Checking Your Hard Disk for Errors in Windows
If your computer begins freezing or hanging up during your work, it can be because of errors on its hard disk. Read how to check the hard disk for errors and try to correct them. It can be done quite easily.
- Overview of the Problem
- Why Can Errors Appear On a Hard Disk?
- Checking the hard disk for errors in Windows
- The First Step
- The Second Step
- The Third Step
- Questions and answers
- Comments
Overview of the Problem
It has to be noted that the operations we are going to describe below cannot solve all problems with your computer freezing or slowing down. Yet in case when the freezing comes from hard disk errors, these actions will certainly help you.
Besides, error correction and keeping your hard drive in a normal condition will help to extend its lifespan and ensure safety of the data which you keep there. That is why it is recommended to run this operation regularly.
Why Can Errors Appear On a Hard Disk?
There are various causes for errors to emerge. For example, electricity was cut off when you were working on your computer, and while some files of programs were being used. Besides, some users switch off their computer by pressing the power button instead of clicking on “Shutdown” button.
Such actions are the same as an unexpected power failure, and it makes the computer to finish its work in an incorrect way. Moreover, there a lot of other reasons for hard disk errors to appear.
Checking the hard disk for errors in Windows
There are several ways to check your HDD for errors. It can be done with the help of CHKDSK integrated command prompt utility or with the use of third-party software. For beginners, the last variant is the best as it is the simplest of all.
This process can take up quite a lot of time depending on the size of your HDD and the number of errors detected. It is better not to use the computer during this operation. If you run this check on the system disk where your operation system is installed, it should be done after restarting your computer.
The First Step
First of all, you should go to “This PC.” If there is no such shortcut on the desktop, you can do it via Start menu. If you need to place the shortcut on the desktop you can search the web for advice.
The Second Step
Then you should select the disk which you want to check and right-click on it. In the menu that appears, select “Properties.”
The Third Step
As you get to properties of the disk, go to “Tools” tab where there is a button “Check” to click. A window will appear with a section “Check disk options.” In this window, check the boxes next to “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.” It will allow discovering file and physical errors on your hard drive. Then click on the button “Start.”
As you do it, the checking process begins, which does not require a user to control it, so you can do something else during this time. When the check is complete, a window will appear saying that the scanning was successful and showing the number of errors found during the scanning if there were any.—
That is basically all. This method is quite easy, so any beginner can use it. If necessary, other methods can be used but they require certain experience in using a computer. Beginners can also try using third-party software to check their hard disk and correct all errors automatically.
Keep your information safe from loss, make sure your data storage is in good running order, and then you will not have to worry about data recovery software.
Is it recommended to run Check Disk on a regular basis in Windows, and if so, how often?
Yes, it is recommended to run Check Disk on a regular basis in Windows. Depending on your system and usage, you should run it at least once every month or two.
Can you run Check Disk on an external hard drive connected to a Windows computer?
Yes, you can run Check Disk on an external hard drive connected to a Windows computer. To do so, open File Explorer, right-click on the external hard drive, select Properties, and then select the Tools tab. Under Error Checking, click Check.
What is the difference between fixing errors with Check Disk and formatting your hard disk?
Check Disk is a utility used to scan the hard drive for errors and attempt to fix them. Formatting a hard disk erases all of the data on the disk and prepares it for use by the operating system.
What happens if Check Disk finds errors on your hard disk in Windows?
If Check Disk finds errors on your hard disk in Windows, it will attempt to repair them automatically. It may also prompt you to scan and fix any errors it finds. If Check Disk finds serious errors that it cannot repair, it may prompt you to back up your data and then reformat the hard drive.
How long does it typically take to run Check Disk on a hard disk in Windows?
It typically takes between 10 minutes and several hours to run Check Disk on a hard disk in Windows, depending on the size of the hard disk and the number of files stored on it.
Read about checking your hard disk for errors in Windows and recommend it to friends. If you do have any questions, don't hesitate to contact our technical support service - we will be happy to help you.