When users mention “HD Checker,” they are typically referring to either HDDScan, a highly popular third-party diagnostic software, or the built-in Windows utility CHKDSK (Check Disk). Both are exceptional for diagnosing mechanical storage health, spotting degrading components, and preventing unexpected data loss.
Here is how to effectively scan your hard drives using both methods. Method 1: Using HDDScan (Advanced Third-Party “HD Checker”)
HDDScan is a free diagnostic tool used to test internal and external storage drives for bad sectors and hardware degradation.
Select the Target Drive: Open the software and locate the Select Drive drop-down box at the top. Choose the specific hard drive you want to scan by verifying its model and serial number.
Check the S.M.A.R.T. Status: Click the S.M.A.R.T. button to instantly generate a health report.
Green Indicators: The drive attributes are operating normally.
Yellow Exclamation / Red Xs: The drive is showing early warning signs of hardware degradation or failure.
Run a Surface Scan: Click the TESTS button to open the diagnostic menu. Select Read or Verify to start a surface block scan.
Monitor the Queue: The scan will appear in the Test Manager grid at the bottom. Double-click the active task to see a visual, color-coded map of your drive’s data blocks as they are tested. Method 2: Using Windows CHKDSK (Built-In “Check Disk”)
If you prefer not to download third-party software, Windows features its own powerful internal disk checking tool that scans for both file system corruption and physical sector errors. Via File Explorer (Graphical Interface)
Open File Explorer and click on This PC in the left sidebar.
Right-click the drive you wish to test (e.g., Local Disk C:) and select Properties. Navigate to the Tools tab at the top of the popup window.
Under the Error checking section, click the Check button, followed by Scan drive. Via Command Prompt (Deep Comprehensive Scan)
For a deeper evaluation that actively attempts to repair problems, use elevated command arguments.
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