Seeing the “Can’t read from the source file or disk” error in Windows can be frustrating, especially when you are trying to copy, move, delete, or transfer important files. This issue usually appears when Windows cannot access the file properly because of disk corruption, file permission problems, damaged storage sectors, unsupported file systems, or interrupted data transfer processes.
The error can occur on internal hard drives, external HDDs, SSDs, USB flash drives, SD cards, and even network locations. In many cases, the problem is temporary and can be fixed with a few built in Windows troubleshooting methods.
This guide explains solutions to fix the “Can’t read from the source file or disk” error in Windows step by step.
What Causes the “Can’t Read from the Source File or Disk” Error?
Before applying the fixes, it is important to understand why the problem occurs. Windows usually displays this error when it cannot properly access the file or the storage medium containing the file.
Common causes include:
- Corrupted system files
- Damaged sectors on the disk
- File system corruption
- Insufficient file permissions
- Extremely long file paths
- Faulty USB ports or cables
- Antivirus interference
- Physically damaged storage devices
- Unsupported file formats
- Interrupted file transfer operations
Once you identify the possible cause, troubleshooting becomes much easier.
Can’t Read from the Source File or Disk in Windows [Fix]
![Can't read from the Source File or Disk in Windows [Fix]](https://cdn-0.tech-tips-now.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Cant-read-from-the-Source-File-or-Disk-in-Windows-Fix-1024x576.jpg)
To quickly resolve the “Can’t read from the source file or disk” issue in Windows, try the following methods:
- Restart your computer and reconnect the storage device
- Check if the file name or file path is too long
- Run the CHKDSK command to repair disk errors
- Scan the drive for bad sectors
- Change file permissions and ownership
- Copy the file using Command Prompt
- Disable antivirus software temporarily
- Check the drive for hardware failure
- Use another USB port or cable
- Format the drive if it becomes inaccessible
Let’s learn in detail!
Step 1: Restart Your Computer and Reconnect the Drive
Temporary system glitches often trigger disk reading errors in Windows. Restarting your PC refreshes the operating system and reloads all storage drivers.
First, close all running applications on your computer. Then click on the Start Menu > Power > Restart.
If you are using an external storage device such as a USB drive or external hard disk, unplug it safely before restarting. After the computer boots up again, reconnect the drive to another USB port.
Now try copying or opening the file again to check whether the issue has been resolved.
If the error still appears, continue with the next method.
Step 2: Shorten the File Name or File Path
Windows may fail to read files when the file name or folder path becomes too long. This is very common when files are deeply nested inside multiple folders.
For example, a path like:
C:\Users\Documents\Projects\Backup\2026\Important Files\Personal\Office\Reports\Annual Data\FileName.docx
can exceed the Windows path limit.
To fix this issue, move the file to a simpler location. Open File Explorer > locate the problematic file > right-click the file > select Cut.
Now go to a simple folder such as: C:\Temp
Paste the file there and rename it with a shorter name.
After shortening the file path, try accessing the file again.
Step 3: Run CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors
The CHKDSK utility scans your storage drive for logical errors, corrupted sectors, and file system problems.
This is one of the most effective solutions for fixing the “Can’t read from the source file or disk” error.
Press Windows + S and type Command Prompt.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. Inside the Command Prompt window, type the following command:
chkdsk /f /r
Press Enter.
If the affected drive is not the system drive, specify the drive letter like this:
chkdsk E: /f /r
The command performs two actions:
- /f fixes file system errors
- /r scans for bad sectors and recovers readable data
If Windows asks to schedule the scan after a restart, type Y and reboot the computer.
The scan may take time depending on the drive size and condition.
After the process finishes, check whether the error has disappeared.
Step 4: Check the Drive for Bad Sectors Using the Error Checking Tool
Windows includes a graphical disk checking utility that helps beginners repair disk-related issues without using commands.
- Open File Explorer > go to This PC.
- Locate the affected drive and right-click it. Select Properties.
- Go to the Tools tab.
- Under the Error checking section, click Check.
Windows will begin scanning the drive for errors. If problems are detected, follow the on-screen instructions to repair them.
After the repair process completes, restart your computer and test the file again.
Step 5: Take Ownership of the File or Folder
Sometimes Windows cannot access files because your user account lacks proper permissions.
Taking ownership gives your account full control over the file or folder.
- Go to the file or folder showing the error.
- Right-click the file > select Properties > open the Security tab.
- Click Advanced.
- Next to the owner’s name, click Change.
- Type your Windows username and click Check Names.
- Click OK.
- Now enable the option called Replace owner on subcontainers and objects if it appears.
- Click Apply and then OK.
Return to the Security tab and click Edit. Select your username and enable Full Control.
Click Apply and then OK.
Try accessing the file again after changing ownership permissions.
