A number of Windows 10 users have reported that when they boot their computer, it is stuck on “Scanning and Repairing Drive”. Most users also report that they are returned to the same screen even when they restart.
You are probably reading this because your computer is showing this screen now. Do not panic. I have the solution for you. But first, let me share 3 reasons why this may happen.
3 Potential Causes of this Error
There could be a number of reasons why your Windows 10 may be stuck at “Scanning and Repairing Drive D or C”.
One, if you forcefully shutdown your computer. That is, you did not use the normal shutdown but rather pressed the power button on your computer. This may lead to data corruption. If your Operating System files get corrupt due to forceful shutdown, it may lead to this message.
Two, if your hard disk has some corrupt sectors. That is, some portion of your hard disk may be bad. This may just happen due to a number of reasons. It may not be related to your forcefully powering off your computer.
Third, if you run CHKDSK /F command while logged on to Windows. When you run this command on drive C from within Windows, you will receive the error message “Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process”. You are then given the option to run Chkdsk on next reboot. When you restart your computer it will show “Scanning and Repairing Drive”.
Follow these steps to fix this error and boot your PC
Step 1: Boot Windows 10 to Safe Mode
The fastest way to force Windows 10 to boot to safe mode is to interrupt its boot 3 consecutive times. Follow the steps below to force safe mode boot:
- At the “Scanning and Repairing Drive” screen, press the power button on your computer for about 10 seconds. It will shutdown.
- Press the power button again to boot the computer. When you see a sign that Windows is about to boot, press the power button again to power it off.
- Repeat the last step for the 3rd time. When you boot again, you will see the screen below.
In the last image, mine is displaying Hyper-V. This is because I am using a Microsoft Virtual Machine for this demo. Yours will likely display your computer’s manufacturer like HP, Dell, Lenovo, etc.
- Then wait until you see the screen below.
- Click Advanced options. Then click Troubleshoot.
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- Select Advanced options again.
- On the next screen, if you do not see Start-up Settings, click See more recovery options.
- You should now see Start-up Settings. Click it.
- Finally, click Restart.
- On the screen similar to the one below, press F4 on your keyboard to boot to safe mode.
- Your computer will reboot to Windows 10 logon screen. Logon with your normal account. You are now in Safe mode. To confirm, the four corners of your screen will have “safe mode”. See the second image below.
Step 2 (Option 1 Fix): Check for File System Errors
- On the left of task bar, right-click Windows logo. Then click Disk Management.
- When Disk Management opens, right-click the drive that showed up in “Scanning and Repairing Drive” message. Then select Properties.
- When the Disk Properties opens, click the Tools tab. Then beneath Error checking, click Check. Wait for the task to complete. Then boot your computer and check whether Windows boots normally.
If the above method does not resolve the problem, try method 2 below.
Step 2 (Option 2 Fix): Run the CHKDSK Command
The next option to fix this scary issue is to run a command called CHKDSK. Recently I wrote a guide, 20 Command Prompt Commands for Sys Admins with details of how to use CHKDSK.
To fix this error with CHKDSK, follow the steps below:
- Still logged on to safe mode, search cmd, then right-click Command prompt and select Run as Administrator.
- When command prompt loads, enter the command below. Then press Enter key on your keyboard.
CHKDSK /F
- If you receive the message “Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process”, enter Y and press the Enter key. Then reboot your computer.
When your computer reboots, you will still see “Scanning and Repairing Drive”. Do not panic. This time, it is the CHKDSK command that initiated the scan. It should scan successfully and boot your computer normally.
Conclusion
If your computer is stuck on “scanning and repairing drive” it can be scary. Hopefully, you have been able to get your computer to boot using one of the methods suggested in this guide.
I hope you found this Itechguide helpful. If you were able to fix your PC’s problem with the steps in this guide would you spare 2 minutes to share with our community members using the “Leave a Reply” form at the bottom of this page?
Alternatively, you can respond to the “Was this page helpful?” question below.
Excellent!!
Victor, as a retired Computer Program Instructor and IT Administrator I just want to congratulate you on and impeccable straightforward and highly informative presentation. I am referring all those who ask me about essential commands to your pages at iTG. Again, thank you for this highly informative work!
Keith,
Thank you so much for your kind comments. And yes, our aim is to write simple, easy-to-understand tech articles that everybody can relate to.
Finally, I appreciate you referring people to http://www.itechguides.com.
Thanks again,
Victor
Thank you so much for these instructions! It worked for me and I am grateful.
Hello Debra,
Glad you found the article helpful and thanks for taking the time to give us the feedback!