In case you did not know in Windows there is a tool that helps you check the health of your hard drive and storage units connected to the system.
This is CHKDSK, and its function extends beyond verifying the correct operation of a drive, since it can also repair errors related to the file system and bad sectors.
How to run CHKDSK?
CHKDSK can be run in two ways: from the file explorer and from the command line. In either case, the drive scan process can take a few minutes or hours, depending on the size and condition of the drive to be scanned.
We explain how to make CHKDSK work to check and correct hard drive errors.
Run CHKDSK from File Explorer in Windows 11
Right-click Start and select File Explorer. Go to This PC, right-click on the storage drive you want to scan, and select Properties.
In the Local Disk Properties window, click the Tools tab. Under Error Checking, click Check. Now, click Scan Drive and wait for the verification process to finish.
If there are errors with the file system that can be repaired, the tool will warn you. To finish, click on the option that leads to drive repair.
Run CHKDSK from the command line
Open the search box (magnifying glass icon) and type CMD. When the Command Prompt app appears, click Run as administrator.
Type CHKDSK specifying the letter that identifies the drive, followed by a colon. It also accompanies the verification and correction parameters. Then press the Enter key.
For example, CHKDSK C:; if you just want to do a drive scan.
CHKDSK C: /F; if at the same time you want to fix errors with the file system.
CHKDSK C: /R; if you also want to fix bad sectors in the process.
In case of performing the analysis with an external hard drive or pen drive, you must indicate the letter that represents it. It is usually different from the letter C.