If Windows shows errors when you access a drive, corrupted files, or other file system problems, you can use CHKDSK from Command Prompt to check the drive and repair many of these issues.
CHKDSK is built into Windows 10 and Windows 11 and works with both HDDs and SSDs. It is designed to detect and repair file system errors, but it cannot repair physical damage to a failing drive.
Run CHKDSK from Command Prompt to Repair Disk Errors
CHKDSK can repair file system errors directly from Command Prompt. To use it on the drive where Windows is installed, open CMD with administrator privileges and run the command on that drive.
For most file system problems, start with the /F parameter, which tells CHKDSK to fix the errors it finds.
- Open Start, type CMD, and select Run as administrator.
- Enter:
chkdsk C: /F - Press Enter.
If you need other ways to launch an elevated Command Prompt, see our guide to open Command Prompt as administrator.
Because C: is normally the drive where Windows is installed, CHKDSK usually cannot lock the drive while Windows is running. In that case, it will ask whether you want to schedule the check for the next restart.
Type Y, press Enter, and restart the computer. CHKDSK will run before Windows finishes starting.Do not turn off the computer while the disk check is in progress.
To repair another drive, replace C: with the corresponding drive letter. For example, for drive D: chkdsk D: /F
If the drive is not currently in use, CHKDSK can usually begin the repair immediately without requiring a restart.
Check a Drive Without Using Command Prompt
Windows also lets you check a drive from File Explorer without entering any commands.
- Open File Explorer and select This PC.
- Right-click the drive you want to check and select Properties.
- Open the Tools tab.
- Under Error checking, click Check.
Windows will scan the drive and tell you whether it finds any errors that need attention.
CHKDSK Is Not Available for RAW Drives
In some cases, CHKDSK may return this message:
“CHKDSK is not available for RAW drives.”
This means Windows does not recognize a valid file system on the drive, so CHKDSK cannot scan or repair it normally.
If the drive contains important files, do not format it immediately. Try to recover or copy the data first. If you do not need to keep its contents, you can format the drive using a supported file system such as NTFS or exFAT.
When to Use CHKDSK /R
For most file system errors, /F is the best place to start. If you suspect read errors or bad sectors, use: chkdsk C: /R
The /R parameter looks for bad sectors and attempts to recover readable data. It also includes the functionality of /F, so you do not need to use /F /R together.
A /R scan can take much longer, especially on large HDDs, so it is not necessary for routine file system repairs.
When CHKDSK Cannot Fix the Problem
CHKDSK can repair file system errors, but it cannot repair physical damage to an HDD or SSD. Pay particular attention if the drive:
- makes clicking, knocking, or other unusual noises;
- repeatedly disappears from Windows;
- is not detected in BIOS or UEFI;
- frequently produces read errors;
- continues having problems after running CHKDSK.
In these situations, back up important files and check the health of the drive before running additional intensive scans.
If Windows continues showing errors after the drive has been checked, the problem may involve damaged system files instead. In that case, you can use SFC /scannow and DISM to repair corrupted Windows system files.
Final Thoughts
CHKDSK is a built-in Windows tool that lets you check and repair disk errors from Command Prompt.
For most file system problems, start with /F. Use /R when you suspect read errors or bad sectors. If CHKDSK cannot resolve the problem or the drive shows signs of physical failure, back up important files and check the drive’s health before continuing to use it.
