FakeFlashTest FAQ

Is FakeFlashTest free?

Yes. FakeFlashTest is freeware by Steve Si, the developer behind RMPrepUSB. It is free to use, but it is not open source.

Which operating systems does FakeFlashTest run on?

Windows only. There is no Mac, Linux, Android or online version. Browsers cannot access the raw drive blocks a capacity test needs, so a genuine web-based version is not possible. On Mac or Linux, use F3 instead — see our tools hub.

What is the ZIP password for the download?

The download from the developer’s site is a password-protected ZIP and the password is “fake”. The password exists to reduce false antivirus flags on a tool that writes raw blocks.

Do I need to run FakeFlashTest as Administrator?

Yes. FakeFlashTest needs low-level access to the drive, so right-click it and choose Run as Administrator. Without admin rights it may show no drives at all.

Will the Quick Size Test delete my files?

Yes. The Quick Size Test is destructive — it writes across the drive, so anything on it will be lost. Only run it on an empty drive or one you have fully backed up.

Will Test Empty Space delete my files?

Test Empty Space is designed to preserve your existing files by only testing the free space. Back up anything important first anyway — no test on a suspect drive is risk-free.

My drive passed the quick test. Is it definitely good?

Not definitely. A quick pass is a screen, not a full fault test. For full verification of every block, use H2testw — it is slower but writes and verifies the entire capacity.

Can FakeFlashTest fix or repair a fake drive?

No. FakeFlashTest only detects the problem. It cannot restore the missing capacity or reprogram the controller, and a drive that reports fake capacity will keep overwriting data past its real limit.

I already copied files onto a fake drive. Can I get them back?

Usually not for the files that were overwritten. Once writes wrap past the real capacity, earlier data is overwritten and is typically unrecoverable. Copy off whatever still opens, stop using the drive, and pursue a refund.

Which version should I use?

Use v1.1.5, the current build, for most drives. The developer also offers v1.1.2 for flash drives under 2TB with 512e sectors. See our version history page for the builds the developer lists.

Where do I download FakeFlashTest?

From the developer’s site via our download page. Download links to the developer’s site are not affiliate links.

Ready to test a drive? Go to the download page, then follow the USB testing guide or the microSD testing guide. If a test goes wrong, see drive not showing up and test stuck or hangs.