Own a WD Blue or WD_BLACK SSD and want to check its health or install a firmware fix? Western Digital SSD Dashboard shows remaining life, temperature and speed, and updates firmware. Since March 2025 it is called SanDisk Dashboard, after SanDisk split from Western Digital; version 5.2 arrived in March 2026.
What does the drive status screen show?
The status view brings together the drive’s free and used space, estimated remaining life, and current temperature. It also identifies the SSD model and shows the minimum and maximum temperatures recorded. For a PCIe SSD, the displayed lane information can indicate how many PCIe lanes the drive is using.
These readings give owners a quick way to check drive condition and connection details without opening the computer. The remaining-life figure is an estimate, not a prediction of an exact failure date.
How can I check SSD speed or manage TRIM?
A built-in performance test measures the drive’s transfer speed. This gives a direct reading of storage throughput, while the dashboard’s other status values cover capacity, temperature, and estimated life.
- Run the performance test to measure transfer speed.
- Use the TRIM control to let Windows tell the SSD which data blocks are no longer in use.
Where do firmware updates and game mode fit?
The dashboard can check for and apply firmware updates for a supported WD SSD. Firmware is the drive’s internal software, so updates are specific to the detected model; the dashboard identifies the drive before presenting relevant management options.
A separate game-loading mode is available on compatible drives. It is intended to improve game loading, while the performance test measures transfer speed directly. Availability of these options depends on the SSD model.
Do I need a WD drive to use the dashboard?
Yes. It works with WD and SanDisk SSDs only; other brands are not detected. The old Western Digital Dashboard is no longer supported, so download the SanDisk Dashboard for current drives and firmware.
Pros
- Shows remaining drive life, capacity use, and temperature
- Displays PCIe lane use and drive model details
- Includes a transfer-speed test and TRIM control
- Provides firmware updates and a game-loading mode
Cons
- Works only with WD and SanDisk SSDs
- Old Western Digital Dashboard is no longer supported
System requirements: Windows 10, Windows 11 · 32-bit and 64-bit support is stated for Windows 10 only
Is Western Digital SSD Dashboard the same as SanDisk Dashboard?
Yes. It was renamed SanDisk Dashboard in version 5.0 (March 2025) after SanDisk separated from Western Digital, and the old version is no longer supported.
Does it update SSD firmware?
Yes, for supported WD and SanDisk SSDs. Back up data before updating.
What does the performance test measure?
The drive's transfer speed, so you can compare it with the rated figures.