Check Disk (CHKDSK) is a Windows built-in tool that scans your hard drive for corrupted files, repairs bugs and errors, and cleans up disk space to maintain your PC’s health. Use this tool when your PC is slow due to an almost full or failing hard drive.
CHKDSK commands:
- chkdsk - Scans the hard drive for bugs or errors with no attempts of repair.
- chkdsk [drive letter]: - Replace “[drive letter]” to specify the internal or external drive to scan. For example, “chkdsk C:”.
- chkdsk /f - Attempts to fix bugs or errors while scanning the hard drive.
- chkdsk /r - Attempts to fix sectors on the hard drive to make them readable in the file system.
- chkdsk /x - Disconnects a drive to scan and fix it.
- chkdsk /f /r /x - Scans the file system and its sectors, and fixes any errors found. If needed, this also disconnects the drive.
Run CHKDSK from the File Explorer
- Open “File Explorer” and choose “This PC”.
- Right-click on the drive you will scan and click “Properties”.
Note: Drive C: or D: usually contains the Windows operating system files.
- Go to “Tools”.
- Click “Check”.
- Check the prompt. If it says “You don’t need to scan this drive”, this means no errors are found. To scan the drive anyway, click “Scan drive”.
- Click “Show Details” to view the errors that were fixed during the scan. Otherwise, click “Close” to exit the window.
Run CHKDSK from the command prompt
- Click on “Start” > type “cmd” > “Run as administrator”.
- Type a CHKDSK command in the command prompt and press “Enter”. Include parameters like “/f”, “/r”, and “/x” to scan and repair any errors.
Note: If you opt to only scan your PC for drive errors, type “chkdsk” and press “Enter”.
Run CHKDSK from an installation media
If your PC displays the Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) error or does not boot up, run the CHKDSK utility from a removable storage device or an existing Windows installation media.
- Connect the installation media to your PC.
- Restart your PC.
- Press the “F8” key numerous times until the Windows logo appears.
- Click “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced Options”.
- Choose “Command Prompt”.
- Enter the drive you will scan.
Note: Drive C: or D: usually contains the Windows operating system files. To test, type “C:” and press “Enter”. Then, type “dir” and press “Enter”. If the directory shows Windows items, this means it is your home drive. Repeat this for all drives until Windows items are shown.
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Type a CHKDSK command in the command prompt and press “Enter”. Include parameters like “/f”, “/r”, and “/x” to scan and repair any errors.
Note: Type "Y" and press "Enter" if a prompt asks you to run the CHKDSK utility the next time your PC restarts.
