In this gearupwindows guide, we’ll show you how to use the built-in CHKDSK tool to check and fix disk errors in Windows 11 and 10. CHKDSK is a free utility from Microsoft that scans your drives for file system issues, bad sectors, and more, helping improve system stability and performance.
What Is CHKDSK in Windows?
CHKDSK stands for “Check Disk.” It’s a command-line tool available in all versions of Windows, including Windows 11 and 10. It scans your hard drive or SSD for logical and physical errors and can repair many common issues like corrupted files or bad sectors.
How to Run CHKDSK on Windows 11 or 10?
Using Command Prompt (Recommended)
Follow these steps to use CHKDSK from Command Prompt:
Step 1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /rThis command will:
- /f – Automatically fix file system errors.
- /r – Locate bad sectors and recover readable information.
If the drive is in use (usually the system drive), you’ll see a message:
Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use... Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)Type Y and press Enter, then restart your PC. CHKDSK will run before Windows boots.
Using File Explorer
If you prefer a graphical option:
Step 1. Open File Explorer.
Step 2. Right-click the drive you want to scan and choose Properties.
Step 3. Switch to the Tools tab and click Check under the Error checking section.
Step 4. Click Scan drive and follow the prompts.
How to Check CHKDSK Results?
After running a CHKDSK scan, follow these steps to view the results in Event Viewer:
Step 1. Press Windows + X and select Event Viewer.
Step 2. In the left pane, expand Windows Logs and click Application.
Step 3. In the middle pane, look for an event with the Source listed as Wininit (for system drive scans).
Step 4. Click the event to view detailed CHKDSK results in the bottom section.
Can CHKDSK Check SSD Health?
CHKDSK can detect and repair file system errors on SSDs, but doesn’t report detailed health metrics. For full SSD health info like temperature, wear level, and S.M.A.R.T. data, tools like CrystalDiskInfo or Samsung Magician are better choices.
How Long Does CHKDSK Take?
It depends on the size of your drive and the number of errors. Scanning a 1TB drive could take 1-2 hours with the /r option.
Conclusion
CHKDSK is a reliable way to scan and fix file system errors on your hard drive or SSD. It’s easy to use and already included in Windows. However, for advanced SSD health diagnostics, consider using tools like CrystalDiskInfo, GSmartControl, or SeaTools.