How to Determine if Your Windows 10 Laptop Uses an SSD or HDD

Deciding between an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) in your Windows 10 laptop can be an informative process. Each type of drive has its own set of advantages, such as speed, durability, and power consumption. In this guide, you will learn how to easily identify the type of drive installed in your Windows 10 laptop, using both graphical and command-line methods.

Using File Explorer and Device Manager

One straightforward method is through the use of File Explorer and Device Manager. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Open File Explorer by clicking on the folder icon in the taskbar or pressing Windows E. Right-click on This PC in the left sidebar. Select Properties. Click on Device Manager. Expand the Disk drives category to see the exact model names of all drives.

Alternatively, you can use the Disk Management tool:

Right-click on a volume name and choose Properties. Go to the Hardware tab to see the drive type and model.

Using Task Manager and Performance Tab

If you prefer a quick method, the Task Manager can provide you with essential system information:

Open Task Manager. You can either right-click on the taskbar and select More tasks, or press Ctrl Shift Esc. Go to the Performance tab. Within the list of drives, any marked as “SSD” indicates that drive type.

If you don’t see the drive type directly, the Resource Monitor tool can also help:

Open Resource Monitor from Task Manager. Navigate to the Disk tab. Any drive with “SSD” in the “Device” column is an SSD.

Using Windows Settings

In the Windows 10 settings, the process is quite simple:

Press the Super key to open the Start menu. Search for and click on Settings. Navigate to System. Click on Storage. Here, you will see a clear indication of whether you are using an SSD or HDD.

Using Command Prompt

For those who enjoy command-line tools, the best way is through the Command Prompt:

Press Windows R, type cmd, and press Enter. Run the following command: shell wmic diskdrive get model, type This command will display the model and type of your drives. Look for “SSD” in the Type column to identify an SSD.

Linux Environment

For users of Linux, you can use the terminal with the following command:

Type the command: lsblk -o name, rota This will display the rotational column. Any disk that is not rotational shows as “0”, indicating an SSD. A “1” indicates a HDD.

By following any of these methods, you can confidently determine whether your Windows 10 laptop is using an SSD or HDD. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out!