5 Ways to Check if Windows Laptop Has HDD or SSD and Its Type

If you’re trying to figure out whether your Windows laptop uses an HDD or SSD—and what kind of SSD it is—you’re not alone. Knowing your storage type can help you make decisions about upgrades, speed, and maintenance. Here are five easy ways to check.

1. Check via Task Manager

1. Right-click the taskbar and select Task Manager.
2. Click the Performance tab.
3. On the left, select Disk 0 (or Disk 1, if you have more drives).
4. At the top right, you’ll see either SSD or HDD next to the disk name.

Why it works: Windows labels the type automatically, so you get a quick answer.

2. Look in Windows Settings

1. Open Settings (press Windows + I).
2. Go to System > Storage.
3. Click Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes.
4. Click the disk and check the details. Sometimes, the type is listed in the drive’s name or description.

3. Use the Defragment and Optimize Drives Tool

1. Press Windows + S, type Defragment and Optimize Drives, and open it.
2. In the list, look under Media type. It will say Solid state drive or Hard disk drive.

Tip: This is quick and built into all recent Windows versions.

4. Check with PowerShell

1. Right-click the Start button and select Windows PowerShell (Admin).
2. Paste this command and press Enter:
   Get-PhysicalDisk
3. Look under the MediaType column. It will show SSD or HDD.

Bonus: For advanced users, PowerShell can also show if your SSD is SATA or NVMe (see “BusType”).

5. Use a Free System Info Tool

If you want more detail (like the exact SSD model or interface):

• Download and install CrystalDiskInfo or Speccy.
• Open the tool. It will show drive type, model, and connection (e.g., SATA, NVMe).

Why bother? This is the easiest way to see the specific SSD type, like whether it’s SATA (slower) or NVMe (faster).

What’s the Difference Between SATA and NVMe?

• SATA SSD: Usually labeled as “SATA” in tools. Faster than HDD, but not the fastest SSD.
• NVMe SSD: Labeled as “NVMe” or “PCIe.” Much faster, connects directly to the motherboard.

Conclusion

You don’t need to open your laptop to check what kind of storage you have. With these five methods, you’ll know if you’re running on an HDD or SSD—and whether your SSD is SATA or NVMe—in just a few clicks.

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Mark Vincent

Tech enthusiast and content creator passionate about making technology simple for everyone. I share practical tips, guides, and reviews on the latest in computers, software, and gadgets. Let’s explore the digital world together!