What is an alternative to Linux utility hdparm on Windows 8?

Question

Is there a utility similar to hdparm that can be run natively on Windows 8?

Answer 1

You can download both 32bit or 64bit version of that from below links from this source:

Download hdparm setup package for 32bit windows
Download hdparm setup package for 64bit windows

IMPORTANT: This app needs administrative privileges to work. After installing on Windows 7, 8 and Vista you need to follow these instructions.

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Another source is http://faculty.etsu.edu

Note that the Windows version of hdparm still uses the Linux method for describing hard drives, and therefore, "c:" is actually represented using the string "hda".
Therefore, the examples shown above that use hda in their command line are actually referring to the C-drive. To access the D-drive, you would use "hdb" instead, and so on.

Running hdparm

To run hdparm, you will need to be in a command window with the current folder set to the folder where you installed hdparm. Perform the following steps to enter the 32-bit command window and change to the hdparm directory.

1. From the "Start" menu, click "Run."
2. In the text field of the "Run" window, type "cmd" and click "OK."
3. If the drive displayed at the cursor is not the drive where you installed hdparm, type "C:" to change to the correct drive. (This assumes you installed the software on the C-drive.)

4. To change to the proper folder, type

   cd "\Program Files\hdparm\bin"
   

   where "\Program File\hdparm" is the folder where you installed the software. (Be sure to include the quotation marks in your command.) The folder "bin" was created below the installation folder and is where the executable is located.

5. Typing "hdparm-run.bat" should give you the command line syntax which may be similar to that shown below:

   Examples (for first ATA/SATA drive):
   hdparm -I hda              Show disk identity, features, and current settings
   hdparm -I scd0             Same for first CD-ROM
   hdparm -M 128 hda          Set acoustic management to 'quiet'
   hdparm -M 254 hda          Set acoustic management to 'fast'
   hdparm -t hda              Perform disk read timings
   hdparm -T hda              Perform cached read timings
   hdparm -y hda              Set disk to standby mode
   hdparm --security-freeze hda    Freeze security settings
   Use 'hdb', 'hdc',... for second, third, ... ATA/SATA drive.
   See man page (hdparm.8.*) for further info.