Running chkdsk in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that helps you check and repair disk errors. First, open Command Prompt as an administrator. Then, type “chkdsk C: /f” and hit Enter. Replace “C:” with the letter of the drive you want to check. Follow the prompts to complete the process.
How to Run chkdsk Windows 10
Running the Check Disk Utility (chkdsk) in Windows 10 helps identify and fix disk errors that can affect your computer’s performance. Here’s how you can do it, step by step.
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an Administrator
Click on the Start menu, type “cmd” in the search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select “Run as administrator.”
Opening Command Prompt with administrative privileges ensures you have the necessary permissions to run chkdsk, which can make changes to your disk.
Step 2: Enter the chkdsk Command
In the Command Prompt window, type “chkdsk C: /f” and hit Enter.
The “C:” represents the drive letter. If you want to check a different drive, replace “C:” with the appropriate letter. The “/f” switch tells chkdsk to fix any errors it finds.
Step 3: Confirm Disk Check
If prompted, type “Y” to schedule the disk check for the next system restart, and press Enter.
Running chkdsk on the system drive (usually C:) often requires a restart, as the tool needs exclusive access to the disk.
Step 4: Restart Your Computer
Save any open files and close all applications, then restart your computer.
Upon restarting, chkdsk will run automatically before Windows boots up, checking the disk for errors and fixing them.
Step 5: Review the Results
Once the disk check is complete, Windows will boot up normally. You can check the results in the Event Viewer under “Windows Logs” > “Application.”
The results will show you what errors were found and fixed, giving you insight into your disk’s health.
After you complete these steps, your computer will have checked and, if necessary, repaired any disk errors. This can help improve performance and prevent future issues.
Tips for Running chkdsk Windows 10
- Always back up your data before running chkdsk, as there’s a small risk of data loss.
- Use the “/r” switch along with “/f” (like “chkdsk C: /f /r”) for a more thorough scan that also looks for bad sectors.
- Running chkdsk can take a long time, especially on large drives, so plan accordingly.
- You can also run chkdsk from the Disk Properties window by right-clicking the drive, selecting “Properties,” then “Tools,” and clicking “Check.”
- Avoid interrupting the process, as doing so can cause additional disk errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does chkdsk do?
chkdsk checks the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors, repairing them if possible.
Can chkdsk fix all disk errors?
chkdsk can fix many disk errors, particularly those related to the file system. However, it may not be able to repair physical damage to the disk.
How often should I run chkdsk?
Running chkdsk every few months is a good practice, especially if you notice issues like frequent crashes or file corruption.
Will chkdsk delete my files?
While chkdsk itself doesn’t delete files, fixing file system errors can sometimes result in data loss. Always back up important data before running it.
Can I use my computer while chkdsk is running?
If you’re running chkdsk on a non-system drive, you can generally use your computer, but it’s best to avoid writing to the disk being checked.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as an Administrator.
- Enter the chkdsk command.
- Confirm disk check.
- Restart your computer.
- Review the results.
Conclusion
Running chkdsk in Windows 10 is a handy tool for maintaining your computer’s health. While it may sound a bit technical, the process is actually quite simple when broken down into steps. Understanding how to run chkdsk can help prevent data loss, improve your system’s performance, and extend the life of your hard drive.
Don’t forget to back up your data before running chkdsk, as it involves making changes to your disk that could affect your files. Also, consider running the command regularly to keep your system in top shape.
If you found this guide helpful, you might want to explore other built-in Windows utilities like Disk Cleanup and System File Checker. These tools, along with chkdsk, form the trifecta of essential maintenance tasks for any Windows user. Happy computing!
Matthew Burleigh has been writing tech tutorials since 2008. His writing has appeared on dozens of different websites and been read over 50 million times.
After receiving his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science he spent several years working in IT management for small businesses. However, he now works full time writing content online and creating websites.
His main writing topics include iPhones, Microsoft Office, Google Apps, Android, and Photoshop, but he has also written about many other tech topics as well.