The hard disk is also known as the brain of your computer as it stores all the information. It cannot function without the aid of other devices like speakers, mouse, keyboard, CPU, etc. and the opposite is also true. Thus, the hard disk is the most important component of your computer, which stores all the system files along with your apps, images, videos, documents, and almost everything digital file you possess. A major issue occurs when you receive the following error on your computer “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem” and this guide would explain to you all the possibilities to fix hard drive errors in Windows 10.
What Causes “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem” In Windows 10 PC?
Before we jump on to fixing hard disk issues, let us briefly understand why this error occurs. Although it is not possible to trace the exact cause of the issue, some possible reasons include:
Mechanical or Physical error: Any physical damage to your hard drive can result in “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem”, and there is no option to fix hard drive errors of this type as it can only be resolved by replacing the Hard drive.
Virus Attack: A virus or malware attack can also result in this error to occur as the system files can get corrupted and display unnecessary and irrelevant prompts. It also has been observed that this error occurs even after the virus has been removed from the system. It is recommended to use a powerful search engine like Systweak AntiVirus.
Corrupted System Files: There are thousands of system files and folders which are required to run the Windows Operating System. Suppose any of the system files get accidentally deleted or get corrupted due to bad sectors. In that case, you might receive the error, and reinstalling Windows might be the only solution to fix hard disk errors.
Human Action: Any infected program, add-ons, extension, etc. installed on your computer can result in a “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem” error. Other changes in settings and modifications in Registry entries can also result in this error.
Steps on How to Fix “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem” In Windows 10 PC?
As I mentioned earlier, it is impossible to detect the exact cause of this problem, but there are a few methods that you can try to resolve and fix hard drive errors of any type.
Note: These steps will not worsen if you are not able to fix hard disk issues in your system.
Method 1: Initiate System File Checker To Fix Hard Disk Issues
Microsoft has provided certain in-built tools to fix issues related to the operating system, and one of them is the System File Checker or SFC for short. Here are the steps to execute SFC on your computer:
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the Search Box located on the left bottom corner on your taskbar.
Step 2: From the results that popup locates Command Prompt App on the left, which would be highlighted as Best Match and also look for the options on the right.
Step 3: Click on Run as Administrator to open the Command prompt in elevated mode.
Step 4: Once the black and white window opens, you will have to type the following command and press Enter key on your keyboard.
sfc /scannow
Step 5: Wait for the process to complete to 100%, and if there are any corrupted system files, then they will be fixed and replaced by a clean backup copy. Windows detected a hard disk problem will be resolved using it in Windows 10.
Method 2: Initiate DISM To Fix Hard Drive Errors
The second in-built tool by Microsoft is DISM or Deployment Image Servicing and Management that also helps to fix corrupted files, and unexpected errors like “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem”. To execute DISM on your computer, follow these steps:
Step 1: Type Command Prompt in the Search Box located on the left bottom corner on your taskbar.
Step 2: From the results that popup locates Command Prompt App on the left, which would be highlighted as Best Match and also look for the options on the right.
Step 3: Click on Run as Administrator to open the Command prompt in elevated mode.
Step 4: Once the black and white window opens, you will have to type the following command and press Enter key on your keyboard.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
Step 5: The above command will initiate a simple scan on most of your system files but will not fix anything. Once the process is complete, it is advised to run the second command provide below:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
Step 6: This command is an advanced scan command, but the scope of the scan is different from the above command. This command will also take more time and once it completes run the third and final command in the Command Prompt.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 7: This final command will restore all the errors detected by the above two commands and fix hard drive errors in your computer.
Method 3: Initiate ChkDsk To Fix Hard Disk Errors
The third and file tool to fix “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem” is the Check Disk tool which is also written as ChkDsk. To fix the hard disk issues such as – a problem with the hard drive has been detected issues, you can begin to check disk by the following steps:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt in Elevated mode, as explained in the previous method.
Step 2: Type “ Chkdsk “ (minus the quotes) and press the Enter key.
Step 3: This tool will check the disk file systems like FAT & NTFS and the related files and fix them if required.
This is the third and final inbuilt tool to fix hard drive errors in your computer whenever a problem with a hard drive is detected.
Also Read: Ways To Fix Machine Check Exception BSOD On Windows 10.
Method 4: Use A third-party tool To Fix “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem”
If you are not able to fix hard drive errors by using the Windows 10 in-built tools, then you will have to take the help of a Third-Party Tool like Advanced System Optimizer (ASO). This tool can only fix hard disk issues but also optimize and maintain your system as well as clear junk and temp files. It is important to understand how efficient this tool is and why you must choose ASO out of the many System Optimizers available in the market. If a problem with a hard drive is detected, it will run a full scan to show you the potential reasons.
Optimize the Registry: Advanced System Optimizer has a built-in Registry care tool that optimizes and cleans the Registry and guarantees an even PC routinely and minimizes the size of the Registry.
Optimize the Disk: ASO eliminates the obsolete files from your PC and thus empties up space. It also enables users to scan disk space and resolve disk errors.
Optimize Windows: This software releases the RAM and powers up the memory-making your PC faster than before. It also helps to scan for missing, corrupted, and outdated drivers and substitute them with updated drivers.
Optimize Security & Privacy: Advanced System Optimizer includes an advanced engine that acts as a PC protector against Trojans, Spyware, Malware, and safeguards your computer on a real-time basis. It also removes the surfing history and shields important files.
Optimize the Backup & Recovery Feature: This application enables users to make a backup file and copy it to an external disk. In cases of accidents, it allows you to restore your backed-up files. It also helps in restoring unintentionally deleted files.
Optimize the System: ASO also conducts driver updates, and aids to remove startup items and uninstall unwanted applications.
How To Use Advanced System Optimizer To Fix “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem”?
Advanced System Optimizer requires no training or experience to operate and fix errors in your computer. The options are well listed on the left panel with further options appearing on the right side of the application window. To fix hard disk errors like “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem”, use the following steps:
Step 1: Open the application by double-clicking on the shortcut newly created after installation.
Step 2: Next click on Disk Cleaner & Optimizer in the left panel.
Step 3: Choose Disk Tools from the right panel and click on it.
Step 4: A new app window will open where you must click on the Start Scan Now button.
Step 5: Wait for the process to complete it will fix hard drive errors in your system.
The Final Word On How To fix “Windows Detected A Hard Disk Problem” In Windows 10 PC?
Hard Drive errors must be taken seriously, and these must be fixed immediately without delay to prevent any loss of data. You can try fixing the Windows detected a hard disk problem error by using the inbuilt Windows tool first, and in case you are not able to do so then you can opt for Advanced System Optimizer which is a complete all-in-one tool for fixing a lot of errors on your system.
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Frequently asked questions-
Q1. How do I fix Windows has detected a hard disk problem?
If you are seeing a problem with the hard drive has been detected error message on your Windows PC you must use any of the aforementioned methods to fix it. Using a tool like Advanced System Optimizer can save you a lot of time and detect and fix the hard disk problem quickly.
Q2. What is – Windows detected a hard disk problem?
Windows detected a hard disk problem is an error message which shows up on your computer whenever the hard drive fails to function normally. It might be due to a recent update or the corrupted files.
Q3. How do I check my hard drive for problems?
To check your hard drive for any problems, you can use Advanced System Optimizer. It is a powerful software that helps run the computer smoothly with its multiple tools. It keeps track of the junk and removes it to make space on the disk. It also optimizes the PC for maximum performance.
Q4. What is the reason for the hard disk not detected?
Any internal error can cause the error of the hard disk not being able to be detected. Although you now can fix the issues by using any of the methods mentioned in the post.