I recently installed Windows in dual boot with Linux (on two different SSDs) and I noticed that Windows automatically “shuts down” or stops the HDD if it is not being used.

I have a HDD (WD) connected by SATA cable where I usually keep my games. The HDD is not always in use but it is always constantly running and honestly the noise it makes is quite noticeable. I’m sure I don’t have any program in the background using it constantly.

I have already tried to solve this problem using hdparm and hd-idle and although in theory they work I still hear the noise from the HDD.

  • @[email protected]
    2•1 year ago

    The hdparm -B and -S options should allow you to have your drive automatically spin-down when inactive, but they don’t work on all dives (eg. my NAS has two shucked WD white that seem to just ignore those settings). If those fail, you could schedule a hdparm -y to spin down the drive periodically.

    Make sure to read man hdparm as there are some dangerous options.

    PS: there’s also https://github.com/adelolmo/hd-idle - I’ve not tried it out yet, but it seems promising