Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs manage data differently with TRIM commands, wear-leveling, and encryption. These features make SSDs fast and reliable, but also harder to recover data from an SSD once data loss happens.
The good news? Data recovery from a laptop SSD is possible in many scenarios, but your chances depend on the type of failure, the state of TRIM, and how quickly you act.
What to Do First: Early Steps and TRIM Command
Before you attempt any recovery, it’s crucial to take the right first actions.
- Stop using the SSD immediately. Continued use risks overwriting recoverable data.
- Check whether TRIM is enabled. TRIM is a command that automatically wipes deleted blocks to improve performance. If it’s on, recovery chances drop dramatically.
How to Check TRIM in SSD?
Here’s how to check for SSD TRIM on Windows and Mac:
Windows
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Run: fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify
- If result = 0, TRIM is enabled.
Mac
- Open Terminal.
- Run: system_profiler SPSerialATADataType | grep ‘TRIM’
- If TRIM is enabled, DIY recovery may have very limited success. If disabled, chances are higher.
SSD Recovery Success Rates
Success varies by failure type (2023 Kroll Ontrack data):
1: Logical Failures (e.g., deletions, formatting, corrupted file system, or bad partitions): 70-95% recoverable with SSD data recovery software like Remo Recover. Here, the success depends on TRIM and how soon you act.
2: Physical Failures (e.g., damaged chips): 40-60% recoverable, often requiring professionals and recovery labs.
DIY Solutions to Retrieve Data from Laptop SSD
DIY solutions are effective when the problem is logical and TRIM hasn’t already wiped your data.
1: Software Solution: Remo Recover
A Dell XPS 13 with a 512GB NVMe SSD failed after a Windows update. The drive was visible in the BIOS but unreadable in Windows. We stepped in and used Remo Recover to perform a deep scan.
The result? Most of the files were successfully recovered, including documents, project files, and media, all with their original folder structure intact.
It’s user-friendly, supports Windows and Mac, and handles NTFS, APFS, FAT32, and exFAT file systems on NVME and SATA SSDs from brands like Samsung, Dell, and Lenovo.
4.4 on Trustpilot
“I successfully recovered all my files with the file structure preserved. When the files were copied over to the new pro tools drive everything worked perfectly. Bottom line: It works!!!” – James Aller
Steps to retrieve data from laptop SSD using Remo Recover
NOTE: Always install Remo Recover in a different location from where the data loss occurred to avoid overwriting.
- Download and install the Remo Recover software on your computer.
Select the SSD and click on Scan.
- After an early quick scan, you can click on the Dynamic Recovery View to recover the lost/deleted files from the laptop’s SSD during the scanning process itself.
- You can see your lost data under the Lost and Found or Lost Partition folders
- Double-click on any file to preview the recovered files
- Select the files that you want to restore and hit the Recover button to save them at your desired location.
Important Note: Save the recovered files in a new location from the previous one.
2: Hardware Extraction: External Enclosure
If your laptop is dead or won’t boot, you can still recover files by removing the SSD and connecting it to another computer via a USB adapter or enclosure.
This works for recovering data from a dead laptop if the drive is intact.
What You’ll Need:
- Screwdriver set (Phillips/Torx, $10).
- NVMe or SATA to USB adapter ($20-30).
- Working computer.
Steps:
- Power off and unplug the laptop. Remove the battery and locate the SSD (check your manual).
- Unscrew and gently unplug the SSD. Handle by the edges.
- Connect the SSD to another PC via the adapter. It should appear as an external drive.
- Copy files to a safe location. If files are missing, run Remo Recover.
- For encrypted drives (e.g., BitLocker), enter the recovery key.
Understanding SSD Types: SATA, NVMe, and M.2 Drives
Not all laptop SSDs are the same, and the recovery process can vary depending on the type of drive inside your system.
- SATA SSDs use the older SATA interface and are relatively easier to image or clone during recovery.
- NVMe SSDs (often in M.2 format) connect via PCIe lanes, making them extremely fast but also more complex for recovery because of advanced controllers, onboard encryption, and how data is distributed across NAND cells.
- M.2 is the physical form factor; it can support either SATA or NVMe, depending on the laptop.
