chkdsk: Windows repair disk command

January 4, 2026 - Reading time: ~1 minute

Yesterday I learned about the chkdsk Windows command. I had to use it on an external hard drive disk because it could not mount on my Linux (Manjaro) computer. The reason is most probably that it fell when it was in use and therefore was not properly shutdown.

Usage is very simple:

1. on Windows, plug-in your external disk
2. open File Explorer et identify what your disk letter is (don't click so it does not mount)
3. as admin, open Terminal (Windows key + type "Terminal")
4. type chkdsk C: /r

Replace C with the letter identified on step 2. The /r option reads each disk sector and repairs it if it has issues.

Note that it can run for a very long time (about 6 hours for my 2 TB HDD). 

Source: https://lecrabeinfo.net/tutoriels/chkdsk-verifier-et-reparer-les-erreurs-dun-disque-dur-ssd-sur-windows/