Example usage for chkdsk.
chkdsk C: /scanchkdsk command
Check a volume's file system and, with selected switches, attempt repairs.
Documented syntax
chkdsk [<volume>[[<path>]<filename>]] [/f] [/v] [/r] [/x] [/i] [/c] [/l[:<size>]] [/b] [/scan] [/forceofflinefix] [/perf] [/spotfix] [/sdcleanup] [/offlinescanandfix] [/freeorphanedchains] [/markclean] [/?]The linked Microsoft Learn article is the upstream authority. Availability may depend on Windows release, role, optional feature or interactive tool context.
Examples
Parameters, options and clauses
| Option / clause | Description |
|---|---|
<volume> | Select the drive to examine. |
/f | Fix file-system errors; may require a locked volume or restart. |
/r | Locate bad sectors and recover readable information; implies /f. |
/scan | Run an online scan on an NTFS volume. |
/spotfix | Spot-fix errors on an NTFS volume. |
--- | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
[<path>]<filename> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<path> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
<filename> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/v | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/x | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/i | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/c | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/l | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
<size> | Microsoft documents this argument or subcommand; check the linked reference for its required format and context. |
/b | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/forceofflinefix | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/perf | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/sdcleanup | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/offlinescanandfix | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/freeorphanedchains | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/markclean | Microsoft documents this switch; use the linked reference for accepted values, effects and version limits. |
/? | Display command help or the supported command-line usage. |
Review a command and its target before running it. Commands that alter files, services, accounts, disks, permissions or databases may be difficult to reverse. Test in a safe environment and keep backups.