" CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use by another process."

Updated by

Sherly 

Last updated on May 10, 2024

"CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use by another process" refers to the message displayed by the tool when a user attempts to run the command while logging into Windows.

To scan and fix potential errors correctly, CHKDSK needs exclusive access to the volume, which you can accomplish by scheduling it to run before Windows fully loads or by running it from a recovery environment.

Now that we know the error and its causes, we can back up critical data before starting and running CHKDSK. If you find all of this complicated, feel free to skip to Part 3 to learn about the best CHKDSK alternative – Partition Master, which features disk scan and fix abilities.

Solution: CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use by another process

To resolve this, you can perform the fix mentioned below. This ensures that the volume is not in use, allowing CHKDSK to carry out its task.

Fix 1: Close other programs using CHKDSK

Closing all running applications might be the solution to the “CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use” error. It's quick and easy to do with just a few clicks.

Press Ctrl + Alt + Delete, and then press Alt + T to open the Task Manager. Then, use the Down Arrow key and Shift + Down Arrow on your keyboard to select all running programs. Once they're all selected, press Alt + E, followed by Alt + F, and finally press X to close the Task Manager. This will close all running programs, which might resolve the "CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use by another process" issue.

Note: The application will close immediately after the task is finished. Therefore, please save all your unsaved work before completing a task. In addition, avoid terminating any system processes, as it may lead to system instability or even a crash.

If you found this article helpful, please share it on social media.

Fix 2: Run CHKDSK after Restarting

One possible solution to the “Windows was unable to complete the disk check” error is to run CHKDSK after restarting your computer. Here's how you can do it:

1. Press the Win + R keys to launch the Run utility. 2. In the Run window, type "cmd", then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open a new window with administrative privileges. 3. In the new window, type the command "CHKDSK C: /r /x" and hit the "Enter" key. 4. Press "Y" on your keyboard, followed by "Enter". You'll receive a message stating that the volume will be checked the next time the system restarts. 5. Restart your computer. Upon rebooting, the [Check Disk](/diskmanager/check-disk.html) tool will run on the system drive.

Fix 3: Run CHKDSK from the Pre-Boot Environment

Running CHKDSK from the pre-boot environment allows for an effective diagnosis and possible repair of disk issues before the operating system loads. This ensures a thorough scan, and usually resolves the problem. Let's look at how to do it:

Step 1: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run box.

Step 2. Type ms-settings:recovery, and then select OK.

Step 3: Click the “Restart now” button next to “Advanced startup.” Your computer will restart, so make sure to save all your work first.

Step 4. In the next window, go to the 'Troubleshoot' option and click on the 'Advanced options' button.

Step 5: Open the Command Prompt and type in the chkdsk command.

Step 6. Choose the account you want to continue using in the next window.

Step 7: Type your account password in the dialog that appears, then choose “Continue.”

Step 8: Now, type CHKDSK C: /r/x in the CMD window and hit the Enter key on your keyboard.

Step 9: Type in the chkdsk command. When it's done, click “Continue” and close the window.

The Best CHKDSK Alternative for Scanning and Fixing Disks

A disk partition manager tool is designed to help you manage the partitions of your computer's hard drive. However, your hard drive may sometimes exhibit errors or anomalies in its ability to store information. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including sudden power outages, software glitches, or even physical damage to the disk.

You can use the Partition Master feature to check if your partitions have these issues. If it finds something, it might display a "Check File System Errors" message. This feature scans the disk or partition and fixes errors. The option is available under "Advanced" > "Check File System," which you can access with a right-click. Here's how:

Step 1: Open Partition Master on your computer. Then, locate the hard drive, right-click the partition you wish to check, and choose Advanced > Check File System.

Select "Check Partition":

(2) In the Check File System window, select the Try to fix errors if found option, and then click Start.

Step 3: The software will now begin to scan the partition file system on the disk. When it's done, click “Finish.”

Finish the checking

In addition to managing disks in Windows, Partition Master can perform the following advanced tasks:

• Check hard drive or SSD health status
• Run a disk surface test to detect bad sectors
• Check and fix file system errors when Windows detects file system corruption
• Test hard drive read and write speed
• Enable or disable write protection on a disk

Do not miss this disk manager to get help on your PC.

Conclusions

If the message states that CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use by another process, it indicates that a service or application on your computer is using the drive. In this case, you can run CHKDSK from a pre-boot environment or perform a disk scan and repair using a third-party tool like Partition Master. Before running CHKDSK, make sure to save all open files and close all active applications to prevent data loss.

"Frequently Asked Questions about 'CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use'"

If you have more questions about " CHKDSK cannot run because the volume is in use by another process," review the frequently asked questions (FAQ) below:

How to Run CHKDSK If the Volume is in Use by Another Process?

To address this, you can schedule CHKDSK to run on the next system startup by using the command `chkdsk C: /r /x` in the Command Prompt. Alternatively, you can launch CHKDSK from the Windows Recovery Environment, or use Task Manager to terminate all open processes before starting CHKDSK.

How do I run CHKDSK on a specific volume?

Open and run Command Prompt as an administrator, then type chkdsk [volume]: /f /r to run CHKDSK on the specified volume. Replace [volume] with the letter of the drive you want to check (e.g., chkdsk C: /f /r). Press Enter, and CHKDSK will begin running on the specific volume.

Solution to "Windows cannot check the disk on this volume because it is write protected"

You may encounter the “Windows cannot run disk check on this volume because it is write protected” error. This usually happens when one of your drives or volumes is set to read-only or damaged. You can remove the write protection and fix the issue using software, Command Prompt, or Registry Editor.