CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a built-in Windows utility designed to scan and repair file system errors, bad sectors, and other disk-related issues. It is often used when a computer becomes slow, files become corrupted, or Windows displays drive-related errors.
However, many users encounter the message:
“Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process.”
This error appears because Windows is currently using the drive you want to scan. Since the drive is active and locked by the operating system or another application, CHKDSK cannot gain exclusive access to perform repairs.
In this guide, I have mentioned several ways to fix this problem and successfully run CHKDSK.
Let’s learn them in detail!
Causes for ‘Chkdsk Cannot Run Because the Volume Is in Use by Another Process’ error
The error usually appears when:
- The drive is currently being used by Windows.
- A file or folder on the drive is open.
- Antivirus software is scanning the drive.
- Backup or synchronization programs are accessing files.
- The drive being scanned is the system drive where Windows is installed.
Since CHKDSK needs complete access to make repairs, Windows blocks the scan until the drive is no longer in use.
Chkdsk Cannot Run Because the Volume Is in Use by Another Process [Fix]
If you receive the “Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process” error, use the following solutions:
- Close applications that may be using the drive.
- Schedule CHKDSK to run during the next system restart.
- Run CHKDSK from Safe Mode.
- Execute CHKDSK using Windows Recovery Environment.
- Disable third-party programs that may be locking the drive.
- Run a clean boot and try again.
- Check the drive through File Explorer Error Checking.
These methods help Windows gain exclusive access to the drive so CHKDSK can scan and repair it successfully.
1: Close Programs That May Be Using the Drive
The first and easiest solution is to close any applications that may be accessing the drive.
Go to Start Menu > Open all running applications > then save your work and close every program currently open on your computer. Pay special attention to file management tools, backup software, cloud storage applications, media players, and antivirus programs.
After closing the applications, press Windows + X > then select Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin) > then type the following command: chkdsk C: /f
Press Enter and check whether the scan starts normally.
Sometimes, a simple file that remains open in the background prevents CHKDSK from obtaining access to the drive. Closing active programs often resolves the issue immediately without requiring additional troubleshooting.
If the error still appears, move to the next solution.
2: Schedule CHKDSK for the Next Restart
When the affected drive is the Windows system drive, the best solution is to schedule the scan before Windows fully loads.
Go to Start Menu > search for Command Prompt > then right click Command Prompt > select Run as administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type: chkdsk C: /f /r
Then press Enter.
Windows will display a message asking whether you want to schedule the volume to be checked the next time the system restarts.
Type Y and press Enter.
Next, close the Command Prompt window and restart your computer.
During startup, Windows will launch CHKDSK before loading the operating system. Since no programs are running at this stage, the utility can access the drive without interference.
Depending on the size and condition of the drive, the scan may take several minutes or even several hours. Allow the process to finish without interrupting it.
For most users, this method is the most effective fix for the “volume is in use by another process” error.
3: Run CHKDSK in Safe Mode
If normal startup processes continue locking the drive, Safe Mode can help.
Go to Start Menu > Settings > System > Recovery > then locate Advanced Startup > click Restart now.
After the computer restarts, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Settings > then click Restart.
When the startup options screen appears, press 4 or F4 to enter Safe Mode.
Once Safe Mode loads, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run: chkdsk C: /f
Safe Mode starts Windows with only essential drivers and services. Because fewer applications are running, the drive is less likely to be locked by another process.
Many users find that CHKDSK works successfully in Safe Mode even when it repeatedly fails during a normal startup.
After the scan completes, restart the computer normally.
4: Use Windows Recovery Environment
If Safe Mode does not solve the problem, running CHKDSK from the Windows Recovery Environment can provide complete access to the drive.
Go to Start Menu > Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced Startup > then click Restart now.
After the restart, select Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Command Prompt.
The system will restart and open a Command Prompt window.
Before running CHKDSK, determine the correct drive letter because drive assignments may change in recovery mode.
- Type: diskpart
- Press Enter.
- Then type: list volume
- Press Enter.
- Identify the Windows drive letter and note it carefully.
- Type: exit
- Press Enter.
- Now run: chkdsk C: /f /r
- Replace C with the correct drive letter if necessary.
Because Windows is not actively using the drive in the recovery environment, CHKDSK can perform a deeper scan and repair process without encountering access restrictions.
5: Temporarily Disable Antivirus Software
Antivirus applications frequently monitor files in real time, which can prevent CHKDSK from accessing the drive.
Go to your antivirus application’s main dashboard > then locate Protection Settings or Real Time Protection > temporarily disable the protection feature.
After disabling the antivirus, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run CHKDSK again.
If the scan starts successfully, the antivirus program is likely locking files on the drive.
Once the scan is complete, immediately re-enable your antivirus protection to maintain system security.
Remember that antivirus menus vary depending on the software installed, but most applications provide a temporary disable option.
6: Perform a Clean Boot
A clean boot starts Windows with only essential Microsoft services, helping identify whether a background application is causing the issue.
Go to Start Menu > type msconfig > then open System Configuration. Select the Services tab > then check Hide all Microsoft services > click Disable all.
Next, open the Startup tab > click Open Task Manager > then disable all startup items.
Restart your computer.
After the restart, open Command Prompt as Administrator and run CHKDSK again.
If the scan works correctly, one of the disabled services or startup applications is preventing access to the drive.
You can gradually re-enable services and startup items to identify the specific program responsible for the problem.
7: Use Error Checking Through File Explorer
Windows includes a graphical disk checking tool that can sometimes resolve issues without manually running commands.
Go to File Explorer > This PC > then right-click the affected drive > select Properties.
Open the Tools tab > then click Check under Error Checking.
If Windows detects file system problems, follow the on-screen instructions to scan and repair the drive.
For system drives, Windows may schedule the scan during the next restart, similar to the CHKDSK scheduling method.
This option is especially useful for beginners who are uncomfortable using Command Prompt commands.
FAQs
Is it safe to run CHKDSK on my computer?
Yes. CHKDSK is a built-in Windows utility developed to detect and repair file system errors. Running it is generally safe and recommended when disk problems occur.
How long does CHKDSK take to complete?
The duration depends on drive size, drive speed, and the number of errors found. Small SSDs may finish within minutes, while large hard drives can take several hours.
What does the /f parameter do?
The /f parameter instructs CHKDSK to automatically fix detected file system errors during the scan.
What does the /r parameter do?
The /r parameter searches for bad sectors and attempts to recover readable information from damaged areas of the disk.
Why does CHKDSK require a restart?
When scanning the system drive, Windows files are actively being used. Restarting allows CHKDSK to run before the operating system loads and locks the drive.
Can I stop CHKDSK while it is running?
It is not recommended. Interrupting the process may leave repairs incomplete and potentially cause additional file system issues.
Summary
The “Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process” error occurs when Windows or another application is actively using the drive that CHKDSK needs to scan. In most cases, scheduling the scan for the next restart solves the problem because Windows can check the drive before loading system processes.
If that does not work, running CHKDSK in Safe Mode, using the Windows Recovery Environment, disabling antivirus software, performing a clean boot, or using Error Checking through File Explorer can help eliminate drive access conflicts.