (accompanied by other logical issues)
- Excessive heating
To Conclude
I hope that you were able to run relevant checks/tests on your hard disk with the help of our article. Hard drive mainagement plays a key role in ensuring that your system and data remain safe and prevent problems in the long run. If you run into any major issues with your hard drive, prioritize your data first and recover it using professional software before trying to repair your drive.
