In the modern computing era, the evolution from traditional hard disk drives (HDDs) to solid-state drives (SSD) has been a significant leap forward. SSDs are the preferred choice for most contemporary machines due to their swiftness, compact size, and efficiency. What exactly is an SSD? Solid State Drives, or SSDs, are storage devices that use NAND-based flash memory to store data, providing faster access times and enhanced durability since they have no moving parts. However, one trade-off for their impressive speed and efficiency is their limited lifespan, which is dictated by a finite number of write cycles. As SSDs are often pricier than their HDD counterparts, it becomes essential for users to gauge the remaining life of their SSD to maximize their investment and ensure the longevity of their stored data.
Unlike HDDs, which can last longer with regular usage, the longevity of an SSD is determined by several factors, including the amount and type of data written to it and the operational temperatures it endures. While some modern SSDs can withstand writing up to 700TB of data throughout their lifespan, this figure is not absolute. Factors such as usage intensity, heat exposure, and the nature of tasks performed can significantly impact the drive’s lifespan.
Given the importance of understanding how much longer your SSD might last, especially for those who rely heavily on their computers for work or personal use, being able to estimate the remaining lifespan of an SSD becomes crucial. While Windows 11 and 10 lack a native feature for this, third-party tools can be employed, as we will explore in this risewindows guide.
How to Estimate SSD Lifespan on Windows 11/10?
As mentioned above, there is no built-in method to estimate the remaining life of SSD on Windows 11 or 10, so you can use the free software CrystalDiskInfo.
CrystalDiskInfo is a free as well as a small program that helps you estimate the remaining lifespan of your SSD. This software provides a lot of information about your SSD, including SSD health.
Follow the below-described steps to estimate how long your SSD will last:-
Step 1. Start by downloading CrystalDiskInfo on your PC and run it (The link is at the end of this article).
Step 2. Now, look under the “Health Status” from the application interface. You will find a health percentage here that informs you about your SSD’s remaining life. The higher the Health Status percentage, the longer your SSD will last.
If the “Health Status” says Good, you don’t have to worry. However, if it says Caution, it means the SSD is degrading, and you should back up your important files to an external drive and prepare to replace it before it’s too late.
Another message that may appear under “Health Status” is Bad. This indicates that the SSD life is over, and you are lucky enough because it is still working. You should immediately take a backup and replace your SSD. You can take backup in an HDD, another SSD, or to a cloud backup service.
Now, look at the top right for “Total Host Writes.” This shows how much total data has ever been written to this SSD. If this stat is about 350TB, then you should note that half of the life of your SSD is already completed. And, if you notice this figure near 700TB, you need to regularly back up your drive to an external drive or just consider replacing it. You can also use online backup services to back up your data to a cloud service.
Download CrystalDiskInfo
You can download CrystalDiskInfo here.
Also Read: How to check whether your PC has SATA or NVMe SSD on Windows 11 or 10?
Conclusion
Solid State Drives (SSDs) have transformed the world of computing with their speed, efficiency, and compact size. Although they offer numerous advantages over the traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), they come with a limitation regarding their lifespan. With tools like CrystalDiskInfo, users can efficiently gauge the health and remaining lifespan of their SSD, ensuring data safety and making informed decisions about when a replacement might be necessary. Such awareness is essential for those who heavily rely on their systems, be it for professional or personal reasons.
