SSD Data Recovery - Complete Guide 2026
SSD Data Recovery - Complete Guide 2026
Your SSD suddenly stopped working. The computer doesn't see it, or the system won't boot. Unlike a traditional hard drive, you don't hear any warning sounds – it just stopped working from one day to the next.
Don't panic, but act quickly. With SSD drives, time is a critical factor that can determine whether your data still exists.
In this guide, you'll learn what to do in the first minutes, when recovery is realistic, and when it's time to call professionals.
First Steps When Your SSD Stops Working
Immediately Shut Down the Computer
Don't restart. Shut down. Hold the power button or unplug the power cable.
Why is this so important? A process called TRIM runs in the background, which physically erases data marked as deleted. Every minute the computer is on could mean less recoverable data.
What to Do in the First 5 Minutes
- Shut down the computer – immediately, not a safe shutdown
- Disconnect the SSD – if possible without risk
- Don't try to restart – each boot can trigger TRIM
- Don't use recovery software – it can make things worse
- Document the symptoms – what happened, what errors appeared
Why Speed is Critical
A traditional hard drive (HDD) retains deleted data until it's physically overwritten with new data. With SSDs, the situation is different.
TRIM is a function that tells the SSD which data blocks are no longer needed. The SSD then physically erases these blocks to prepare them for new writes. This process runs automatically in the background.
This means: The longer the computer with the SSD is on after data deletion, the smaller the chance of recovery.
Signs of SSD Failure
SSDs fail differently than HDDs. You don't hear clicking or scratching – failure is usually silent and sudden.
Drive Not Visible in BIOS
The computer starts, but the SSD is not visible at all in BIOS/UEFI settings. As if it was never there.
Possible causes:
- Firmware problem (most common)
- Damaged controller
- Faulty electronics
Capacity Shows 0 MB or 8 MB
The drive is visible, but instead of 500 GB or 1 TB, it shows a nonsensical capacity.
What it means:
- Controller entered emergency mode
- Firmware loaded incorrectly
- Known issue with some models (Intel "8MB bug")
Extremely Slow Reading
The drive works, but every operation takes minutes. File copying freezes for hours.
Possible causes:
- Dying NAND chips
- ECC correction problems
- Overheating
Random Disconnections
The SSD randomly disconnects and reconnects. Windows reports "The device was unexpectedly removed."
Possible causes:
- Faulty power supply
- Firmware bug
- Beginning controller failure
Blue Screen When Accessing Data
The system runs, but attempting to access certain files causes a system crash.
Possible causes:
- Faulty NAND blocks
- Corrupted mapping table
- Firmware problem
Key Difference from HDD
With hard drives, sounds warn you – clicking, squealing, scratching. With SSDs, you hear nothing. That's why it's important to monitor SMART values and notice even small changes in behavior.
Why SSD Recovery is Different from HDD
SSDs operate on a completely different principle than traditional hard drives. This has a fundamental impact on data recovery possibilities.
TRIM Physically Erases Data
With HDDs, "deletion" only marks space as free. Data physically remains there until something overwrites it.
With SSDs with active TRIM, deleted data is physically erased – usually within seconds to minutes. Once TRIM runs, the data is irreversibly gone.
Controller Dependency
All data on an SSD passes through the controller, which encrypts, compresses, and distributes it across NAND chips. If the controller fails, accessing data requires specialized tools or chip-off techniques.
Encryption is Often On by Default
Most modern SSDs use hardware encryption (SED – Self-Encrypting Drive), even if you didn't enable it. The key is stored in the controller. If the controller fails, the key may be lost.
When is SSD Data Recovery Possible
High Chance of Recovery (70-90%)
Firmware problem:
- Drive not visible, but NAND chips are fine
- Controller entered emergency mode
- Solution: Firmware repair with specialized tools
Logical deletion without TRIM:
- Data deleted, but TRIM hasn't run yet
- SSD was disconnected immediately after deletion
- Solution: Reading directly from NAND before TRIM runs
Damaged electronics:
- Burned PCB, but NAND chips undamaged
- Solution: Electronics repair or chip-off
Medium Chance of Recovery (40-70%)
TRIM partially completed:
- Some data erased, some preserved
- Depends on how long the drive was running after deletion
Damaged controller + encryption:
- Controller is dead, but there's a chance with chip-off
- Complicated by hardware encryption
Some NAND chips faulty:
- Part of the data readable, part not
- Success depends on data distribution
Low Chance of Recovery (under 40%)
TRIM completely ran:
- Data physically erased from NAND chips
- Cannot be recovered by any method
Hardware encryption + dead controller:
- Encryption key was stored in the controller
- Dead controller = lost key = unreadable data
- Chip-off retrieves only encrypted data without the key
Physically damaged NAND chips:
- Mechanical damage, power surge
- Damaged chips cannot be read
What NOT to Do
1. Don't Restart Repeatedly
Each restart can trigger TRIM and firmware operations that worsen the situation.
