Error Checking, also known as “CHKDSK” (short for “check disk”), is a built-in utility in Windows that scans and checks the hard drive for errors. These errors can cause issues such as data loss, system crashes, and other performance problems. In this article, we will cover how to scan a hard drive using Error Checking in Windows.

Step 1: Open ‘File Explorer’

First, open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard. Alternatively, you can click on the File Explorer icon in the taskbar.

Step 2: Select the drive you want to scan

In the File Explorer window, find the drive you want to scan, right-click on it, and select Properties. For this example, we will be using the C: drive.

Step 3: Open the ‘Tools’ tab

In the Properties window that pops up, select the Tools tab. Here, you will find the Error Checking section.

Step 4: Initiate the Error Checking scan

In the Error Checking section, click on the “Check” button. You may encounter a message stating that you need administrative privileges to run Error Checking. If this happens, click on “Scan drive as administrator.”

Step 5: Wait for the scan to finish

The scan may take some time to complete, depending on the size and state of your hard drive. During the scan, you will see a progress bar showing how much of the scan has been completed.

Step 6: Review the scan results

Once the scan completes, you will be presented with a report of the errors found, if any. The report will indicate whether any errors were detected and if they were repaired automatically.

Step 7: Restart your computer

If any errors were found and repaired, it is recommended that you restart your computer to ensure that the changes take effect.

In conclusion, regularly scanning your hard drive for errors is an important maintenance task that can help prevent data loss and other performance problems. The Error Checking utility is a built-in tool in Windows that is easy to use and can help you identify and resolve any issues on your hard drive.