Freedom251 › Disk Diagnostic Software
HDDScan
What HDDScan is
HDDScan is a free Windows utility for diagnosing hard drives, SSDs, RAID arrays and USB flash drives. Its drive checks include linear verification, reading and erasing, plus Butterfly mode reading. On supported drives, it reads and analyzes SMART parameters, can run SMART tests and monitors temperature across supported ATA, SATA, USB, FireWire and SCSI connections. It also offers drive controls for changing AAM, APM and PM settings and starting or stopping the spindle, where the drive supports them. Reports can be printed or saved in MHT format. For command-line use, HDDScan can save generated commands as .cmd or .bat files. The listed plan costs nothing. Requirements include Windows XP SP3 through Windows 10, and Windows Server 2003 with restrictions. Compatibility varies by drive and controller. RAID volumes and USB flash drives are limited to surface tests, and USB capabilities depend on program support. Only one test should run at a time. Erase mode overwrites tested blocks with a pattern, making previous data unrecoverable.
Who it suits
HDDScan suits Windows users who want to inspect supported drives, review SMART data or run surface tests. It also has command-line options for users who want to save generated commands for later use.
What it does well
- Free plan costs nothing.
- Offers several drive tests, including Butterfly reading.
- Reads SMART parameters and can run SMART tests.
- Saves reports as MHT files or prints them.
- Supports command-line use and saved .cmd or .bat commands.
What to know first
- Only one test should run at a time.
- RAID and USB flash drives get surface tests only.
- Erase mode makes previous data unrecoverable.
- Windows Server 2003 support has restrictions.
Limits
The free plan is freeware. RAID volumes and USB flash drives support surface tests only, and USB capabilities depend on program support; only one test should run at a time. Erase mode overwrites tested blocks, making their previous data unrecoverable.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| HDDScan | Freeware · Windows; supported drive and controller compatibility varies | Free |
As hddscan.com lists them, read 9 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit https://hddscan.com/.
- Use a Windows system within the listed compatibility range.
- Download HDDScan and check drive and controller compatibility.
- Run one test at a time, choosing a test suited to the drive.
- Save a report as MHT or print it if needed.
Verdict
HDDScan combines drive tests, SMART analysis and temperature monitoring in a free Windows utility. Check device support and the surface-test limits for RAID and USB flash drives before relying on it; Erase mode permanently overwrites tested blocks.
Questions
How much does HDDScan cost?
Its plan is freeware at no cost.
Which platforms does HDDScan support?
It supports Windows. Listed requirements span Windows XP SP3 through Windows 10, with Windows Server 2003 subject to restrictions.
What types of drives can it diagnose?
Its purpose includes hard drives, RAID arrays, USB flash drives, and SSDs. Compatibility varies by drive and controller.
Can HDDScan read SMART data and monitor temperature?
It reads and analyzes SMART parameters and can run SMART tests on supported drives. Temperature monitoring is available for supported ATA, SATA, USB, FireWire, and SCSI drives.
What are the test limits?
Only one test should run at a time. RAID volumes and USB flash drives support surface tests only.
What happens when I use Erase mode?
It overwrites the tested blocks with a pattern, and the previous data cannot be recovered.
Facts from HDDScan's own pages
- Author
- The download page names Artem Rubtsov as the author. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Command line
- It supports command-line use and can save generated commands as .cmd or .bat files. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Compatibility
- The listed requirements include Windows XP SP3 through Windows 10 and Windows Server 2003 with restrictions. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Device limits
- RAID volumes and USB flash drives support surface tests only, and USB drive capabilities depend on support by the program. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Drive controls
- For supported drives, it can change AAM, APM, and PM settings and start or stop the spindle. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Drive tests
- It offers linear verification, linear reading, linear erasing, and Butterfly mode reading tests. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- HDDScan is freeware for diagnosing hard drives, RAID arrays, USB flash drives, and SSDs. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Reports
- Reports can be saved in MHT format or printed. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Safety note
- The maker warns that Erase mode overwrites the tested blocks with a pattern and the previous data cannot be recovered afterward. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- SMART
- It reads and analyzes SMART parameters and can run SMART tests on supported drives. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Support
- The download page lists [email protected] as the contact email. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Temperature
- It monitors drive temperature for supported ATA, SATA, USB, FireWire, and SCSI drives. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
- Test limit
- The maker says only one test should run at a time because it could not obtain stable results with multiple simultaneous tests. · hddscan.com, 9 Oct 2026
Where HDDScan stands on Freedom251
- Disk Diagnostic Software#10 of 26
- Hardware Diagnostic Software#10 of 26
- Disk Health Monitoring Software#15 of 30