What to do if the programs slow down, the files do not open or copy for too long, and the system complains about disk errors.
Windows and macOS have built-in utilities for diagnosing and solving these problems. There is also a separate software, which more thoroughly analyzes the disks.
Built-in programs to check the hard drive
Standard programs are compatible with both hard disks (HDD) and solid state drives (SSDs).
Third-party programs to test the hard drive
A standard diagnostic tool is sufficient for most situations. But still some mistakes it can miss.
Manufacturers of hard drives offer free programs for more thorough testing of their devices. For example, SeaTools for Seagate drives and Data Lifeguard Diagnostic for Western Digital drives.
If the diagnostic tool you choose finds errors that can not be fixed, then there is a risk of losing your personal data. In this case, it is desirable to copy the important files to another media and try to restore Windows or macOS. If the hard disk continues to malfunction, it is better to replace it.
