---
id: comparisons.do-i-need-my-drive-makers-software
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/comparisons/do-i-need-my-drive-makers-software
category: "Comparisons & alternatives"
subcategory: "Drives and hardware choices"
question: "Do I need the software that came with my external SSD to use it with Storage Studio?"
alt_questions:
  - "samsung magician needed for storage studio"
  - "external drive bundled software mac"
  - "do I install the drive manufacturer app"
  - "ssd vendor backup software vs storage studio"
  - "drive software required for storage studio"
short_answer: "No. Storage Studio only needs the drive connected and visible on your Mac. The maker's software can still be useful for health checks or firmware updates."
tags: ["external ssd", "drive software", "setup"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/comparisons/disk-utility-vs-storage-studio", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/comparisons/external-ssd-vs-a-mac-with-more-storage"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Do I need the software that came with my external SSD to use it with Storage Studio?

No. Storage Studio only needs the drive to be connected and showing up on your Mac. Pick it in the setup wizard or the **Drive selector**, and Storage Studio creates its own small folder layout on it and tags it so it recognises the drive next time.

A drive maker's software can still be worth keeping for the things it's meant for, such as checking the drive's health or installing firmware updates. Its own backup or sync features aren't needed for Storage Studio, and it's simplest not to point two tools at the same folders.

If the drive needs formatting first, use Disk Utility. See [External drives](https://storagestudio.us/faq/external-drives/).