How to Resolve the Scan Drive for Errors Notification on Windows 11

While you can troubleshoot most issues on Windows 11, drive errors can be particularly stressful. Recently, numerous users have reported receiving a vague “Scan drive for errors” notification from the Security and Maintenance feature.

This notification doesn’t specify which drive to check or detail the problem, so you may need to employ several troubleshooting methods to identify and resolve the issue.

Why Does the “Scan Drive for Errors” Message Appear?
If you encounter this notification immediately after booting up your PC, it likely means that your computer was not shut down properly, prompting a health check at startup. Improper shutdowns can lead to data corruption and potential damage to your HDD or SSD. This message might also indicate that your hard drive is failing. If your HDD appears to be functioning normally, follow these steps to address the error.

1. Run a CHKDSK Scan via Command Prompt
To tackle various hard drive issues, running a CHKDSK scan is essential. The easiest method to execute this command is through the Command Prompt:

1. Search for “Command Prompt” in Windows 11, right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
“`
chkdsk /x:
“`
(Replace “x” with the letter of the drive you want to scan.)
3. Wait for the scan to complete. After that, check for bad sectors by entering:
“`
chkdsk /r x:
“`
(Again, replace “x” with the appropriate drive letter.)

2. Use the Check Disk Utility via File Explorer
If you prefer not to use Command Prompt, you can access the CHKDSK utility through File Explorer:

1. Open File Explorer on your Windows 11 PC.
2. Right-click on the drive you wish to scan and select “Properties.”
3. Go to the “Tools” tab.
4. Under “Error-checking,” click the “Check” button.

This will initiate the check disk utility. Wait for it to finish, then restart your computer.

3. Conduct an Antivirus/Malware Scan
Malware or viruses can cause issues with hard drive performance. If the CHKDSK command doesn’t resolve the problem, run a comprehensive antivirus scan. If you don’t have antivirus software, you can use the built-in Windows Security app or download third-party software to detect and remove any threats.

4. Perform a SMART Test
Running a S.M.A.R.T. (Self-Monitoring, Analysis, and Reporting Technology) test can help determine the health of your hard drive:

1. Search for “Command Prompt” in Windows 11, right-click it, and select “Run as administrator.”
2. Enter the following command and hit Enter:
“`
wmic diskdrive get status

3. The result will indicate the status of your hard drive. If it shows “OK,” your drive is in good condition. If it displays “BAD” or “Unknown,” your hard drive may be failing and should be evaluated by a professional.

5. Perform a System Restore
If you still see the “Scan Drive for Errors” notification after trying the previous methods, you may need to perform a system restore. This can replace corrupted system files and incorrect settings that could be causing the issue, provided you have enabled automatic system restore points.

To perform a system restore:

1. Search for “Recovery” in Windows 11.
2. Click on “Open System Restore” in the Recovery app.
3. Choose the restore point you want to use.
4. Click “Finish” on the next screen.

If you’ve accidentally deleted files from your hard drive, check the Recycle Bin for recovery options. For permanently deleted files, consider using third-party data recovery software.

By following these steps, you can effectively address the “Scan Drive for Errors” notification and ensure your hard drive is functioning properly. Learn more