- CHKDSK is the modern version of Scandisk in Windows 10, designed to repair disk errors.
- It can be run from File Explorer or from the Symbol of the system.
- There are alternatives like EaseUS Partition Master that make these tasks easier with graphical interfaces.
Checking the status of your hard drive is a fundamental task if you want to keep your computer in good condition and avoid future problems. If you are a Windows 10 user, you may have wondered how to perform this type of check, or even heard of a somewhat old term, 'Scandisk'. We are going to break down step by step how you can check and fix errors on your disks in this version of Windows.
The Scandisk command may sound old-fashioned, but it still lives on to some extent under another name: CHKDSK. While the latter is still used today, the functionality has been the same for several generations of the operating system. Here's how to use the CHKDSK command and how it replaces Scandisk in Windows 10.
What is CHKDSK and why does it replace Scandisk?
CHKDSK, which stands for 'Check Disk' in English, is a tool that Microsoft included in its operating system since very old versions such as MS-DOS. This utility replaces Scandisk, which was used in older versions of Windows such as 95, 98 and earlier versions. The basic function of CHKDSK is to scan the hard drive for logical and physical errors., and then proceed to repair it if necessary.
CHKDSK also has the ability to scan for bad sectors on your hard drive. These errors can occur due to different factors such as unexpected power outages, file crashes, or even continuous disk usage over time. So if you notice that your computer is starting to slow down or certain applications are not working as they should, running CHKDSK could resolve many of these hard drive-related issues. hardware.
When you should run CHKDSK
CHKDSK is a powerful tool, but It is not necessary to run it on a daily basisIt is intended for use in times when you suspect that something is wrong with your hard drive, such as when your computer takes longer than usual to start, when applications do not respond, or if you notice that the overall performance of the system is lower than usual.
Another key time to run CHKDSK is after a sudden shutdown or system crash. Certain sudden power interruptions can cause errors in files or disk sectors, it is important to carry out this check as soon as possible after an incident of this type.
Advantages of using CHKDSK
- Automatic error resolution: CHKDSK can detect and fix problems without user intervention.
- Locating bad sectors: If there are bad sectors, CHKDSK will mark them so that they will not be used in the future.
- Preventive Maintenance: Running CHKDSK periodically can prevent performance issues.
How to run CHKDSK
There are several ways to run CHKDSK, but the most common and simple It is through File Explorer in Windows 10. Here we will show you the different methods you can use to run this utility.
Run CHKDSK from File Explorer
The simplest way to run CHKDSK is through Windows File Explorer. This is an accessible and convenient option for most users.
Step 1: Open File Explorer (Windows + E) and go to the 'This PC' section.
Step 2: Select the drive you want to scan, usually this will be the C: drive.
Step 3: Right click on the drive and select 'Properties'.
Step 4: In the 'Tools' tab, you will see an option that says 'Check'. Click on it.
Step 5: The system will inform you if it found any problems. If you wish, you can proceed with the manual analysis by clicking 'Scan drive'.
Run CHKDSK from the console (Command Prompt or PowerShell)
If you want more advanced control over CHKDSK and how it runs, You will be able to use the console commands, such as Command Prompt or PowerShellThese are more technical methods that allow for a greater level of detail in the process.
Step 1: Open the start menu and search for 'cmd' or 'PowerShell'. Run either as administrator.
Step 2: Once the window opens, type the following command: chkdsk C: / f / r. This command will mean the following:
- /F: Orders to repair the detected errors
- / r: Locates bad sectors and recovers readable information
Step 3: The tool may ask you to schedule the scan for the next Boot from the system if you are trying to analyze the C: drive. Accept by typing 'S'.
Step 4: Restart your computer and CHKDSK will run automatically before Windows boots.
Additional CHKDSK Commands
CHKDSK has a number of switches or parameters that allow you to further customize the disk scan. Here are some additional commands you can use:
- /x: Disassemble the unit before starting the test.
- /l:[size]: Change the size of the log file.
- /scan: Run an online scan.
Alternatives to CHKDSK
While CHKDSK is a very useful tool that comes with Windows itself, There are some alternatives that offer additional functions in the management and repair of hard drives.Tools like EaseUS Partition Master and MiniTool Partition Wizard allow you to manage your hard drive partitions, perform checks and error repairs without having to delve into the complexities of the command prompt.
EASEUS Partition Master
EASEUS Partition Master is a very complete disk and partition management software. It offers a user-friendly graphical interface to manage partitions, and one of the most useful functions is the ability to scan and repair file system errors in a very simple way.
The best thing about EaseUS is that you can perform these tasks without having to deal with text commands or typing anything into a terminal. You just need to select the partition or drive you want to analyze and the program will do everything for you.
MiniTool Partition Wizard
Another option you can consider is MiniTool Partition WizardThis software is very similar to EaseUS Partition Master. It has advanced features such as hard drive cloning, partition recovery or partition format conversion, but it also includes a useful function to scan and fix errors on hard drives.
Resolving common errors with CHKDSK
CHKDSK is not always able to solve all problems on its own. If you notice that CHKDSK gets stuck or cannot be repaired, it may be a sign that your hard drive is physically failing or that there is a more serious problem with the file system. In these cases, the following solutions may help you:
- Restart analysis from safe mode.
- Try the third-party utilities mentioned above.
- Check if the problem is a physical failure of the disk by checking the temperatures or noise of the disk.
If you've tried everything we've explained and your drive is still having problems, it may be time to consider replacing your hard drive.
CHKDSK is one of the main allies to keep your hard drive in an optimal state, but it is not the only solution. There are graphical alternatives such as EaseUS and MiniTool that make the job much easier without the need for technical knowledge. For most users, running CHKDSK from Explorer is more than enough, but if you have more serious problems, you can always resort to more advanced methods or try professional alternatives.
I'm Alberto Navarro and I'm passionate about everything related to technology, from cutting-edge gadgets to software and video games of all kinds. My interest in digital began with video games and continued in the world of digital marketing. I have been writing about the digital world on different platforms since 2019, sharing the latest news in the sector. I also try to write in an original way so that you can stay up to date while having fun.
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