Storage · medium

How to fixHDD-SLOW-READ-SPEED

HDD slow read/write speed

What this error means

HDD-SLOW-READ-SPEED shows up as a medium-severity storage drive (SSD/HDD) fault. A mechanical hard disk drive (HDD) exhibiting extremely slow read/write speeds, typically below 30 MB/s when sequential reads should be 100-200 MB/s. This is an early warning sign of imminent drive failure. Causes include bad sector remapping slowing down reads, head misalignment, or degraded drive spindle motor. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Back up all data immediately

Back up all data immediately.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
02Run CHKDSK to remap bad sectors

Run CHKDSK to remap bad sectors.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
03Monitor with CrystalDiskInfo for S.M.A.R.T. data

Monitor with CrystalDiskInfo for S.M.A.R.T. data.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help

Possible causes

  • Developing bad sectors forcing multiple read retries
  • Head misalignment from physical shock
  • Degraded spindle motor