- EaseUS Freeware
- Free Data Recovery Software
- Free Backup Software
- Free Partition Manager
Windows detected a hard disk problem, help!
"Have you ever met this issue that your computer suddenly pops up an error message, warning you ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem’?
This morning after I started my PC, the error message keeps popping up, telling me that ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem’ and asking me to start the backup process. It was quite confusing, and I don’t know how did this problem happen to my computer. And I’m wondering what reasons can cause a hard disk problem and how can I fix this issue. Please do help me if you know how to fix hard disk problem on Windows PC. And I’m using Windows 8. Thank you in advance."
It seems that hard disk error/problem is no longer a new question. Instead, this problem has been bothering almost all Windows users for quite a long period. Even Windows 10 users also have ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem’ issue in their PCs. So how to fix such an issue? Let’s find the reasons and causes of why hard disk problems occurred and solutions to fix hard disk problems right here now.
Why hard disk problem/error occurs
Before finding solutions to fix had the disk problem, we highly recommend you find out the causes of hard disk problems. This would be very helpful for you to avoid a similar issue from happening again.
1. Causes of hard disk problem
How did problems occur to hard disk/drive?
- Hard drive/disk failure;
- System errors such as registry error etc;
- Logical/mechanical error;
- File system corruption/damaged;
- Bad sectors occur on hard disk partition;
- Virus attack;
- False operation/human error etc.
If anyone of those issues mentioned above happens to your hard drive in PC, Windows would detect the problems and remind you of the error message - ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem’.
2. Stop computer reporting error message if no hard disk error exists
The reason why Windows pops up error message is that when system deems an existing or potential error may exist on your hard disk, it will remind you to backup data. But if no hard disk error or problem exists at all, you can follow the tips below to stop computer reporting error message:
- Type: gpedit.msc in the search bar and hit Enter.
- Go to "Administrative Templates" > "System" > "Troubleshooting and Diagnostics" > "Disk Diagnostics".
- Click Disk Diagnostic: Configure execution level and disable it.
- Click "Apply" and "OK".
- Restart the computer, and the error message won’t pop up again.
What can you do when unexpected hard disk problem happen
So you may wonder what can I do if hard disk problem happen? What Windows reminds you with an error message?
The computer would pop up this message to ask you: ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem. Start the backup process or Ask me later’?
Yes, it is to backup data in advance. You can selectively copy and paste single files and documents one by one into another secure storage devices.
But if you think it’s too slow or you need to back up the entire hard disk data, you can try third-party software to clone/copy disk data with ease. Here we’d like to recommend you try professional and free software - EaseUS Partition Master Free which allows you to free copy/clone disk data with simple clicks.

Fixes to 'Windows detected a hard disk problem' error
So how can you exactly fix the ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem’ error in your PC? If you are looking for methods to fix hard disk problem, continue reading and you’ll get what you want here now.
1. Use system file checker to fix hard disk error
- Type: cmd in the search bar and click Enter.
- Type: sfc /scannow and hit Enter.
This command will scan all protected system files and replace all corrupted files with a backup copy. After the process is finished, your hard disk would work properly again.
2. Run CHKDSK to fix hard disk problem
- Press "Win+R" keys to open Run and type: cmd and hit Enter to open Command Prompt.
- Type: chkdsk C: /f /r /x and hit Enter.
CHKDSK alternative
If you don't have any technical know-how and want to minimize data risks, using third-party software could be a better choice. The Command line is suitable for computer professionals since wrong commands can cause severe problems. Therefore, we strongly recommend you to try an automatic command line alternative.
EaseUS Tools M is a practical computer fixing tool that is safe and light-weighted. It's a perfect alternative to CHKDSK command. Use this one-click tool to solve your computer issues.
To fix file system error or disk error:
Step 1: DOWNLOAD EaseUS Tools M for Free and install it.
Step 2: Open the software and select "File Fixing" on the left pane.
On the right pane, choose the drive and check off the box at the bottom - "Check and fix file system error". Then, click "Fix" to start repairing the error.
Step 3: Wait until the operation completes. Wait until the operation completes. After the operation completes, click the "View" button to check the drive.
3. Use partition manager software to check and repair hard disk/drive errors
If you are not familiar with Windows administration, you can try a free and professional partition manager software from EaseUS. It is named EaseUS Partition Master Free which supports you to check, find and repair bad sectors in hard disk/drive, and you may free download it and follow below tips to fix hard disk drive errors/problems right now:
Step 1: Open EaseUS Partition Master on your computer. Then locate the disk, right-click the partition you want to check, and choose "Check File System".
Step 2: In the Check File System window, keep the "Try to fix errors if found" option selected and click "Start".
Step 3: The software will begin checking your partition file system on your disk. When it has completed, click "Finish".
Now that you’ve successfully fix hard disk partition problem and all data are securely saved. If you are having ‘Windows detected a hard disk problem’ issue, relax and follow this article to get your problem fixed right now.
100% of people found this article helpful.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Why Choose EaseUS Partition Master?
-
"I've used Partition Master Professional many times to create, delete, format, move, rename, and resize partitions." —PCWorld
"Partitioning tools have come a very long since the days of complicated command line utilities and EASEUS Partition Master is one of the most advanced programs available." —TECH ADVISOR
"I love that the changes you make with EaseUS Partition Master Free aren't immediately applied to the disks. It makes it way easier to play out what will happen after you've made all the changes." —Lifewire
- Will the "Migrate OS" feature transfer the Windows system files only or the whole C drive?
-
To ensure that the migrated system will boot normally, the Migrate OS feature will transfer all the files in the system and the boot partitions. Generally, the boot partition is the C drive so the transfer will include all the files in C.
- Does EaseUS Partition Master license apply to multiple computers?
-
The license of Partition Master Professional and Server editions can be used on 1 computer only, while that for for the Technician and Unlimited editions can be used on multiple machines.
- What is the difference between EaseUS Partition Master Trial version and the Free version?
-
Free is for home users only, with most basic functions available such as partition resize and clone. While trial can help you understand how this product works and test what a full license can do on a business or server OS machine.
- Will it cause any data loss after resizing the partition in EaseUS Partition Master?
-
Generally, it will not cause any data loss or boot issue by resizing a partition. However, in order to protect your data, we suggest that you backup the partition before resizing, in case of any unexpected situations such as power outages, computer hardware failures, etc. You can use EaseUS Todo Backup to backup the partition and its trial version is fully functioned for 30 days.
- What should I prepare before resizing the partition?
-
On the partition that is going to be operated, there might be some files being occupied by other programs. To ensure a successful operation, we suggest that you close all the unnecessary software before resizing that partition. Otherwise, EaseUS Partition Master will detect the partition being locked by the other software and require a reboot to resize the partition under boot mode.
Related Articles
-
Resize Dynamic Disk to Extend or Shrink Dynamic Disk
Tracy King / 2018-01-22
-
How to Remove Write Protection from Pen Drive
Jean / 2018-01-24
-
How to Format SSD to FAT32 in Windows 10/8/7
Jean / 2018-01-18
-
[Solved] 0x8004242d Error: We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition
Jean / 2018-01-12
About EaseUS Partition Master
All-round disk & partition management software for personal and commercial use. Let it manage your storage drive: resize, format, delete, clone, convert, etc.