Is your hard drive starting to click, or do you just want an early warning before it dies? DiskCheckup from PassMark reads the drive's own SMART health data, runs its built-in self-tests, and emails you when a value crosses the danger line. It is free for personal use.
What can you see in the SMART readings?
Choose a drive to view its SMART attributes, which include indicators such as temperature, power-on hours, spin-up time, and start/stop counts. DiskCheckup shows each current value alongside its threshold. These readings can reveal changes in drive health, although they do not guarantee that a drive will fail or remain healthy.
The main window can also show a predicted Threshold Exceed Condition date when one is available. The date is projected from how SMART values have changed over time, so treat it as a rough warning only.
Drive tests and device details
DiskCheckup can start the self-test routines built into a drive by its manufacturer. Select a short test or an extended test, then view the reported result in the program.
- Device information includes model and serial numbers, drive geometry, rotation rate, and supported features.
- A periodically updated display shows current disk activity.
- Hidden areas reserved by the PC maker (HPA and DCO) can be detected and resized.
Threshold alerts
Configure email notifications for a SMART attribute that falls below its manufacturer-defined threshold. This lets DiskCheckup report a threshold event without requiring the user to keep the drive’s readings open on screen.
Pros
- Shows current SMART attribute values beside their thresholds
- Runs vendor-provided short and extended disk self-tests
- Can send email when a SMART attribute crosses its threshold
- Displays drive details and periodically refreshed activity
Cons
- Does not support SCSI drives or hardware RAID
- Plain, dated interface
System requirements: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 · A SMART-capable hard drive · Compatible drivers
Does DiskCheckup repair a drive?
No. It reports health and runs the drive's self-tests; back up your data if warnings appear.
Can DiskCheckup predict when a drive will fail?
It can show an estimated date when a SMART value will cross its threshold, but this is a rough guide only.
Which drives can DiskCheckup monitor?
SMART-capable drives with compatible drivers. SCSI drives and hardware RAID arrays are not supported.
Is DiskCheckup free?
Yes, for personal use. Businesses need a license from PassMark.
