How to Use CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors in Windows 10

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of running CHKDSK in Windows 10 to repair disk errors. We’ll cover several methods, including using Command Prompt, PowerShell, and the Disk Properties window. Additionally, we’ll discuss how to schedule a CHKDSK scan to run at the next system restart and provide tips on interpreting the results.

Running CHKDSK from Command Prompt

The most common way to run CHKDSK in Windows 10 is through the Command Prompt. Here’s how to do it:
Log into Windows 10.
Press the Windows key to open the Start Menu.
Select Search.
Type-in cmd.
Right-click on Command Prompt from the search results list.
Click Run as administrator.
Log in as an Administrator.
When Command Prompt launches, type the command: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Press Enter.
The command parameters used in this example have the following meanings:
C: specifies the drive letter of the partition you want to scan. Replace C with the appropriate drive letter for your system.
/f instructs CHKDSK to fix any errors it finds.
/r tells CHKDSK to locate and repair bad sectors on the drive.
/x forces the volume to dismount first if necessary.
If you receive the message “Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)”, type Y and press Enter. This will schedule the CHKDSK scan to run at the next system restart.

Running CHKDSK from PowerShell

If you prefer using PowerShell over Command Prompt, you can also run CHKDSK from there. Here’s how:
Press the Windows key and type PowerShell.
Right-click on Windows PowerShell from the search results list.
Click Run as administrator.
Type the same command as in the Command Prompt method: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Press Enter.

Running CHKDSK from Disk Properties

Another way to run CHKDSK in Windows 10 is through the Disk Properties window. This method is useful if you want to quickly check for errors without going through the command line interface. Here’s how to do it:
Open File Explorer.
Right-click on the drive you want to scan and select Properties.
Click the Tools tab.
Under the Error-checking section, click the Check button.
In the Check Disk window, select “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors” if you want to locate and repair bad sectors.
Click Start.
This method will run a basic CHKDSK scan without the need for command line parameters. If errors are found, you can choose to repair them by clicking the “Repair drive” button.

Interpreting CHKDSK Results

After running CHKDSK, you’ll see a report detailing the scan results. The report will indicate if any errors were found and whether they were successfully repaired. If CHKDSK encountered any unrecoverable errors or bad sectors, it will list them in the report.
If CHKDSK found and fixed errors, you may notice improved system performance and stability. However, if the issues persist after running CHKDSK, it could indicate a more serious problem with your hard drive, such as hardware failure. In such cases, it’s recommended to back up your important data and consider replacing the drive.

Scheduling CHKDSK to Run at Next Restart

If you’re unable to run CHKDSK immediately due to the drive being in use, you can schedule it to run at the next system restart. Here’s how:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
Type the CHKDSK command with the /x parameter: chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Press Enter.
When prompted, type Y and press Enter to schedule the CHKDSK scan for the next restart.
The next time you restart your computer, CHKDSK will automatically run and attempt to fix any errors it finds. Keep in mind that this process may take some time, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of errors present.

Tips for Using CHKDSK

Here are some additional tips for using CHKDSK effectively:
Always run CHKDSK as an administrator to ensure it has the necessary permissions to scan and repair the drive.
If you’re experiencing frequent crashes or freezes, consider running CHKDSK regularly to catch and fix errors before they cause more significant problems.
If CHKDSK finds and fixes errors, it’s a good idea to run a full system scan for malware to ensure the issues weren’t caused by malicious software.
If CHKDSK repeatedly finds errors or is unable to fix them, it could indicate a hardware problem with your hard drive. In such cases, consider backing up your data and replacing the drive.
Be patient while CHKDSK is running, as it can take a significant amount of time depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of errors present.