How to Recover Lost Data from Crashed SSD? [5 Methods]

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Solid State Drives (SSDs) have revolutionized data storage with their speed, reliability, and energy efficiency compared to traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs). However, like any storage medium, SSDs are not immune to failure. A sudden crash can cause data loss, system errors, or even complete inaccessibility. If you've found yourself staring at a non-responsive SSD and wondering how to recover your valuable data, you're not alone.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to recover data from a crashed SSD - whether it's a logical issue, firmware corruption, or hardware failure.

The Type of SSD Crash: Logical Crash and Physical Damage

Before attempting any recovery, it's important to understand why the SSD crashed. Identifying the cause helps determine the most effective recovery method.

1. Logical Crash

Logical crashes involve software-level issues that affect how the data is accessed. Symptoms include:

• Files disappearing or becoming inaccessible
• System not booting
• File system errors
• SSD visible in BIOS but not in the OS

Common causes:

• Accidental deletion or formatting
• Malware or ransomware attacks
• File system corruption
• Operating system crashes

2. Physical Crash

A physical crash refers to hardware-level damage, and it's often more severe. Symptoms include:

• SSD not recognized in BIOS
• Clicking or beeping sounds (rare for SSDs)
• Complete drive failure
• System freeze during read/write operations

Common causes:

• Power surges or outages
• Manufacturing defects
• NAND chip failure
• Controller damage

Understanding whether you're dealing with a logical or physical failure determines whether you can use software solutions or need professional help.

Precautionary Steps Before Crashed SSD Recovery

Regardless of the crash type, follow these essential steps before starting data recovery:

1. Stop Using the SSD Immediately: Continued use might overwrite recoverable data, making recovery harder or impossible.
2. Disconnect the Drive: If it's not the primary boot drive, disconnect it from your system to avoid unintentional writes.
3. Avoid Running Disk Utilities Prematurely: Tools like CHKDSK or Disk Utility might fix logical issues but could also destroy metadata required for recovery.
4. Create a Clone of the Drive: If the SSD is still partially accessible, use tools like ddrescue (Linux) or Donemax Disk Clone (Windows & macOS) to clone the SSD to another storage device. Always work from the clone.

5 Methods to Recover Data from a Crashed SSD

Method 1. Use Built-In Operating System Utilities to Repair the Crashed SSD

If the SSD is still recognized by your operating system, you can try the following built-in tools:

Windows

• CHKDSK

  Run chkdsk X: /f /r (replace X with your SSD's drive letter) in Command Prompt. This attempts to fix file system errors and recover readable information.

• File History

  Check if File History is enabled to restore older versions of files.

• Windows Recovery Drive

  Boot into recovery and use "Startup Repair" or "System Restore."

macOS

• Disk Utility – First Aid

  Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility, select your SSD, and run "First Aid."

• Time Machine

  If enabled, restore your data from the Time Machine backup.

• macOS Recovery Mode

  Press Command + R (for Intel-based Mac) or Power button (for Apple silicon mac) at boot to access recovery tools.

💡 Note: These tools are best for logical errors and may not work if the drive isn't detected.

Method 2. Recover Crashed SSD Using Data Recovery Software

When your SSD is still detected by the system - even if it's not working properly - data recovery software can be a powerful solution. These tools are designed to scan your drive for lost, deleted, corrupted, or formatted files and often support a wide range of file systems and storage media, including SSDs.

When Should You Use Software-Based Recovery?

• Your SSD is still recognized by your operating system or BIOS.
• You accidentally deleted important files or formatted the drive.
• The drive contains corrupted or inaccessible partitions.
• You're dealing with bad sectors or file system errors.
• You want to attempt recovery before turning to expensive professional services.

Key Features to Look For in SSD Recovery Software

• Deep Scan Capabilities: Can thoroughly examine the SSD for fragments and recoverable data, even from formatted or corrupted partitions.
• File Preview: Allows you to preview recoverable files before restoring them.
• Filter and Search: Helps you quickly locate specific files (e.g., .docx, .jpg, .mp4).
• Multiple File System Support: Compatibility with NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, APFS, ext3/ext4, etc.
• Pause and Resume: Useful for scanning large-capacity SSDs or if you're short on time.
• Clone or Disk Image Functionality: Some tools let you create a disk image of your SSD, which you can scan instead of the actual device—reducing wear and risk of further data loss.

