Guide to Updating SSD Firmware on Windows 11
Keeping your solid-state drive (SSD) firmware updated can significantly enhance its performance, provide important bug fixes, and improve overall reliability. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of updating SSD firmware on Windows 11 and 10.
Updating SSD Firmware on Windows 11
Before you initiate the firmware update for your SSD, it’s crucial to backup your essential files. This precaution ensures that your data remains safe in the improbable event of an error during the process.
Identify the manufacturer and model number of your SSD. To do this, open Windows Search, enter “System Information,”and access it. From there, navigate to Components > Storage > Disks, where you will find the model information listed.
If you have multiple drives on your system and aren’t sure which one is the SSD, you can also open Defragment and Optimize Drives to assist in identifying it.
Once you’ve identified the model, download the appropriate utility tool provided by your SSD manufacturer.
- Western Digital offers the WD SSD Dashboard
- Seagate provides SeaTools for firmware updates
- XPG has their SSD Toolbox
- ADATA users may download the SSD Toolbox
- Samsung features Samsung Magician software
- Crucial provides the Crucial Storage Executive tool
- SK Hynix offers Drive Manager for SSDs
- Intel has the Intel SSD Firmware Update Tool and Intel Memory and Storage Tool
- Kingston offers Kingston SSD Manager
- PNY users can get PCIe SSD Toolbox and Firmware Updater or SATA SSD Toolbox and Firmware Updater.
In this guide, we will be utilizing the WD SSD Dashboard as our example.
Open the SSD management tool you downloaded and select your SSD from the interface. For illustration, we will be using the WD SSD Dashboard to choose the SSD.
Next, navigate to Tools > Settings and click the CHECK FOR UPDATES button.
This action will initiate a search for available updates, which will be downloaded and installed automatically.
That’s all there is to updating your SSD’s firmware! You can keep the manufacturer’s utility installed to ensure your SSD remains up-to-date regularly. Additionally, consistently applying Windows updates will help maintain the latest firmware on your SSD.
How Can I Verify My SSD Firmware Version?
To check your SSD firmware version, right-click the Start button and select “Device Manager” from the list. Expand the “Disk Drives” section, then right-click on your SSD and choose “Properties.” In the Properties window, click the “Details” tab and select “Hardware Ids” from the dropdown menu. The firmware version will display at the beginning of the SSD part number.
Is Updating SSD Firmware Safe?
Updating the firmware on your SSD can enhance performance, resolve bugs, and help with hardware compatibility, potentially extending the drive’s lifespan. However, there are risks involved, such as data loss during an unsuccessful update or compatibility issues with existing hardware or software.
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