CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a free tool included with all versions of Windows to scan and repair hard drive errors.
It’s a great tool but sometimes chkdsk either won’t work or maybe you just can’t get into Windows to run it.
The Easy Fix When CHKDSK Won’t Run.
If chkdsk just won’t run or won’t even start up, then try using the System File Checker (SFC) tool to scan and fix corruption in your Windows files.
There’s a very good chance that SFC will sort out the issues you’re having with CHKDSK.
To run a System File Check, open a Command Prompt with Administrator rights.
Then type sfc /scannow
Hit Enter and wait for the scan to finish. Restart your PC and try CHKDSK again. With a bit of luck, all will be well.
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If you’re unfamiliar with using the Command Prompt and System File Checker, I have a full guide here –
CHKDSK Still Doesn’t Work.
If System File Checker (SFC) didn’t get CHKDSK working for you, or maybe you can’t get your computer to start up so that you can run SFC, then you’ll need to run CHKDSK from the Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
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How To Run CHKDSK From Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE).
The Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE) is a different version of Windows from the regular version that you’d generally be using.
It’s installed onto one of the hidden recovery partitions of your hard drive.
As such, running CHKDSK from the WinRE should work because it isn’t the normal CHKDSK program that you use from within Windows itself.
The way in which you’ll get to the Windows Recovery environment is slightly different depending on whether you’re using Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Windows 10 – Click Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > under Advanced Startup, click Restart now.
Windows 11 – Click Start > Settings > System > Recovery > under Advanced Startup, click Restart now.
For both Windows 10 & Windows 11, when your computer has restarted, click Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Accessing The Windows Recovery Environment.
At the Command Prompt window type –
chkdsk c: /r
Then hit Enter o your keyboard.
/r or /f
If you only wanted CHKDSK to scan your file system, you can substitute the /r with /f.
Using the /r switch will have chkdsk scan both the file system and do a surface scan of your hard drive. That’s probably the one that you want.
Note that scanning the hard drive surface will take much longer than simply scanning the file system.
Chkdsk Working In WinRE.
Chkdsk will start examining your hard drive for errors.
When it’s finished, restart your computer normally.