NVMe vs SATA SSD Recovery Comparison
Knowing which SSD type you’re dealing with helps you set realistic expectations before you begin.
| Factor | SATA SSD | NVMe SSD |
| Speed & Controller | Slower, simpler architecture | Faster, complex controller and firmware |
| DIY Recovery Success | Higher (60–90%) if TRIM is off | Lower (30–60%) due to aggressive TRIM and encryption |
| Common Failure Type | File system corruption, bad sectors | Controller or firmware failure |
| Professional Recovery Cost | $300–$900 | $600–$2000 due to chip-off methods |
| Ease of Access | Easily connected via SATA/USB adapter | Requires NVMe to USB-C or PCIe enclosure |
| DIY Recovery Feasibility | Good with recovery software | Limited, may require cloning or lab tools |
If you’re dealing with an M.2 NVMe SSD, software tools might not detect it directly, especially after firmware corruption or TRIM.
In such cases, professional recovery labs with chip-level access offer the best chance of retrieving your data.
Failing or Encrypted SSDs: What You Need to Know
A failing or dead SSD may not be completely dusted. But it’s on borrowed time.
Common signs include frequent freezes, “read-only” mode, or disappearing from the BIOS. If your SSD is failing:
- Avoid running deep scans directly. Instead, create a disk image (e.g., using ddrescue) and recover data from the image copy.
- Physically degraded or controller-damaged SSDs often need professional NAND chip-level recovery.
For encrypted SSDs, recovery depends entirely on access to the encryption key.
BitLocker or FileVault: Enter the recovery key before scanning.
- Hardware-encrypted NVMe drives: Without the decryption key or password, the data is mathematically unrecoverable, even for labs.
- Always check if your drive was self-encrypting (common in Dell, HP, and business laptops) before attempting recovery.
Professional Recovery for Tough Cases
If the SSD isn’t detected or shows hardware errors, it’s likely physically damaged. DIY tools can’t access NAND chips, so professional help is needed.
Typical cases:
- SSD not visible in BIOS or Disk Management.
- Crashes or errors when accessing the drive.
- Physical damage.
Professional recovery labs use chip-off extraction and firmware rebuilds to restore inaccessible data.
Prevention Strategies to Avoid SSD Data Loss on Windows & Mac
Prevention is always cheaper than recovery; here’s how to minimize future risks.
For Windows Users
- Enable File History or OneDrive Backup for continuous protection.
- Use System Restore and schedule SMART health checks via CrystalDiskInfo.
- Store BitLocker recovery keys safely (preferably offline).
- Keep SSD firmware updated to prevent known controller bugs.
For Mac Users
- Set up Time Machine and supplement it with iCloud or external backups.
- Run Disk Utility > First Aid monthly to catch errors early.
- Store FileVault keys securely outside your Mac.
- Update macOS regularly; Apple’s SSD management optimizations improve stability.
Best Practices
- Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule (3 copies, 2 media, 1 offsite).
- Avoid overfilling your SSD; keep at least 10–15% free for wear-leveling.
- Use a UPS or surge protector to avoid power-related SSD failures.
- Periodically verify backups; unreadable backups are as bad as no backup..
SSD Recovery Success Rate Scenarios
SSD recovery success depends on the type of failure and how quickly you act. What most guides miss is showing when DIY recovery is worth it, and when it’s a waste of time.
Our testing breaks this down by scenario so you can set realistic expectations and choose the safest path.
”| Scenario | DIY Recovery | Professional Recovery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deletion (TRIM off) | 70–90% | 90–95% | Best case for DIY tools |
| Deletion (TRIM on) | <5% | Low | TRIM wipes blocks instantly |
| Partition/File System Corruption | 60–85% | 90%+ | Often recoverable |
| Physical Damage | 0% | 20–70% | Pro labs only |
| Encrypted SSD (no key) | 0% | 0% | Data unrecoverable |
Conclusion
To conclude, start laptop SSD recovery with Remo Recover ($69 or less) for deleted files or a USB adapter ($30-$50) for a dead laptop.
For recovering data from an SSD not detected, pros cost $300-$2,000, but it is often necessary. Act fast, avoid using the SSD, and set up backups to prevent future loss.
