How to Check Hard Drive Health on Mac? How to Test?

Is your Mac sounding like a rusty factory machine? A failing hard drive is often the culprit, especially in older MacBooks. While a Mac's hard drive typically lasts four to five years, problems can arise even in newer models. Slow performance and corrupted files are other telltale signs. This article will guide you through troubleshooting, prevention, and recovery from Mac hard drive failures.

Common Causes of Mac Hard Drive Failures

Mac hard drive failures, while common, are often fixable. They stem from either mechanical or software issues.

Mechanical Issues: These are hardware problems affecting the drive's physical components. MacBooks, primarily using SSDs, are less susceptible than those with HDDs. Symptoms include:

• Erratic keyboard behavior
• Display problems
• Power issues
• External hard drives not recognized

Software Issues: These are non-physical problems related to software, apps, and programs. Signs include:

• App crashes or freezes
• Frequent error messages
• Failed reboots
• Outdated macOS

Identifying the type of failure helps pinpoint the problem's source.

Checking Your Mac's Hard Drive Health

Suspect a hard drive problem? Use these methods:

1. Check S.M.A.R.T. Status:

1. Click the Apple menu (top-left) and select "About This Mac."
2. Click "System Report," then "Storage."

3. Verify the correct drive ("Macintosh HD") is selected.
4. Check the "S.M.A.R.T. Status." "Verified" indicates a healthy drive; "Failing" signals a problem.

2. Use Diagnostic Software:

For a deeper analysis, use reliable software like MacKeeper. Its "Find & Fix" tool comprehensively scans your Mac (Security, Cleaning, Performance, Privacy) to identify malfunctions. This is more thorough than manual troubleshooting.

1. Download MacKeeper and select "Find & Fix." Click "Start Full Scan."

2. Review the scan report, focusing on items flagged with a blue caution icon. Click "Review & Fix" for details.

3. Review each category's items. Click "Review & Fix" for more information.

Click "Fix Items Safely" to resolve identified issues.

3. Monitor Your Mac's Hard Drive: After fixing issues, monitor your Mac for persistent problems. If problems continue or your Mac becomes unresponsive, professional help may be needed. Contact Apple Support or visit an Apple Store.

Preventing Mac Hard Drive Failures

Proactive care extends your Mac's hard drive lifespan:

1. Avoid physical damage.
2. Use a stable, flat surface.
3. Regularly monitor hard drive health.
4. Avoid overfilling your hard drive.
5. Handle USB ports carefully.
6. Safely eject hardware.

Recovering from a Hard Drive Failure

If your Mac is still responsive, Disk Utility's First Aid feature might help:

1. Go to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
2. Select the drive to repair.
3. Click "First Aid," then "Run." Click "Continue" if prompted.

4. Click "Repair Disk" or "Verify Disk." This process may take several minutes.

Maintaining a Healthy Mac Disk

While S.M.A.R.T. Status provides crucial information, prevention is key. Regularly use MacKeeper's "Find & Fix" tool for preventative diagnostics. Be vigilant about your Mac's behavior to catch problems early.

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