ScanDisk was a disk-checking utility in older versions of Windows. On Windows 10 or 11, use the drive’s Error checking tool or the chkdsk command to inspect the filesystem. If an important drive is repeatedly disconnecting or Windows asks you to format it, focus on recovering the files before attempting repairs.
Start with a check that does not repair the drive
For a readable local drive, confirm its drive letter in File Explorer. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command below, replacing D: with the correct letter.
chkdsk D:With only the volume specified, CHKDSK reports its status without fixing errors. On an active drive, a status-only check can report apparent errors because it cannot lock the volume. Record the message and check your backup before deciding what to do.
What if Windows says the disk is full?
Check the drive’s free space in File Explorer first. A low-space warning tells you that the volume is nearly full. Run CHKDSK when Windows reports a filesystem problem or you have another reason to check its structure. On Ubuntu, use the disk-space diagnostic guide to identify the full filesystem before moving files.
Decide whether repair or recovery comes first
chkdsk D: /f changes the filesystem to fix logical errors. It can require exclusive access or a restart. If the files are important and you lack a verified copy, recover them first. For a readable USB drive with deleted files, follow the USB recovery guide. Check that your backup opens with a small restore test.
Use the result to decide the next step
For example, if a readable secondary drive reports filesystem errors and you can restore its files from backup, you can consider a repair. If the drive disappears during ordinary use, record that symptom and seek help before repeatedly scanning it. A successful filesystem check does not establish the drive’s physical condition.
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