Detects fake USB storage devices
FakeFlashTest is a free Windows utility that detects counterfeit USB flash drives and SD cards. It tests reported storage capacity against actual physical memory, helping users identify fake drives before data loss occurs. The program focuses on accuracy and fast detection rather than general disk diagnostics on modern systems today.
FakeFlashTest is commonly used when verifying low-cost or suspicious high-capacity storage devices. It checks whether a drive falsely reports sizes like 64GB when it only contains a fraction of that space. This helps prevent file corruption caused by overwriting memory beyond the real capacity during everyday data storage use scenarios.
FakeFlashTest provides two main testing modes: Quick Size Test and Test Empty Space. The quick test checks the end of the drive to rapidly detect size fraud, while the full test scans unused space more thoroughly. Both methods aim to confirm whether the advertised capacity matches the actual storage available. However, being Windows-only software limits its usefulness for users on macOS or Linux systems.
Fast and accurate drive testing
The software is designed to be faster than similar tools, such as H2test,w by starting tests from the end of the drive. This approach allows it to identify fake memory layouts quickly without always scanning the entire device. However, administrator privileges are required to ensure proper access during testing, which can be inconvenient for some users on restricted or shared systems.
The program will erase existing data on the drive during testing, making it unsuitable for devices containing important files. This data destruction cannot be reversed, as the software offers no recovery or repair features. Alternatives include H2testw and other disk verification tools, though many are slower. The software is developed by the creator of RMPrepUSB, adding credibility, but its limitations remain significant for cautious users.
Reliable storage verification solution
FakeFlashTest is a practical tool for identifying counterfeit USB flash drives and SD cards on Windows systems. It does not offer repair or recovery features, but it excels at detecting false capacity claims quickly and efficiently. For users purchasing inexpensive or unfamiliar storage devices, it provides a dependable way to avoid data corruption, file loss, and unexpected storage failures over time.
Pros
- Fast detection of fake storage capacity
- Simple testing modes
- Free and lightweight utility
Cons
- Windows-only software
- Erases data during testing
- No recovery or repair features