The PSID is the code explicitly labeled “PSID” on the SSD’s physical sticker—normally a 32-character alphanumeric string. It is not the serial number, model number, firmware revision, barcode number, Windows Hardware ID, or BitLocker recovery key. You usually need it only for a supported PSID Revert or similar self-encrypting-drive reset, which permanently destroys access to existing data.
How to identify the PSID
Inspect the label on the SSD itself. Look for a field marked PSID and copy the complete code. On some Western Digital and SanDisk drives, it appears in or beside the barcode area. Western Digital describes the PSID as a unique 32-character Physical Security Identifier (official identification guide).
- PSID: the physical security code used by supported drive-reset tools.
- Serial number (S/N or SN): identifies the individual drive.
- Model or part number: identifies the product family or configuration.
- Firmware: identifies the installed firmware revision.
- PID/VID: device or USB identification values, not the PSID.
- MSID: a separate manufacturer security identifier.
Do not substitute a shorter barcode number, capacity marking such as 1TB, or any number shown as a Windows Hardware ID. The exact format can vary by product, so treat “32 characters” as the normal manufacturer requirement rather than a universal rule for every SSD.
Why Windows or macOS usually cannot show it
Operating-system tools can help you identify the physical disk by model and serial number, but they generally do not retrieve the PSID. Western Digital says its Windows and macOS identification procedures show values such as PID and VID, not the PSID (documentation). Use software to select the correct drive, then read the code from that drive’s label.
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Finding the code on an M.2 or 2.5-inch SSD
- Back up anything you may need. Do not continue if the data must be preserved.
- Shut down completely, disconnect AC power, and follow the computer maker’s service instructions. Disconnect the battery when the instructions require it.
- Remove the M.2 or 2.5-inch SATA drive carefully and inspect every labeled side, including the barcode area.
- Photograph the sticker in bright, angled light and enlarge the image. Do not rely on OCR without checking it manually.
- Copy the entire PSID and check confusing characters such as
0/O,1/I,5/S,8/B, and2/Z. - Before submitting it, match the utility’s selected drive to the physical drive’s model and serial number.
If opening a laptop could damage a warranty seal or the drive is difficult to access, use the manufacturer’s service procedure or a qualified technician.
Verify the correct drive before entering the PSID
A valid PSID belongs to one specific physical SSD. Record that drive’s model and serial number, then select the same pair in the manufacturer utility. Never assume that “Drive 0” or “Disk 1” is the target. Disconnect other removable or secondary drives when practical, especially if the system contains another NVMe drive or a USB enclosure.
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Micron’s Storage Executive instructions require selecting the target drive, reviewing its information, and entering the 32-character PSID printed on that drive (user guide).
What PSID Revert does
On a supported self-encrypting or TCG-enabled SSD, PSID Revert resets security settings, discards the existing encryption key, and returns the drive toward its factory/default state. Existing files become inaccessible or are deleted as part of the reset. It does not reveal a forgotten password, unlock the original data for recovery, or repair a failed SSD.
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It is different from other operations:
- Format: recreates file-system structures; it is not automatically a secure device erase.
- Secure Erase or Sanitize: manufacturer- or protocol-specific erase commands.
- BitLocker recovery: uses a Windows or organizational recovery key, not the SSD’s PSID.
- PSID Revert: a hardware-security reset that destroys existing encrypted data access.
Manufacturer-specific procedures
Samsung
Install the current Samsung Magician release, confirm that the model and connection are supported, select the matching SSD, open the PSID Revert function, enter the 32-character label code, and accept the deletion warning. Samsung’s FAQ confirms that the operation restores factory settings by deleting existing data (FAQ). Not every Samsung or OEM drive supports this function.
Crucial and Micron
Crucial Storage Executive uses the PSID printed on the drive label and limits PSID Revert to supported TCG-enabled configurations (FAQ; overview). Micron’s sequence is: select PSID Revert, select and review the target drive, enter the 32-character code, confirm, wait for completion, then reinitialize or repartition the SSD.
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Micron states that the drive and its partitions cannot be mounted during the operation. In Windows, open Disk Management with compmgmt.msc, right-click the confirmed target disk, choose Offline, and then run Storage Executive. In Linux, unmount all partitions first (guide).
Western Digital and SanDisk
Check the physical label and the manufacturer’s identification guidance (Western Digital; SanDisk). Western Digital says it does not provide a replacement PSID beyond the code printed on the drive. Retail and OEM models can have different support; an SSD supplied inside a Dell, Lenovo, HP, or other laptop may require the computer maker’s utility or support channel.
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If the PSID is missing or unreadable
- Inspect both sides and the area around all barcodes and regulatory markings.
- Use angled light and a high-resolution photograph, then verify every character manually.
- Check the exact model, revision, interface, and whether it is an OEM drive in official documentation.
- Confirm that the utility is asking for a PSID and supports that model.
- Contact the SSD or system manufacturer with the model and serial number.
Do not use a PSID found online for another drive or invent one from the serial number. A missing code can mean the SSD lacks the relevant hardware-security feature, uses OEM labeling, has a damaged label, or is being used with an incompatible tool. Western Digital specifically says unsupported drives may have no PSID and that it will not disclose one separately from the printed label.
Troubleshooting common errors
“PSID rejected”
- Recheck the code and ambiguous characters.
- Ensure you did not enter the serial, model, MSID, PID, or VID.
- Confirm that the code belongs to the selected physical SSD.
- Check model, OEM status, utility compatibility, and connection type.
- Try a direct motherboard SATA or M.2 connection instead of a USB adapter if the tool requires direct access.
“Drive not detected”
Check BIOS/UEFI, try a direct connection or another compatible computer, and review storage-controller or RAID configuration where applicable. PSID Revert requires a drive that is detected and responsive; it cannot revive a physically failed SSD.
“Drive is locked”
PSID Revert may erase a supported locked drive, but it will not recover the password or its files. If the data matters, stop and pursue the correct credential, BitLocker recovery key, organizational recovery process, or professional data-recovery advice.
Choose the right alternative
- Need the files: do not run PSID Revert; recover the correct password or BitLocker key.
- Need to erase an ordinary SSD: use the manufacturer’s Secure Erase or Sanitize function.
- Need only new partitions: use Windows Disk Management or Linux partition tools, knowing that formatting is not cryptographic erasure.
- OEM or unsupported drive: contact the laptop or system manufacturer.
- Physical failure: replace the drive or consult a data-recovery specialist.
The Bottom Line
Use the complete code labeled PSID on the SSD’s own sticker—normally 32 characters. Match the utility’s model and serial to that physical drive, and run PSID Revert only when permanent data loss is acceptable.
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