How to Fix a Stuck Scanning and Repairing Drive in Windows 10

If you’re experiencing a stuck “scanning and repairing drive” message on your Windows 10 PC, don’t panic. This issue is often caused by incorrect shutdowns, faulty drivers, malware, or other system errors. Fortunately, there are several methods you can try to resolve this problem and get your computer back up and running smoothly.

Method 1: Using the Windows Error Checking Tool

One of the easiest ways to fix a stuck scanning and repairing drive is by using the built-in Windows Error Checking tool. Here’s how to do it:

1. Launch File Explorer and click on “This PC”.
2. Right-click on the drive that’s stuck in the scanning and repairing process and select “Properties”.
3. Click on the “Tools” tab and select “Check” under “Error Checking”.
4. If there are any errors on the drive, you’ll be prompted to repair them. If not, you can choose not to scan the drive.

Method 2: Using the Command Prompt

If the Error Checking tool doesn’t work, you can try using the Command Prompt to fix the issue. Here’s how:

1. Boot your computer into Safe Mode by pressing and holding the “SHIFT” key while selecting “Restart” from the Power menu on the login screen.
2. Click on “Troubleshoot” in the “Choose an option” screen, then select “Advanced options”.
3. Choose “Startup Settings” and click “Restart”.
4. Press “4” or “F4” to boot into Safe Mode.
5. Open the Command Prompt by searching for it in the Start menu and selecting “Run as administrator”.
6. Type the command “chkdsk x: /f” (replace “x” with your drive letter) and press Enter.
7. Restart your PC.

Method 3: Using PowerShell

Another option is to use PowerShell to repair the stuck drive. Here’s how:

1. Boot into Safe Mode as described in Method 2.
2. Open PowerShell by searching for it in the Start menu and selecting “Run as administrator”.
3. Type the command “repair-volume -driveletter x” (replace “x” with your drive letter) and press Enter.
4. Restart your PC.

If none of these methods work, you may need to consider backing up your data and restoring your computer as a last resort.