Is Your SSD Dead? Try These 5 Solutions to Get It Working

A few quick solutions to save valuable data on the SSD

6 min. read

Updated onFebruary 5, 2024

updated onFebruary 5, 2024

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When theSSD is not recognizedor is simply dead, you don’t just lose precious data but will also have to shell out quite a few bucks for a replacement drive.

Most usually go with the latter without much thought. But what if you can get the SSD working? Read ahead to find out.

What are the symptoms of drive failure?

While the SSD (Solid State Drive) and HDD (Hard Disk Drive) are completely different in storing data, a common aspect is that both fail sooner or later. Though the former has a considerably longer life span.

An SSD can last 10 years or more if well -maintained, while an HDD usually wears out after 4-6 years. The reason is that SSDs have no moving parts, as opposed to HDDs.

But you must identify the signs of a failing SSD before it’s completely dead for several reasons. Here are a few things to look out for:

How do I fix a dead SSD drive?

Before we head to the complex solutions, try these:

If you can’t figure things out, move to the next fixes.

1. Keep the SSD in an idle state

Though strange, this is one of the most common techniques to fix a dead SSD. The idea here is to let the SSD be idle for an extended period to get it to work. If that doesn’t help, head to the next solution.

2. Reset the BIOS

Oftentimes, an issue with the BIOS makes us think that the SSD is dead, and resetting it helps fix things in no time.

3. Update the SSD’s firmware

After downloading and installing the firmware update, check if it can fix the dead SSD. For many users, it did the trick, and we recommend you update the SSD firmware.

4. Update the SSD drivers

Updating driversis critical for the effective functioning of every device, including the SSD. So, make sure you have the latest ones. If Windows doesn’t find an update, you can alwaysmanually install the latest drivers, though it’s more time-consuming.

Alternatively, you can use dedicated updater software such asPC HelpSoft Driver Updaterthat automatically scans your PC for outdated drivers and installs the corresponding version for your hardware.

5. Run the Check Disk utility

That’s it! One of the solutions presented here should have helped you fix the dead SSD drive. If the problem persists, we recommend you contact the official manufacturer or a local technician to get the hardware inspected.

Also, if there are critical files on the drive that you would like to salvage, check thebest data recovery toolsto retrieve them.

If you have any queries or want to share a solution that worked for you, comment below.

Is Your SSD Dead? Try These 5 Solutions to Get It Working#

How do I fix a dead SSD drive?#

1. Keep the SSD in an idle state#

2. Reset the BIOS#

3. Update the SSD’s firmware#

4. Update the SSD drivers#

5. Run the Check Disk utility#