Hard drives can operate for many years under ideal conditions. However, various factors such as build quality, careful handling, protection against high temperatures, humidity and power peaks can influence their lifespan. We’ll show you the proper steps to take to maximize the life of your hard drive.

Further reading: 3 reasons why you should still buy a hard drive

Drop damage and static electricity

A fall, for example, can seriously damage the hard drive. The impact may cause the read/write head to hit the rotating platters and scratch or damage them. Internal components may also shift and the read head or drive motor may be damaged. This is why it is important to handle external hard drives with care and be careful not to drop your laptop to protect internal hard drives. When shopping online, make sure, if possible, to use a reliable shipping service provider that handles electronic devices properly.

You should also protect your hard drive from static electricity, as such discharges can damage sensitive electronic components. Ideally, wear a grounded anti-static wrist strap when repairing and disassembling the hard drive to avoid static charges. Also avoid placing the hard drive on synthetic materials or clothing that may generate static electricity.

If possible, use an anti-static mat and hold the hard drive by the edges to minimize the risk. Store unused or external hard drives in anti-static bags to protect them from static electricity.

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Eject hard drive

Before disconnecting an external hard drive, you should always eject it safely through the Windows operating system. This prevents data loss and ensures that the read/write head is properly parked to avoid failure. A sudden ejection can cause voltage fluctuations and electrical spikes that can damage the hard drive’s electronics. Safe eject allows the operating system to safely disconnect the hard drive and stabilize other moving parts such as the spindle motor.

Another important point that is often overlooked: high-quality power supplies (PSUs) from well-known manufacturers offer stable performance and additionally have built-in protection functions such as overvoltage protection, undervoltage protection, short circuits and overvoltages.

These features prevent voltage fluctuations that could damage your hard drive’s electronics. A high-quality power supply is made of sturdy materials and undergoes rigorous testing to minimize the risk of failure.

Overheated

Unfortunately, overheating significantly reduces the lifespan of a hard drive. The operating temperature of the hard drive should be below 55 degrees Celsius, even under heavy use. Make sure your computer is well ventilated.

You will want to regularly remove dust and dirt from the ventilation slots. You should also avoid overloading your case with too many components and monitor the hard drive temperature. If the hard drive gets too hot, move it to a cooler location or upgrade your computer’s cooling system.

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Humidity and high temperatures

High humidity and high temperatures can affect the lifespan of a hard drive. It is best to keep the humidity between 40 and 50 percent. If you live in a high humidity area, invest in a dehumidifier. You can also place silica gel packets inside the computer case to absorb excess moisture. You can also use waterproof and weatherproof enclosures for external hard drives and store them in dry places.

Reliable surge protection protects your computer’s sensitive electronic components from power surges. Even if your home has a surge protector on the main fuse box, it is advisable to use a local surge protector at the outlet. Choose a surge protector with a high Joule rating, fast response times, and advanced features like indicator lights and resettable circuit breakers. Check the indicator lights regularly to ensure the surge protector is working properly.