2. Don't Use Recovery Software
Recovery programs like Recuva or R-Studio are designed for working drives. On a damaged SSD:
- They can trigger TRIM
- They can overload a dying controller
- They can cause further data loss
3. Don't Reinstall the System
Installing Windows overwrites system files and triggers TRIM on the entire drive.
4. Don't Format
Not even "quick" formatting. It triggers TRIM on the entire drive.
5. Don't Leave the Computer Running
Background processes can trigger TRIM. Shut down the computer and disconnect the SSD.
Firmware Problems – The Most Common Cause of Failure
Approximately 60% of all SSD failures are related to firmware. It's the "operating system" of the drive that controls all operations.
Symptoms of Firmware Problems
- Drive not visible in BIOS
- Displayed capacity 0 MB or 8 MB
- Drive constantly disconnects
- Extremely slow operations
Why Firmware Fails
- Sudden power loss – most common cause
- Manufacturer bugs – known issues with certain models
- Flash memory wear – firmware is also stored on NAND
Known Problematic Models
Some SSD series have documented firmware problems – Samsung 840 EVO, Intel 320, Kingston V300 and others.
Details about firmware problems →
Encryption and Data Recovery
Most SSDs Are Encrypted by Default
You may not know that your SSD is encrypted. Many modern drives use hardware encryption (SED) by default:
- Samsung (EVO, PRO series)
- Crucial (MX series)
- Intel (enterprise series)
Data is always encrypted – the key is in the controller. If the controller fails, the key may be lost.
Software Encryption
Besides hardware encryption, you may have enabled:
- BitLocker (Windows 10/11 Pro)
- FileVault (macOS)
- VeraCrypt (cross-platform)
Recovery Keys Are Critical
If you have encryption, the recovery key is your only chance for data recovery in case of problems. Without it, data cannot be decrypted – not by us, not by anyone.
Complete guide to SSD encryption →
How Professional Recovery Works
1. Diagnostics
We determine the type of failure, NAND chip status, and encryption status. Usually takes 1-2 hours.
2. Firmware Repair
If the problem is in firmware, we attempt to repair it using specialized tools (PC-3000 SSD, VNR). Success rate 70-90%.
3. Chip-off (Last Resort)
If firmware repair isn't possible, we desolder the NAND chips and read them directly. This is followed by complex decoding and data reconstruction.
4. Verification and Delivery
We check the integrity of recovered files and deliver on new media.
Typical timeframe: 2-7 business days depending on complexity
How Much Does SSD Data Recovery Cost
| Type of Failure | Price Range | Typical Success Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Firmware repair | from €150 | 70-90% |
| Controller problem | from €230 | 50-80% |
| Chip-off recovery | from €450 | 40-70% |
| Encrypted drive | individual | depends on key |
Important:
- You only pay for successful recovery
- Diagnostics included with pickup
- Exact price after diagnostics
Prevention – How to Not Lose Data
Backups Are Even More Important Than with HDDs
SSDs can fail suddenly without any warning. Regular backups are the only real protection.
3-2-1 Rule:
- 3 copies of data
- 2 different media (SSD + cloud, SSD + HDD)
- 1 copy offsite
Keep Recovery Keys
If you use BitLocker or FileVault:
- Find where your recovery key is
- Store it in multiple places (cloud, print, safe)
- Test that it works
Safe Disconnection
Never disconnect an SSD while running. Always use "Safely Remove Hardware" or properly shut down the computer.
Quality Power Supply
Unstable power is the most common cause of firmware problems. For important computers, consider a UPS (backup power supply).
FAQ
Is SSD recovery more expensive than HDD?
Usually yes. SSDs require specialized tools and often more complex procedures (chip-off, encryption decoding). Firmware repair is comparable to HDD, but chip-off is significantly more expensive.
Can data be recovered after TRIM?
It depends on timing. If you disconnected the SSD immediately after deletion, there's a chance. If it ran for hours or days, probably not. TRIM erases data physically and permanently.
Can I use recovery software?
Only if you're 100% sure the SSD is healthy and the problem is purely logical (accidentally deleted files). Never use recovery software on a damaged SSD – it can trigger TRIM and worsen the situation.
What if the SSD is encrypted?
We need the recovery key (BitLocker, FileVault) or password. Without it, data cannot be decrypted. With hardware encryption and a dead controller, the situation is more complex – the key may have been lost with the controller.
How quickly must I act?
As quickly as possible. Ideally within hours, not days. The longer the SSD operates (or is even connected to a running computer), the greater the chance TRIM will erase more data.
Can I detect an impending SSD failure?
Sometimes, but much harder than with HDDs. Monitor SMART values (Media Wearout Indicator, Reallocated Sector Count) using tools like CrystalDiskInfo. Sudden slowdown or random disconnections are warning signs.
Need Help?
If your SSD stopped working and you don't have a backup, don't experiment. Every attempt can make the situation worse.
We offer:
- Free diagnostics with pickup
- 24/7 hotline
- Pickup anywhere in Europe
- Pay only for successful recovery
Email: info@datahelp.eu Pickup + Diagnostics: €45 | Pay only for results | 24/7 service