Fix 'CHKDSK Cannot Open Volume for Direct Access' Error

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The CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility in Windows is a handy tool that scans and fix damaged drive. The tool can fix file system errors and bad sectors on storage drives. However, sometimes when you run CHKDSK, you may encounter a frustrating message: CHKDSK cannot open volume for direct access. This error can prevent scanning or repairing your drive, leaving your system vulnerable to data loss or corruption.

This post will investigate the potential reasons for this problem and provide practical solutions. You will understand the reasons behind this error. Follow these troubleshooting steps to restore normal functionality to your system and ensure your drives remain in good health.

What is CHKDSK?

CHKDSK is a built-in Windows command-line utility. It helps in identifying and repairing file system errors on hard drives, solid-state drives (SSDs), and external drives. It checks for logical and physical errors, marking bad sectors and recovering readable information from damaged areas.

To run CHKDSK, users typically open a command prompt and type chkdsk followed by the drive letter. For example, you can run chkdsk C: to checks and repairs the C: drive. This tool is essential for maintaining drive health. However, sometimes it refuses to start because of the "cannot open volume for direct access" error.

Causes of the "CHKDSK Cannot Open Volume for Direct Access" Error

Several issues can trigter the error. The issues range from software conflicts to hardware problems. Knowing these reasons can aid in more accurately identifying the underlying issue and selecting the best course of action.

How to Fix "CHKDSK Cannot Open Volume for Direct Access" Error?

There are several methods to resolve this issue, depending on the cause. Below are the most effective tricks and techniques you can use.

Method 1. Disable Third-Party Applications

Many users find that disabling or uninstalling certain third-party programs resolves the issue. For example, Antivirus software is a frequent culprit. It monitors all disk activity in real time, potentially interfering with CHKDSK.

Steps to Disable Third-Party Software:

• Open Task Manager by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc.
• Navigate to the Startup tab.
• Disable all non-essential programs by right-clicking and selecting Disable.

• Restart your computer and attempt to run CHKDSK again.

If the method can solve the problem, you can gradually re-enable these applications to identify the conflicting software.

Method 2. Boot into Safe Mode

You can easily avoid oftware conflicts by starting Windows in Safe Mode. Safe Mode limits the number of loading drivers and services at startup. Running CHKDSK in Safe Mode often resolves the "cannot open volume" error, as third-party applications are disabled.

Steps to Boot into Safe Mode:

1. Type msconfig by pressing Windows + R.

2. Go to the Boot tab in the System Configuration window.

3. Choose Minimal under Safe boot when checking the option.
4. Restart your PC.
5. Run CHKDSK after using the Command Prompt as an administrator while in Safe Mode.

After the scan, return to normal mode by unchecking the Safe boot option in msconfig and restarting your system.

Method 3. Disable Volume Shadow Copy Service

Another frequent source of this problem is the Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS). This service creates snapshots of your drives. If the service is running when CHKDSK is trying to access the drive, it can cause the utility to fail.

Steps to Disable Volume Shadow Copy:

• To launch the Services window, press Windows + R and type services.msc.

• Select Volume Shadow Copy with a right-click after swiping down.
• Choose Stop from the menu to cancel the service.
• You can also set the startup type to Disabled to prevent it from running in the future.

• Restart your computer and try running CHKDSK again.

Method 4. Check for Drive Errors Using Other Tools

If CHKDSK continues to fail, it may be necessary to use other disk-checking tools to assess the health of your drive. Many third-party utilities are available, some of which offer more advanced diagnostics and repair options than CHKDSK.

Recommended Disk-Checking Tools:

• CrystalDiskInfo - This free utility provides detailed information about your drive's health. It can check the drive temperature, read/write speeds, and the presence of bad sectors. This tool can help you decide whether to replace a damaged drive.
• HDDScan - This tool can perform surface tests, check for bad sectors, and provide SMART data about your drive's condition. The tool is a useful alternative when CHKDSK fails.
• Macrorit Disk Scanner - Another excellent utility, this tool scans for bad sectors and generates a visual report. If it detects significant issues, the tool may recommend avoiding using CHKDSK altogether to avoid further data loss/corruption.

Method 5. Use Disk Management to Check Drive Health

Windows Disk Management provides an interface to manage drives and partitions. Checking the status of your drive with the tool is necessary. It can check and ensure the drive is not "Offline" or showing errors that may prevent CHKDSK from accessing it.

Steps to Check Disk Health:

• Press Windows + X and select "Disk Management."
• Locate the drive in question and check its status.
• If the drive is offline, right-click and select Online.
• Ensure there are no warning icons or error messages.

If the drive shows as healthy but CHKDSK still fails, continue troubleshooting with the following methods.

Method 6. Check and Repair Disk from Boot

Sometimes, the operating system itself locks the drive, preventing CHKDSK from accessing it. In such cases, performing a disk check before Windows starts can resolve the issue.

Steps to Run CHKDSK at Boot:

• Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
• Type the following command:

  chkdsk C: /f /r (Replace C: with the appropriate drive letter.)

• Press Enter and you will be prompted to schedule the check for the next time your system restarts.
• Restart your computer, and CHKDSK will run before Windows starts up, resolving access issues.

Method 7. Disable or Uninstall Problematic Drivers

Some hardware drivers or system services may lock the volume, preventing CHKDSK from accessing it. Identifying and disabling these drivers can help resolve the issue.

Steps to Disable Drivers:

• Press Windows + X and select "Device Manager."
• Expand the Disk Drives or Storage controllers sections.
• Right-click any suspicious drivers and select Disable.

• Restart your computer and try running CHKDSK again.

If the problem persists, consider updating or reinstalling the drivers.

Method 8. Repair System Files Using SFC and DISM

Corrupted system files can also prevent CHKDSK from functioning correctly. System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools would fix the corrupted files successfully. Then you can enable CHKDSK to function again.

Steps to Use SFC and DISM:

1. Start as an administrator and open the Command Prompt.
2. Type the command below and hit Enter:

   sfc /scannow

3. Wait for the scan to complete, and then type the following commands to run DISM:

   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
   DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

4. After completing both scans, restart your computer and try running CHKDSK again.

Method 9. Use a Recovery Drive or Installation Media

You may need to run CHKDSK from a recovery environment or installation media if other solutions don't work. This method allows you to access the drive without booting into Windows, which can prevent software conflicts.

Steps to Run CHKDSK from a Recovery Drive:

• Insert a Windows installation media or recovery drive.
• Boot from the media by pressing the appropriate key during startup (often F12 or ESC).
• Select "Repair your computer" from the installation menu.
• Open the Command Prompt from the Advanced Options menu.
• Run CHKDSK from here by typing chkdsk C: /f /r.

This method bypasses any potential conflicts with drivers, services, or third-party applications that might be causing the error.

Preventing Future "CHKDSK Cannot Open Volume for Direct Access" Errors

After successfully resolving the error, it's essential to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your drives and avoid similar issues in the future:

Conclusion

The "CHKDSK cannot open volume for direct access" error can be challenging to troubleshoot. However, the error is fixable with the right approach. By understanding the possible causes - from software conflicts to hardware malfunctions - you can apply the appropriate fixes.

You can disable third-party programs, booting into Safe Mode, or using alternative tools. Remember to take preventive measures to minimize the risk of future disk issues. For example, you can regularly back up data and keeping your system updated.

If there are important files on a damaged drive, you can recover with recovery tool. Data recovery software can deeply scan the formatted or damaged drive and find all recoverable files. At last, select and save the wanted files to another drive.