SanDisk 2 TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD and its reported data loss issues, including causes, real-user experiences, recovery options, and practical advice to help you navigate or avoid potential pitfalls.
1. Background: A Storage Performance Powerhouse with Warnings
The SanDisk Extreme PRO Portable SSD (2 TB, model SDSSDE81‑2T00) delivers exceptional speed and portability—especially the USB4 version praised for top-tier read/write performance and gaming suitability
However, multiple user reports and reputable tech outlets raise serious red flags about data integrity and reliability.
2. Real-World Reports of Data Loss
User Complaints & Forums
On SanDisk’s own forums, a user named Kevin highlighted repeatedly losing data on his 2 TB Extreme PRO drive:
“I purchased this drive and have lost the data on it three times… the product is flawed with no resolution from Sandisk.”
SanDisk Forums
Another user reported their brand-new 2 TB Extreme PRO “stopped showing” files and became unreadable, sparking frustration over recovery tools that renamed files generically:
Brand new 2TB SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD… just stopped showing them and doesn't recognize them as being on the drive.
Media Coverage & Broader Issues
Ars Technica and The Verge documented widespread data loss across Extreme and Extreme PRO models (both 2 TB and 4 TB variants), with filesystem corruption causing drives to become unreadable—some users losing all stored data
PCMag issued an editorial note advising readers to avoid purchasing these drives until issues are fully resolved, acknowledging ongoing user complaints and a pending class‑action suit
Professional Observations
Secure Data Recovery (a specialist service) identified a firmware bug in 2023 units (2 TB and 4 TB Extreme and Extreme PRO) that appears to corrupt file allocation metadata, rendering files invisible or inaccessible
Secure Data Recovery
3. What’s Causing the Data Loss?
Firmware-Related Metadata Corruption
The root cause appears to be a firmware defect that scrambles essential filesystem metadata (allocation tables), making files disappear even though the physical data remains intact
Secure Data Recovery
Widespread Across Capacities
While 4 TB models have been most discussed, numerous users with 2 TB Extreme PRO drives also report identical issues—indicating the problem spans multiple SKUs
4. Recovery Options & Recommendations
DIY: Data Recovery Software
Disk Drill: Offers a user-friendly interface and solid recovery rates; recommended to create a disk image first to minimize drive wear
SanDisk RescuePRO: SanDisk’s own tool, though the free version may rename files or have limited raw support
EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: Another capable alternative for RAW-drive recovery scenarios
Professional Recovery Services
Companies like Secure Data Recovery and Rossmann Repair Group are equipped to tackle firmware-level issues, hardware faults, and encrypted file systems—though costs may be significant
Secure Data Recovery
System-level Tools
On macOS: Disk Utility’s First Aid or Terminal mounting commands may help in limited cases
On Windows: The CHKDSK command can fix some filesystem inconsistencies
5. What You Can Do Now
Immediately Stop Using the Affected SSD
Continued use can worsen metadata corruption—disconnect the drive until recovery steps are ready.
Create a Disk Image
Always work from a cloned image to protect the original data—especially when using recovery tools
Handy Recovery Advisor
Try Disk Drill, RescuePRO, or EaseUS to scan the image and recover files to a different drive.
Evaluate Professional Recovery
If DIY tools fail, consult a reputable data recovery provider with experience in SSD firmware issues
Secure Data Recovery
Check for Firmware Updates or RMA Support
Although updates have focused on 4 TB models initially, checking SanDisk/WD support channels for your drive’s serial number may reveal whether your unit is covered
Backup Aggressively in the Future
Avoid relying solely on one drive—especially ones with known issues. Always maintain multiple backups.
6. Summary & Final Thoughts
Here’s a snapshot of what we’ve covered:
Issue Details
Models Affected SanDisk Extreme & Extreme PRO Portable SSDs, especially 2 TB and 4 TB versions
Main Problem Firmware bug leading to filesystem metadata corruption and data loss
Recovery Tools Disk Drill, RescuePRO, EaseUS; professional services like Secure Data Recovery
Manufacturer Response Firmware fixes initially targeted 4 TB models; support uncertain for 2 TB
Bottom line: The SanDisk Extreme PRO 2 TB Portable SSD offers compelling performance but has been implicated in serious reliability issues—especially concerning data loss. Use caution, back up regularly, and avoid storing irreplaceable data without safeguards in place.
Let me know if you’d like help picking a more reliable alternative or assistance with any recovery steps.