A microSD card can be an invaluable asset for the modern tech enthusiasts, with their compact sizes making way for expansive digital storage capacities that will allow you to save and access files while on the move, especially when it comes to large data files such as high-resolution image and video content. Whether you are shutterbug snapping shots of everything you see whilst on the go or you are a commuter continuing your work on the way to and from the office, the ability to effortlessly insert additional storage space into your device, whether that be your smartphone, laptop, games consoles or whatever else, is a real lifesaver. No one wants to get caught out by an error message stating your device’s storage capacity is full or that you have to delete some of your existing files to make room, and this is exactly where the versatility and convenience of a microSD card comes in.
Taking into consideration just how useful microSD cards are in both personal and professional applications, the thought of running into issues such as SD card failure can be a real cause for concern. Not only does this pose the risk of your stored files being completely corrupted or erased, but it also can lead to safety concerns if you have stored any sensitive information for either you or your workplace. This is why checking the health of your microSD card is absolutely essential in taking away this risk. This article will help you to find out exactly how you should go about checking the health of your microSD card and what you need to know for the future of your portable storage solutions.
Why Do I need to check my MicroSD Card Health?
You might first ask “Why do I need to check the health of my microSD card?” Well in simple terms if your files and data are important to you, then checking to make sure the very tool they are stored away in is working fine shouldn’t be too much of a bother. The longer you use your microSD card, the higher the risk of running into issues such as accessibility errors and file corruptions. This is because microSD cards, and SD cards in general, use what is known as ‘flash memory’. This memory format comes with quite a few benefits which are what makes microSD cards so convenient, such as its ability to efficiently write and rewrite data without requiring any moving parts, as well as lower power consumptions.
The biggest drawback however is that flash memory has a finite lifespan, which means that over time, the functionality of your microSD card will begin to wear until most of its utility is lost. Luckily, it takes a long time for this to ever really become a noticeable issue so you don’t have to worry about rushing out to by dozens of microSD cards just for the sake of it. Knowing when your microSD card is coming to the end of its lifespan however is when you should think about investing in a new storage solution and that is where testing its health comes in and why it is so important.
Correcting Errors in Windows
Now we can discuss how you can actually go about testing the health of your microSD card, starting off with simply using Windows Explorer (provided your application is compatible). Open Windows Explorer and right-click on the section where your microSD card is located. From there you can easily run a health check scan, where errors can be both diagnosed and corrected. This may not be the most comprehensive way to check on your microSD card, given that this method doesn’t necessarily provide you with a completely accurate report but it can be useful in highlighting some potential errors.
On-chip Algorithms
Another way you can see if your microSD card is coming to the end of its lifespan is by using its own integrated software. Some industrial microSD cards come readily equipped with monitoring software, often compatible with Linux and Windows which will be able to provide you with a range of information and stats depending on the health of your storage solution. Of course, the information you receive will vary depending on the brand of microSD you use and the software it comes with, but more often than not you will be able to view a relatively easy-to-read report that focuses on the remaining life percentage of your card.
Free Online Tools
If you find that your microSD card comes with no health-monitoring software or that it isn’t compatible with Windows systems, then you will be able to source similar tools online with basic searches. On occasions you will even be able to find brand-specific tools that will allow you to find out all the information you need for your specific microSD card model. Brands like Panasonic and ATP are two in particular that offer these services. Even if you aren’t able to find something for your specific microSD card brand, then sourcing an application online still shouldn’t pose too much of an issue, with plenty of forums available for browsing dedicated to this very subject.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully now you know not only how important it is for you to regularly test your microSD card’s health to ensure long-term security in your most essential files and documents. With all the tools available online, either coming readily accessible alongside your new microSD card purchase or as a third-party software, you shouldn’t struggle in keeping up with the health of your on the go storage solutions, so make sure you have complete peace-of-mind when it comes to your data and regularly check in following extensive usage.
