Written by
Jenny ZengSummary: This article provides 3 solutions to fix Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process on Windows 11/10/8/7. To recover data from the disk that chkdsk can't run, free download iBoysoft Data Recovery.
If you run any of the check disk command lines using Command Prompt after booting up your PC, whether it's chkdsk C: /r /x, chkdsk /f, chkdsk /r /f, or chkdsk C: /f, you'll likely receive one of the following errors:
a. "The type of the file system is NTFS. Cannot lock current drive. Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts? (Y/N)."
b. "The type of the file system is NTFS. Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Chkdsk may run if this volume is dismounted first. ALL OPENED HANDLES TO THIS VOLUME WOULD THEN BE INVALID. Would you like to force a dismount on this volume? (Y/N)."
Wondering why chkdsk can't run? Keep reading to find out the reason and learn how to chkdsk in Windows 11/10.
Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use on Reddit
We found several Reddit posts talking about getting the error message "Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process" when the poster attempted to run chkdsk in Windows. This confirms that the error is a common issue on PCs.
Why? You may ask. The answer is simple. Chkdsk requires exclusive access to the disk it's checking. If another process is using this disk, partition, or volume, chkdsk won't run but will notify you that "Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process" and offer to schedule the check at the next reboot or force a dismount.
If you're repairing the C drive, the process can be any files or programs running from this drive. Even if you have no apps opening, Windows itself is active. That said, you can't run chkdsk on the C drive while Windows is running.
The same applies to the D drive and other internal or external partitions. As long as one document is open on that disk, you can't run chkdsk from the Terminal window. Fortunately, it's easy to fix "volume is in use by another process."
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How to fix 'Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use' on Windows 11/10/8/7?
The following solutions should fix the error "Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process" on Windows 11, 10, 8, & 7.
Fix 1: Quit all running programs (for non-system partitions)
If you get the error when checking a non-system partition, for example, the D drive or an external drive, quitting all running programs should resolve the issue. You can manually close all windows or use Task Manager. Here's how:
- Press Ctrl-Alt-Delete followed by Alt-T to open Task Manager's Processes tab.
- Hold down the down arrow key to highlight the first running program, then hit the Shift key and continue to press the down arrow key to select other programs.
- Press Alt-E to initiate the "End Task" command.
- Press Alt-F to open the File menu.
- Press X to exit Task Manager.
After closing all the programs that may be using your disk, you can run chkdsk again and this time it should work correctly.
Fix 2: Run chkdsk after restarting or force dismounting
Another solution is to follow the message to schedule chkdsk on the volume after a reboot or force a dismount. If you're still on the Terminal window where the offer stands, type Y and hit Enter to claim it.
For the reboot offer, a message stating "This volume will be checked the next time the system restarts" will pop up. Then you can restart your PC and allow chkdsk to check your drive automatically.
For the dismount offer, a message saying "Volume dismounted. All opened handles to this volume are now invalid" will appear. Then chkdsk will start to repair your disk.
However, if you've terminated Command Prompt, you can re-run the chkdsk command to trigger the message and then carry out the steps.
Fix 3: Run chkdsk from Recovery Mode
The previous two methods should have enabled you to use chkdsk in Windows. But in case the error persists or the message says chkdsk may run if this volume is dismounted first rather than a reboot, we'll cover a third way to run chkdsk without being interrupted by other processes, through the Recovery Mode. To do this:
- Press and hold the Shift key.
- Click on the Windows icon on the bottom-left of your screen and choose Power > Restart.
- Keep pressing Shift until you're on the screen where you can choose an option.
- Click Troubleshoot, and then tap the "Advanced options" button.
- Click Command Prompt > open it.
- Choose the account you want to proceed with.
- Input the password for the chosen account and click Continue.
- Run the chkdsk command line you wish to use.
- Once the disk is repaired, close the window.
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How to recover data from disks where chkdsk can't run?
If you get the error "Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use" with the suggestion that "Chkdsk may run if this volume is dismounted first," there's a chance that you may lose data on the drive. To prevent it from happening, we recommend you back up the important files beforehand.
If you can't access the drive normally, use iBoysoft Data Recovery for Windows to restore your files. It's a reliable and easy-to-use data recovery software, trusted by millions of users. You can apply it to recover videos, images, audio, documents, and other types of files on Windows computers.
