How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

In this guide, learn how to perform disk error checking in Windows 10/8/7. Disk error checking may help you to fix slow/freezing disk problem.

Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin
3 min read
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If you’ve just realize that your system is slow, the disk usage is comparatively high all the time, apps on your system doesn’t respond quickly, the reason behind this may by presence of disk errors.

When disk you’re using on your system have errors, bad sectors or have any kind of volume corruption, it is often recommended that you scan the disk. In this article, we’ll show two different methods, using which you can check errors on disk and also fix them.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

You’ll need to sign in as administrator to perform these methods.

Method 1 – Via File/Windows Explorer

1. Press W8K + E keys to open File/Windows Explorer.

2. In This PC (in Windows 10/8) or Computer (in Windows 7), right click on the drive which you want to check for error. In the right click context menu, select Properties.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

3. On disk property sheet, switch to Tools tab. Under Error checking, click on Check button. If you’re asked for administrative privileges, provide them.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

4. Next, in Error Checking window, click on Scan drive.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

You’ll find that now disk error checking is started and it will be completed in few minutes.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

After some moments, you’ll be notified, if there were errors found on your disk.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

Refer Method 2, if you this method doesn’t works.

Method 2 – Via Command Prompt

If you’re not able to boot your system, or can’t try UI options method for anonymous reason, we’ve this alternative method for you. By using the chkdsk command line tool, you can directly scan and fix disk errors simply using Command Prompt. Here’s how:

1. In Windows 10, right click on Start Button and select Command Prompt (Admin). On older Windows editions such as Windows 8/7, you can open Command Prompt as administrator, using search.

NOTE: If you can’t boot your system, follow this guide to access Advanced Recovery Options and select Command Prompt.

2. In Command Prompt window, type chkdsk C: /x /r and press Enter key.

Note: In above mentioned command, substitute C: with the drive you want to check.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

3. Let this command execution completed. After few moments, you’ll be notified the results of scan. If there were no issues, you’ll see Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems message.

How To Perform Disk Error Checking In Windows

So this is how you can check disk for errors in your Windows OS.

Hope you find the article useful!

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Kapil Arya
11x Microsoft MVP · Admin

Kapil holds Microsoft MVP title in Windows IT Pro expertise, 11-times in a row (2014-2025). He is 8-times Windows Insider MVP as well, and author of 'Windows Group Policy Troubleshooting' book. In 2015, Microsoft India accomplished him as 'Windows 10 Champion'. Being passionate Windows blogger, he loves to help others on fixing their system issues. Kapil has worked with official Microsoft Community Engagement Team (CET) on several community projects. You can subscribe him for news/updates and fixes for Windows.

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