Recommended Tools:

Here are some of the most reliable and widely used options:

1. Donemax Data Recovery
   • Intuitive interface for beginners
   • Recovers files from formatted drives, deleted partitions, and even RAW SSDs
   • Repair crashed SSDs on Windows or macOS.
   • Free version available with up to 200MB recovery
2. Stellar Data Recovery
   • Advanced scanning with options for deep scan
   • Useful for businesses and tech-savvy users
   • Supports encrypted drive recovery
3. Disk Drill
   • Available for both Windows and macOS
   • Offers free recovery up to 500MB (Windows only)
   • Includes additional tools like data protection and drive backup
4. R-Studio
   • Best for professionals or IT technicians
   • More complex interface but deeper forensic-level scanning
   • Supports RAID recovery and damaged partition repair
5. PhotoRec (by TestDisk)
   • Open-source and free
   • Works well for recovering images, videos, documents
   • Less user-friendly, but effective for simple recoveries
6. Recuva
   • Lightweight and user-friendly
   • Good for recovering recently deleted files
   • Not ideal for severely corrupted or inaccessible SSDs

How to Use Recovery Software (such as Donemax Data Recovery):

Step 1. Install the software - Donemax Data Recovery on a separate drive (never install on the SSD you're trying to recover from).

Step 2. Connect your crashed SSD as a secondary drive. Open Donemax Data Recovery, select the SSD to start data recovery

Step 3. Just click on Scan button. It will run a deep scan to search for existing/inaccessible files, lost partitions, deleted/formatted/lost files, and corrupted folders.

Step 4. After scanning, you can preview and recover the wanted files.

Tips for Success

• Be patient during deep scans - they can take several hours, especially on large drives.
• Don't panic if the file structure appears broken - most tools allow you to recover files by type even if the folder tree is lost.
• Use the cloning feature (if available) to preserve your drive before starting recovery.
• If one software doesn't yield results, try another - different algorithms might recover different files.

Limitations of Recovery Software

• Won't work if the SSD isn't recognized at all.
• Ineffective against physically damaged NAND chips or controllers.
• May not fully recover severely fragmented or overwritten files.
• Some software tools limit recovery size unless you upgrade to the paid version.

Method 3. Connect SSD to Another Computer

If your system won't boot or recognize the SSD, try connecting it to a different computer:

• Use a USB-to-SATA adapter, external SSD enclosure, or M.2 to USB converter depending on your SSD form factor.
• This helps determine whether the issue lies with the SSD or the original computer.

Sometimes, a crashed SSD works on a different system, allowing data access without further recovery methods.

Method 4. Check for Firmware Updates

An outdated or corrupted firmware can cause your SSD to crash or become unstable. Manufacturers often release firmware updates to address such issues.

Steps:

1. Identify your SSD model and brand.
2. Visit the manufacturer's website (e.g., Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive).
3. Download the latest firmware update tool.
4. Follow the provided instructions to safely update the firmware.

💡 Caution: Don't attempt firmware updates if the SSD is already unstable - it could brick the drive completely.

Method 5. Seek Help from a Data Recovery Professional

If the SSD has sustained physical damage or if software methods fail, professional recovery services are your best bet.

When to Consider This Option:

• SSD not detected even in BIOS
• Firmware corruption that prevents drive initialization
• Clicking sounds or overheating
• Important data (e.g., legal, business-critical files)

What to Expect:

• Evaluation phase: They assess the damage and provide a recovery quote.
• Cleanroom recovery: Technicians may open the SSD in a controlled environment.
• Data transfer: Recovered files are transferred to a new storage device.

Cost:

• Logical recovery: $300–$700
• Physical recovery: $700–$2000+, depending on damage severity

Top providers include DriveSavers, Gillware, Secure Data Recovery, and SalvageData.

How to Prevent Future SSD Crash and Data Loss?

Recovering data from a crashed SSD can be stressful and costly. Prevention is key.

1. Regular Backups

• Use cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud
• Schedule local backups to an external HDD or NAS
• Enable Time Machine (macOS) or File History (Windows)

2. Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply)

Protects your system from sudden shutdowns caused by power failure, which can corrupt SSD data.

3. Avoid SSD Overfilling

Maintain 10 - 20% free space on the drive to ensure proper operation and wear leveling.

4. Monitor SSD Health

Tools like CrystalDiskInfo, Smartmontools, or Samsung Magician help track SSD health, temperature, and error rates.

5. Keep Firmware and OS Updated

Updates often fix bugs and improve compatibility that might otherwise cause crashes.

Conclusion

SSDs may be faster and more reliable than HDDs, but they're still vulnerable to data loss due to crashes, power failures, and hardware issues. The good news is that in many cases, data can be recovered - especially if you act quickly and use the right tools.

Begin by identifying whether the crash is logical or physical. Use built-in utilities and data recovery software for logical issues. If your SSD is physically damaged or completely inaccessible, consider turning to professionals.

And most importantly - don't wait until disaster strikes. Develop a robust backup and monitoring strategy to protect your data and your peace of mind.