How to Turn On Dark Mode Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 24, 2025

Summary (Key Takeaways)

  • You can quickly check whether your PC has an SSD or HDD using built-in tools like Task Manager, Settings, PowerShell, or Command Prompt.

  • SSDs are faster, quieter, and more durable, while HDDs offer larger storage at a lower cost.

  • Knowing your storage type helps with performance troubleshooting, upgrade planning, and disk health checks.

  • This guide covers all methods step by step, with screenshots-style instructions, beginner-friendly explanations, and pro tips.

Have you ever wondered why your computer boots up lightning-fast or, on the other hand, takes forever to load? The secret often lies in the type of storage drive your system uses — an SSD (Solid State Drive) or an HDD (Hard Disk Drive).

If you’re running Windows 11, you might ask: How do I check if I have an SSD or HDD? Good news — you don’t need to open your PC or install third-party software. Windows 11 has several built-in ways to check your storage type quickly and easily.

In this guide, we’ll walk you step by step through all the best methods to check whether your computer has SSD or HDD in Windows 11. Let’s dive in!

What Is the Difference Between SSD and HDD?

HDD (Hard Disk Drive)

  • Uses spinning magnetic disks to store data.

  • Generally slower in read/write speeds.

  • More affordable with large storage capacities.

  • Produces more noise and heat.

SSD (Solid State Drive)

  • Uses flash memory chips (no moving parts).

  • Significantly faster at booting Windows and opening programs.

  • More durable and energy-efficient.

  • Typically costlier per gigabyte than HDDs.

👉 Think of it this way: An HDD is like a filing cabinet that takes time to open and sort through, while an SSD is like a digital library where everything is instantly searchable.

Why Does It Matter If You Have SSD or HDD in Windows 11?

  • Performance: SSDs make apps and games load faster.

  • Upgrades: Knowing your current storage helps you decide whether to replace it.

  • Battery Life: SSDs consume less power on laptops.

  • Reliability: SSDs are more resistant to damage from drops or shocks.

By checking your storage type, you can better plan maintenance, upgrades, or troubleshooting.

How to Check If You Have SSD or HDD in Windows 11 (Step-by-Step)

There are multiple ways to identify whether your system is using an SSD or HDD. Let’s go through them one by one.

Method 1: Check Using Task Manager

  1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

  2. Click on the Performance tab.

  3. Select Disk (C: or D:) from the left panel.

  4. Under the graph, look for Disk Type — it will show SSD or HDD.

💡 Pro Tip: If you have multiple drives, repeat the process for each listed disk.

Method 2: Check from Windows Settings

  1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Storage.

  3. Scroll down and click on Advanced storage settings.

  4. Select Disks & volumes.

  5. Choose your drive and click Properties.

  6. Here, the Media type will tell you if it’s an SSD or HDD.

Method 3: Check Using File Explorer

  1. Open File Explorer (Win + E).

  2. Right-click your C: drive and choose Properties.

  3. Go to the Hardware tab.

  4. You’ll see your disk model name.

  5. Copy the name and search it on Google — the results will tell you if it’s SSD or HDD.

Method 4: Check with PowerShell

  1. Press Win + S and type PowerShell.

  2. Right-click and select Run as administrator.

  3. Enter this command:

    Get-PhysicalDisk

  4. Look at the MediaType column — it will show SSD or HDD.

Method 5: Check via Command Prompt

  1. Press Win + S and search cmd.

  2. Right-click and choose Run as administrator.

  3. Type the following command:

    wmic diskdrive get model,mediaType

  4. The MediaType will display your drive type.

Method 6: Use Windows Defragment Tool

  1. Press Win + S and search Defragment and Optimize Drives.

  2. Open the tool.

  3. Under Media type, you’ll clearly see if your drive is Solid State Drive or Hard Disk Drive.

Method 7: Check Using Third-Party Tools (Optional)

If you want more detailed information, you can use free tools like:

  • CrystalDiskInfo

  • Speccy

  • HWInfo

These apps show storage type, health status, temperature, and performance.

Comparison Table: SSD vs HDD in Windows 11

Feature SSD HDD
Speed Fast boot & load times Slower boot & load times
Durability More shock-resistant Prone to damage
Power Efficiency Lower power consumption Higher power consumption
Noise Silent operation Audible spinning sound
Cost More expensive per GB Cheaper per GB

Common Problems When Checking Storage Type

Why can’t I see the disk type in Task Manager?

  • You may need to update Windows 11.

  • The system might not detect the drive correctly.

What if my PC has both SSD and HDD?

  • Many modern laptops use a hybrid setup: SSD for Windows boot and HDD for large files.

  • You’ll see multiple disks listed in Task Manager or PowerShell.

Pro Tips for Managing Your Drive

  • Enable TRIM for SSDs to maintain performance.

  • Defragment HDDs occasionally, but don’t defrag SSDs (it reduces lifespan).

  • Keep at least 20% free space for optimal performance.

  • Use disk cleanup tools to remove junk files regularly.

Conclusion

Now you know exactly how to check if you have an SSD or HDD in Windows 11 using different methods — Task Manager, Settings, File Explorer, PowerShell, Command Prompt, and even third-party tools.

By identifying your storage type, you’ll be better equipped to:

  • Optimize performance

  • Plan upgrades

  • Troubleshoot issues effectively

So, go ahead and check your drive type today — you’ll gain valuable insight into your PC’s performance and future upgrade potential.

FAQs

1. How can I check if my laptop has SSD or HDD without opening it?

You can use Task Manager > Performance tab or run PowerShell (Get-PhysicalDisk) to see whether your storage is SSD or HDD.

2. Is SSD always better than HDD in Windows 11?

Yes, for speed and durability, SSDs are better. But HDDs are still great if you need cheap bulk storage.

3. Can I upgrade from HDD to SSD on my Windows 11 laptop?

Yes, most laptops allow upgrades. You may need an M.2 SSD or SATA SSD, depending on compatibility.

4. Does Windows 11 run faster on SSD?

Absolutely — Windows 11 boots significantly faster and apps open almost instantly on an SSD.

5. How do I know if my PC has both SSD and HDD?

Check in Task Manager or Defragment Tool. If you see multiple disks, one may be SSD and the other HDD.

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