Checking Your Drive’s Read and Write Speeds on Windows — Honestly, it’s easier than you think
If you’ve ever wondered just how fast your SSD, external drive, or USB stick really is, you might have found it tricky to get a clear answer. I’ve spent ages trying to run simple benchmarks without immediately resorting to bulky third-party tools. Turns out, Windows has some built-in options — not always obvious, but available once you know where to look. Once you’re familiar with the process, it’s pretty straightforward — though not flawless.
Using Windows Built-in Commands to Check Drive Performance
This method finally worked for me: using the command line — specifically, Windows Terminal or PowerShell. It’s not the prettiest way to benchmark, but it’s quick, free, and doesn’t require installing anything extra. Basically, open the terminal as an administrator, run a command, and you’ll get an estimate of your drive’s sequential read and write speeds.
Before you start, make sure your external drives are plugged into a good port (USB 3.0, USB-C, etc.). Sometimes, even if a drive appears connected, it’s running slower because it’s in a legacy or low-speed port — think old USB 2.0 or shared motherboard connectors. Use a proper port and ensure the drive is properly mounted before testing.
Setting Up the Terminal
You’ll need administrator rights, so press Windows + X to open the quick menu. Select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin)”, depending on what’s available. If PowerShell isn’t listed, you might need to update Windows or tweak some settings, but it’s usually there.
Speaking from experience — especially on older or OEM systems (like some Asus or Dell laptops) — you might have to disable certain BIOS restrictions or enable “legacy support”. That’s a bit outside the scope here, but keep it in mind if you get stuck.
Running the Speed Test with winsat
This is where I initially got a bit lost — what exactly to type in. The command you want is winsat disk -seq -drive <drive letter>. Replace <drive letter> with the letter of the drive you’re testing, such as D: or E:. For testing drive D:, run:
winsat disk -seq -drive DThis will run a quick sequential read/write test. winsat (Windows System Assessment Tool) will give you an estimate in MB/sec. The output can look a little cluttered, but the key bits are right there. You’ll see numbers indicating the speed — basically, how fast your drive is operating, which helps determine if it’s performing as expected or underperforming.
Be patient — the command doesn’t take long, but slower hardware or busy systems might make it a bit sluggish to finish. Note that this test covers sequential speeds; if you’re after info on random access speeds (more relevant for everyday use), you’ll need different tools, but winsat only provides basic estimates.
Testing External Drives and Troubleshooting
If you’re testing an external drive, plug it in before launching the command prompt and running the test. Double-check that the drive is properly mounted. Also, verify in File Explorer the drive letter — sometimes, especially with SD cards or multiple devices, the drive letter might not be what you expect. I’ve wasted time checking the wrong drive because I looked at the wrong letter.
The syntax can be a bit finicky, so make sure to include the -drive parameter and always run the command as an administrator. If results seem inconsistent, a quick reboot can sometimes resolve lurking issues or cached states.
Beyond Winsat — More Detailed Benchmarks
Remember, winsat offers a quick snapshot — useful for a rough idea, but not comprehensive. If you’re troubleshooting performance problems or need in-depth data (like 4K random speeds, queue depths, etc.), dedicated benchmarking tools are better. Programs like CrystalDiskMark, ATTO Disk Benchmark, or AS SSD Benchmark give you more detailed info and cover various test scenarios.
Still, in a pinch, this built-in method is surprisingly handy. Plus, it saves cluttering your system with third-party apps just to get a quick read on your drives.
Important Notes & Caveats
Keep in mind that your results can be influenced by background processes, antivirus scans, disk indexing, or encryption — I’ve seen my speeds fluctuate when Windows performs updates in the background. Other factors like your drive’s firmware, system load, or fragmentation can also impact the numbers.
If the results seem odd or inconsistent, try restarting your PC, closing unnecessary programs, and making sure the drive isn’t still indexing or busy with other tasks.
Final Thoughts — Why Bother?
Honestly, it’s handy to get a rough sense of your drive’s performance without installing extra software. It’s quick, straightforward, and doesn’t involve waiting for downloads. Just run winsat as an admin, replace the drive letter, and you’re good to go.
That said, it’s not perfect — only measures sequential speeds, and results can vary with system load or drive condition. But it’s a solid starting point for a quick check before diving into more detailed benchmarking tools.
I hope this saves you some time — it took me ages to figure out, so sharing this might help others avoid a few frustrating hours. Happy benchmarking!