How to Stop Windows Disk Check (CHKDSK) from Running at Startup

If you’ve ever experienced a slow startup because Windows is running a disk check (CHKDSK) every time you boot up your computer, you’re not alone. While CHKDSK is a useful tool for scanning and repairing hard drive errors, it can be frustrating when it runs automatically at startup. Fortunately, there are a few ways to stop CHKDSK from running at startup in Windows 10 and 11.

Using Command Prompt to Disable CHKDSK on Startup

One of the easiest ways to stop CHKDSK from running at startup is by using Command Prompt. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type cmd and press Ctrl Shift Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
3. Type the command chkntfs /x C: and press Enter to disable CHKDSK on the C drive. Replace “C” with the appropriate drive letter if you want to stop CHKDSK on a different drive.
4. If you want to stop CHKDSK on multiple drives, you can add the drive letters to the command, like this: chkntfs /x C: D: E: (don’t forget the spaces).

Using Registry Editor to Disable CHKDSK on Startup

Another way to stop CHKDSK from running at startup is by modifying the registry. Here’s how:

1. Press Windows R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. Navigate to the following path: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager.
4. Double-click the BootExecute key in the right pane.
5. Delete all lines under the Value data field except autocheck autochk *.
6. Close the Registry Editor and restart your computer to see if CHKDSK still runs at startup.

Keep in mind that modifying the registry can be risky, so be sure to back up your registry before making any changes.

When to Allow CHKDSK to Run at Startup

While it’s tempting to always stop CHKDSK from running at startup, there are some cases where you should let it run:

• If your computer didn’t shut down properly, Windows may automatically run CHKDSK to check for and repair any errors.
• If you’ve recently experienced slow performance or other issues with your computer, it’s a good idea to let CHKDSK run to see if it can identify and fix any underlying problems.
• If CHKDSK finds errors that it can’t repair, it may be a sign that your hard drive is failing and needs to be replaced.

In these cases, it’s best to let CHKDSK run its course and address any issues it uncovers.

Stopping CHKDSK in Progress

If you’ve started CHKDSK manually and want to stop it while it’s running, you can do so using Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl Shift Esc to open Task Manager.
2. Find CHKDSK in the Task Manager window, right-click it, and select Details to find the PID (Process ID) of the CHKDSK task.
3. Press Windows R to open the Run dialog box.
4. Type cmd and press Ctrl Shift Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
5. Type the command taskkill /F PID [PID number] in the Command Prompt window, replacing “[PID number]” with the actual PID of CHKDSK.

Keep in mind that stopping CHKDSK while it’s running can potentially cause damage to your hard drive and data loss, so it’s not recommended unless absolutely necessary.