Find and fix hard drive errors - how it works

Under Windows you can find and fix hard disk errors using software. We'll show you how to troubleshoot using Windows tools and external software.

Windows: Find and fix hard drive errors

In general, you should have Windows check your hard drive first. If this does not improve, you can still use the external software in the second paragraph.

1. Press the [Windows] and [E] keys simultaneously so that the Explorer opens.
2. Here you switch to the "This PC" category on the left and search for the desired hard drive.
3. Right-click on it and select the "Properties" option.
4. At the top, switch to the "Tools" tab and click on the "Check" button.
5. Activate all displayed functions and start the process.
6. This process can take several minutes to hours depending on the amount of data and the speed of the computer. All errors found are automatically corrected.

Find and fix hard drive errors using software

• The free software "CheckDrive 2016" also checks your hard drive for errors. If problems are found, they can be solved by the program with one click.
• The "CrystalDiskInfo" tool, which is also free of charge, cannot fix hard drive errors, but can at least display them in detail. Numerous parameters of the hard disk are read out and evaluated so that you know exactly where the error lies in case of problems.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to check your graphics card for errors.