chkdsk
Check a Windows volume for logical file-system errors.
chkdsk C:
chkdsk C: /scan- Purpose
- The first form reports file-system status; /scan performs an online NTFS scan. Repair options such as /f change file-system metadata and may require a restart.
- Administrator
- Yes — open Terminal or Command Prompt as administrator for status checks, /scan, and repair options.
- Risk
- Low for a basic check. Repair options can modify metadata, take a volume offline, and worsen loss on failing hardware; back up first.
- Windows support
- Windows 11 and Windows 10
When to use it
- Windows reports a file-system error
- A file or folder consistently produces a disk-related error
- Storage health is acceptable but logical corruption is suspected
When not to use it
- As a general performance tune-up
- Before copying important data from an unstable drive
- To repair physical media failure
- With /r as an automatic first response
Steps
- Back up important data and check physical drive health before requesting repairs.
- In an elevated terminal, run chkdsk C: for a status report or chkdsk C: /scan for an online NTFS scan. Neither command should be treated as permission to apply repair switches without reviewing the result.
- Read the complete summary. If repair is recommended, plan downtime and understand the switch before scheduling it.
Expected result
CHKDSK identifies the volume and file system, reports scan stages, and says whether it found logical problems. A volume-in-use message is expected when an offline repair must be scheduled for restart.
Limitations
- CHKDSK cannot make failing hardware trustworthy or recover every damaged file.
- A clean file-system result is not a full hardware test; use manufacturer diagnostics when physical failure is suspected.