Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem: How to Fix

Sadique Hassan•Updated May 6, 2022

In this guide, we will show you various methods to fix the Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem error. Out of all the bugs that we usually come across, this has to be among the most frightening ones. Since it directly involves an issue with the hard disk, there’s always a risk of data loss. As far as the reason for this issue is concerned, well it could be quite a few ones.

These include the likes of bad sectors in the disk, system files being corrupted, or interference of a third-party app or service [in rare instances, it might even be a hardware issue]. So on that note, let’s check out the numerous methods to fix the Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem error. Follow along.

Table of Contents

How to Fix Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem

It is recommended that you try out each of the below-mentioned workarounds and then see which one spells out success for you. So with that in mind, let’s get started.

FIX 1: Use CheckDisk Command

The CheckDisk is a command-line utility tool that scans for FAT and NTFS file system errors, along with logical and physical errors, and then rectifies them accordingly. As of now, we will be using this command along with the following three parameters-

/F: It fixes errors on the disk 
/R: It finds bad sectors on the disk and recovers readable information 
/X: It forces the volume to dismount first and then fixes the error

Launch Command Prompt as an administrator from the Start menu.
Then execute the below command and hit Enter [we are performing this test on the C drive]
```
chkdsk C: /F /R /X
```
Now, wait for the process to finish. Once done, verify if it fixes the Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem.

FIX 2: Boot to Safe Mode

In some instances, a third-party app might conflict with the OS functionality as well. The best way to verify and hence rectify this issue is to boot your PC to the Safe Mode. Doing so will disable all the third-party apps and give you the stock environment with just the system apps. If you are able to select multiple files in this mode, then the culprit is an app or software. Therefore, you should consider uninstalling the recently installed apps after which the issue first came to light. Here’s how:

Bring up the Run dialog box via Windows+R shortcut keys.
Then type in the below command and hit Enter to open the System Configuration menu
```
msconfig
```
Now go to its Boot tab and checkmark Safe Mode under Boot Options.
Finally, click OK followed by Restart in the confirmation dialog box.
Your PC will now boot to Windows Recovery Environment.
Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Click Restart > Press 4 to boot to Safe Mode.
Now check if it fixes the Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem error.

FIX 3: Disable Third-Party Service

A third-party service could also create a few roadblocks in the functioning of this feature. Therefore, you should consider disabling all the non-Microsoft-related services and then test out the results. Here’s how it could be done

Head over to the Start Menu, search System Configuration, and open it.
Then go to the Services tab, checkmark Hide All Microsoft Services, and click on the Disable All button.
Then go to the Startup tab and click on Open Task Manager.
Now select a process from the list and click Disable. Do so for all the running services.
Once done, restart your PC and then check if it fixes the Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem error.

FIX 4: Use SFC and DISM Commands

System File Checker and Deployment Image Servicing and Management are two command-line utility tools that scan for corrupt Windows files and then replace them with their working counterpart. The major difference between the two is whereas the SFC replaces the corrupt files with the working ones from the cached directory on your PC, DISM does so by downloading the working files from the online Microsoft servers. And as of now, we would be making use of both these tools to fix the underlying issue.

Head over to the Start Menu, search Command Prompt, and launch it as an administrator.
Then copy-paste the below command to open the SFC Tool:
```
sfc /scannow
```
Once the SFC Scanning is complete, it’s time to use the DISM Tool. So copy-paste the below command:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
Once DISM finishes the scanning, it is recommended to reboot your PC.
Now check if this fixes the Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem error.

FIX 5: Use a Restore Point

If none of the aforementioned methods spelled out success, then you should consider restoring your system to an earlier point during which it was free from this issue. Here’s how it could be done

To begin with, open the Settings page via the Windows+I shortcut keys.
Then go to the System tab from the left menu bar, scroll all the way to the bottom and click on About.
After that, click on the System Protection option present on the Related Links tab.
This shall launch the System Properties dialog box. Go to the System Protection tab and click on System Restore.
Windows will now bring up the backup under the Recommended Restore section. This is the backup that it finds most suitable according to your PC’s current condition.
If you are satisfied with it, enable the Recommended Restore option and hit Next.
However, if you wish to select any other custom backup, then select Chose a Different Restore point and click Next.
Now select the desired custom restore point and hit Next.
Windows will now bring up the finalized screen showing all your selections. You may click on the Scan for Affected program option and get a list of all the programs that would be uninstalled/re-installed after this restore.
If everything is as per your requirement, hit the Finish button and wait for the restore to complete.
Once done, your PC will automatically boot to that system restore point. Check if it fixes Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem error.

FIX 6: Verify Hardware Issue

If none of the aforementioned methods spelled out success for you, then it might be a case of hardware issue. To verify the same, take the help of a technician and remove the hard disk from your PC. Then insert it into another system and check out the results. If it still shows the same error, then it is indeed a case of hardware failure, and you will need to repair or replace it, according to what you deem fit.

So with this, we round off the guide on how you could fix the Windows Detected a Hard Disk Problem error. We have listed six different methods for the same. Do let us know in the comments section which one spelled out success for you. Likewise, all your queries are welcomed in the comments below.

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