Though Windows 11 is far from being perfect, it has significantly improved on several key fronts including performance, speed, and efficiency. As someone who has to juggle between macOS and Windows day in and day out for a living, I can tell that Microsoft’s offering has not only overtaken Apple’s magnum opus on many parameters but also made it look newbie on a wide range of fronts. Well, that speaks volumes of the impressive enhancements.
But that doesn’t mean Windows doesn’t run into unexpected errors or for that matter it has become immune to all the frustrating issues. This is where having a crystal clear understanding and knowledge of a robust tool like CHKDSK becomes so critical. On this very note, let’s learn the 7 different ways to run CHKDSK on Windows 11 and discover the tricks to get the most out of this tool like a pro.
Several Ways to Run CHKDSK on Windows 11 24H2
What exactly is CHKDSK in Windows 11 and why should you care about it?
To be more precise, CHKDSK (aka Check Disk) is a built-in Windows utility that allows you to scan and repair file system errors, bad sectors, and other disk-related issues. As a result, you can take full advantage of it to bolster your system’s stability and prevent data corruption from plaguing your device.
1. Using File Explorer (GUI Method)
To me, the most straightforward way to launch CHKDSK on a Windows PC is via File Explorer. For folks who are not comfortable with the command line, it’s the way to go. Yeah, you got that! You don’t have to be a command champ to make full use of this essential Windows tool.
- To get it done, launch File Explorer on your PC by pressing Win + E.
- After that, you need to right-click the drive you would like to check (e.g., C: drive) and select Properties.
- Then, head over to the Tools tab.
- Go to the Error checking section, and select Check.
- Note that if Windows is able to detect issues, it will prompt you to scan and fix them – right away.
- Next, make sure to click Scan drive and follow the on-screen instructions carefully to complete the process.
2. Using CHKDSK Command in Command Prompt (Basic Scan)
If you find the command line a convenient way to sort out issues or tinker with your Windows device, there is a decent chance you would love to run CHKDSK through Command Prompt.
- To do so, press Win + S > type cmd > select Run as administrator.
- Now, you have to type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C:- Then, be sure to replace C: with the appropriate drive letter.
- It’s worth pointing out that this scan runs in read-only mode and does not resolve any errors.
3. Running CHKDSK with Repair Options in Command Prompt
But what if you would like to thoroughly scan and repair errors on your PC? No worries! In that case, you will have to use additional parameters:
- To get started, fire up the Command Prompt as administrator on your PC.
- After that, you have to type one of the following commands:
- Scan and Fix Errors:
chkdsk C: /f- The /f parameter fixes file system errors.If the drive is in use, Windows will schedule the scan for the next restart.
chkdsk C: /r- The /r parameter locates bad sectors and attempts to recover data.This process takes longer than a normal scan.
chkdsk C: /f /r /x- The /x parameter forces the volume to dismount before scanning.
- Use this for a more thorough check.
4. Running CHKDSK in Safe Mode
What if CHKDSK has failed to perform in normal mode on your Windows 11 device? Fret not! This is where the Safe Mode comes into the reckoning.
- To begin with, restart your PC. Be sure to press Shift + F8 before Windows boots.
- After that, choose Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Settings.
- Choose Enable Safe Mode with Command Prompt.
- Now, run CHKDSK with:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x- Do not forget to restart your PC once the scan is complete.
5. Running CHKDSK in PowerShell
For those uninitiated, PowerShell offers the same functionality as Command Prompt but the former boasts additional scripting capabilities.
- First off, launch the PowerShell as administrator (Win + X → Windows Terminal (Admin)).
- Now, enter the command:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x - Up next, press Enter and run through the on-screen instructions.
6. Running CHKDSK Before Windows Boots (Using Advanced Startup)
If Windows won’t boot properly, you can run CHKDSK from the recovery environment.
- Restart your PC and press F8, Shift + F8, or use the Windows Recovery Mode:
- Go to Settings → System → Recovery.
- Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.
- Select Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
- Run CHKDSK using:bashCopyEdit
chkdsk C: /f /r /x - Restart your PC after the scan completes.
7. Running CHKDSK from Windows Installation Media
At times, Windows fails to start and doesn’t let you run the CHKDSK tool. In that case, you have the flexibility to run CHKDSK from a bootable USB or installation disc.
- First off, create a Windows 11 bootable USB with the help of the Media Creation Tool.
- Now, you have to boot from the USB by changing the boot order in BIOS.
- Up next, click Repair your computer → Advanced options → Command Prompt.
- Type:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x - Next, allow the scan to finish and restart the PC.
Right Way to Check CHKDSK Results in Windows 11
Once you have successfully run CHKDSK on your PC, take a look at the results.
- Open Event Viewer (Win + X → Event Viewer) on your PC > Dive into Windows Logs → Application.
- Now, look for an event with Source: Wininit or Chkdsk and double-click to view details of the scan results.
Wrapping up…
And that’s about it! I hope you have mastered the CHKDSK and will now be able to leverage the full potential of this powerful tool to fix disk errors and improve system stability. Still have any doubts? The comments section is waiting for your invaluable feedback.