Step 6: Copy the File Using Command Prompt
File Explorer sometimes fails to transfer corrupted or locked files. Using the Command Prompt can bypass certain transfer restrictions.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
Use the following command structure: xcopy “source path” “destination path” /c /h /r /y
Example: xcopy “E:\Documents\File.docx” “C:\Backup\” /c /h /r /y
Here is what the switches mean:
- /c continues copying even if errors occur
- /h copies hidden files
- /r overwrites read-only files
- /y suppresses overwrite confirmation prompts
Press Enter to execute the command.
If the copy operation completes successfully, the issue may be related to File Explorer rather than the disk itself.
Step 7: Disable Antivirus Software Temporarily
Overprotective antivirus programs sometimes block file access operations and trigger disk reading errors.
Temporarily disabling the antivirus can help determine whether it is causing the problem. Open your antivirus application from the system tray.
Look for options such as:
- Disable Protection
- Pause Antivirus
- Turn Off Real Time Protection
If you are using Windows Security, follow these steps:
Go to Start > Settings > Privacy & Security > Windows Security > Virus & Threat Protection.
Click Manage Settings.
Turn off Real Time Protection temporarily. Now try copying or opening the file again.
After testing, make sure to re-enable antivirus protection to keep your computer secure.
Step 8: Use Another USB Port or Cable
If the issue occurs with an external drive or USB flash drive, the problem may not be software-related.
Faulty USB ports, damaged cables, or insufficient power delivery can interrupt file reading operations. Disconnect the device and reconnect it to another USB port on your computer.
If possible, avoid USB hubs and connect the device directly to the motherboard’s USB ports.
Also, try using another compatible cable, especially for external hard drives.
After reconnecting the device, wait for Windows to reinstall the drivers automatically.
Now test the file again.
Step 9: Scan System Files Using SFC and DISM
Corrupted Windows system files can interfere with storage operations and trigger file access errors.
Windows provides two powerful repair tools called SFC and DISM.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator. First, run the System File Checker command:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete. After that, run the DISM command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup Image /RestoreHealth
These tools repair damaged Windows components and restore missing system files.
Restart your PC after the scans finish and check if the issue persists.
Step 10: Check the Drive Health Status
A failing hard drive or SSD can cause persistent read errors.
- Windows users can check drive health using SMART monitoring tools. Press Windows + X and select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type the following command: wmic diskdrive get status
- Press Enter.
- If the result shows OK, the drive is likely healthy.
- If the status displays warnings such as Pred Fail, the drive may be failing physically.
In that case, back up your data immediately and consider replacing the drive.
Step 11: Format the Drive as a Last Resort
If the storage device remains inaccessible and none of the previous fixes work, formatting may resolve severe corruption issues.
Formatting erases all existing data from the drive, so only proceed if you have already backed up important files.
Open File Explorer > go to This PC. Right-click the problematic drive and select Format. Choose a file system:
- NTFS for Windows only usage
- exFAT for compatibility with Windows and Mac
Keep Quick Format checked and click Start. Wait for the formatting process to finish.
Once complete, reconnect the drive and test it again.
FAQs
Why does Windows say “Can’t read from the source file or disk”?
Windows displays this error when it cannot properly access the requested file or storage device. Common reasons include corrupted sectors, permission issues, damaged drives, antivirus interference, or unsupported file systems.
Can a corrupted hard drive be repaired?
Yes, logical corruption can often be repaired using tools like CHKDSK, SFC, and Windows Error Checking. However, physical damage usually requires drive replacement.
Is the CHKDSK command safe?
Yes, CHKDSK is a built-in Windows utility designed to repair disk errors safely. However, if the drive is physically failing, data backup is recommended before running repairs.
Why can I not copy files from my USB drive?
This may happen because of bad sectors, damaged USB ports, corrupted file systems, insufficient permissions, or failing flash memory.
Does formatting permanently fix disk errors?
Formatting can repair severe file system corruption, but it does not fix physical hardware damage. If the drive continues showing errors after formatting, replacement may be necessary.
Can antivirus software cause file access problems?
Yes, some antivirus programs aggressively monitor file activity and may block or interrupt file transfers, leading to source file or disk errors.
Summary
The “Can’t read from the source file or disk” error in Windows usually points to storage related issues, permission conflicts, corrupted system files, or hardware failures. Fortunately, most cases can be fixed using built in Windows troubleshooting tools.
Start with simple solutions such as restarting the PC, reconnecting the drive, shortening file paths, and checking permissions. If the issue continues, run advanced repair tools like CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM to repair corrupted disk structures and system files.
For external drives, always test different USB ports and cables before assuming the storage device is damaged. If the drive shows signs of hardware failure, back up important files immediately to avoid permanent data loss.