H2testw

H2testw is lightweight system maintenance and stress testing application that can verify the integrity and the performance levels of your USB storage sticks and other types of storage devices.

Deterioration of the storage capabilities is most apparent with the aging USB flash stick drives, who lose a significant part of their performance over time, especially if they have been used extensively.

Utilizing its advanced testing and benchmarking algorithms, H2testw can determine the state of the storage drive, its writing and reading speeds, the presence of the bad sectors, prolonged initialization times, and much more.

Even more importantly, H2Test is a great application for testing unknown and never-before-used flash sticks with potentially false capacity listings.

Installation and Use

The app is distributed online inside a compressed archive, allowing users to extract it and use it from any local storage device. Because of this portable approach, you can even transfer it to a USB flash stick drive and always have it accessible no matter where you are.

The app is compatible with all the latest versions of Windows OS, including 7, 8, 10 or 11 (both 32-bit and 64-bit). Supported languages include only English and German.
 
Upon firing up the app you will be welcomed to the minimalistic interface that features no eye-catching visual elements. All the controls are presented using simple UI elements, including the three most important tools – the “Target” button for selecting the disk for testing, “Data volume” for picking whether to test the entire drive or a specific portion and finally “Write + Verify” for in-depth testing.

The core of the tests revolves about the ability of your drive to write and read a dummy file that the desktop app has created. This procedure is repeated across all sectors of the drive, enabling you to spot areas that respond slower and showcase telltale signs of flash memory decay.

The scanning and testing procedure of the H2 testw is very detailed and thorough, enabling you to reliably detect faulty drives and drives with compromised write and read performance.

In addition to reporting the health status of the drive, it will also confirm the total drive size which may or may not differ from the marketing material printed on the drive and its packaging.

Finally, the app supports the “endless loop” test feature that will try to discover any problematic storage sector that may impact the overall transfer speeds of the drive.

This option is not recommended to be left running for an extremely long time, because all flash drives have storage cells with limited operation lifetime.

Highlights

• Lightweight and Portable
• Fast and Reliable
• Intuitive UI
• Scan drives and volume areas
• Detect deteriorating performance
• Detect reduced drive capacity
• Detect fake flash disks
• Compatible with all modern versions of Windows OS
  
• Available in English and German
• 100% FREE!

Key Features

Data Integrity Testing: The tool assesses the integrity of your storage device by writing, reading, and verifying data across the entire drive. It can detect counterfeit devices that claim to have more storage capacity than they actually do.

Speed Testing: The software measures both the read and write speeds of your storage device, giving you insights into its performance. This feature is essential for assessing the real-world speed capabilities of your drive.

Data Verification: It verifies the data it writes to the device, ensuring that it remains intact without any errors or corruption. This is crucial for data reliability and trustworthiness.

Multi-Language Support: The app is available in multiple languages, making it accessible to a global user base.

User-Friendly Interface: The software boasts a straightforward and intuitive user interface, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users.

Setup

Download: Visit the official website or a trusted software repository like FileHorse.com to download the latest version of the software.

Installation: Once the download is complete, simply run the executable file. There is no need for a lengthy installation process or additional configuration.

Device Selection: After launching the application, you will be prompted to select the storage device you want to test from a drop-down menu.

Testing Options: You can choose between a quick test and a full test, depending on your requirements. The full test is more comprehensive and recommended for thorough assessment.

Start Testing: Click the "Write + Verify" button to initiate the testing process. It will write and verify data on your selected storage device, providing results once the process is complete.

How to Use

• Launch the app after installation.
• Select your target storage device from the drop-down menu.
• Choose your testing options (quick or full).
• Click the "Write + Verify" button to start the test.
• Wait for the software to complete the test, and review the results.

FAQ

Is H2testw compatible with my operating system?
H2testw is primarily designed for Windows operating systems, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and earlier versions.

Can H2testw detect counterfeit SD cards and USB drives?
Yes, the app is adept at identifying counterfeit storage devices that claim higher capacities than they actually have.

How long does a full test with H2testw take?
The duration of a full test depends on the storage device's capacity and speed. It can range from a few minutes for smaller drives to several hours for larger ones.

Can I use H2testw on internal hard drives or SSDs?
The tool is primarily intended for external storage devices like USB drives and SD cards. It's not suitable for internal drives.

Does H2testw support languages other than English?
Yes, it offers multi-language support, making it accessible to users worldwide.

Alternatives

CrystalDiskMark: CrystalDiskMark is a popular alternative for benchmarking storage devices on Windows. It provides detailed performance metrics, including sequential and random read/write speeds.

Hard Disk Sentinel: Monitoring hard disk health and temperature. Test and repair HDD problems.

HD Tune Pro: HD Tune is another Windows-exclusive utility that assesses and benchmarks hard drives and SSDs, providing insights into their health and performance.

Pricing

One of the standout features of the tool is that it is completely FREE to use. Users can download and use the software without any cost or subscription fees.

System Requirements

Operating System: Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP (32-bit and 64-bit)

PROS

• Free of charge: The tool is entirely FREE, making it accessible to all users.
• Simple and intuitive: The user-friendly interface ensures easy navigation and usability.
• Accurate testing: It reliably detects counterfeit storage devices and assesses performance.
• Multi-language support: The app caters to a global audience.
• No installation required: The software is portable and doesn't clutter your system with unnecessary files.

CONS

• No longer developed: This product is not developed actively anymore.
• Limited platform support: The app is primarily designed for Windows users.
• Basic features: While it excels at its core functions, it lacks some advanced features found in paid alternatives.
• No macOS or Linux support: Users of these operating systems need to seek alternatives.

Conclusion

H2testw is a valuable utility for anyone seeking to verify the authenticity and performance of their USB flash drives and SD cards. Its simple yet effective testing methods, combined with its free-of-charge availability, make it a go-to choice for Windows users. Whether you want to identify counterfeit storage devices, ensure data integrity, or measure speed, it delivers reliable results with minimal effort.

While it may lack some advanced features found in paid alternatives, its user-friendly interface and no-nonsense approach to testing storage devices make it an essential tool in your digital toolkit.