When you receive chkdsk cannot lock the current drive, you will not be able to scan the drive then. The message itself describes the error – as the drive is in use by any other process, you cannot lock it.
Often the third-party applications may be the culprit to cause the error. On the next startup, chkdsk schedules the scanning process and at this time the driver does not get used by any other program.
There is a chance that during the next scan the issue gets addressed. In case you receive the same error even after the next scanning process, this suggests that the drive is still in use.
In this article, I am going to discuss the possible reasons for the error and the ways to check them.
Reasons Behind The Chkdsk Cannot Lock Current Drive Error
You can solve the chkdsk cannot lock current drive issue when you run Command prompt from advanced Startup. Make sure to disable all your antivirus utilities during the process.
Sometimes your corrupted HDD may raise the problem as well so, it’s advisable to replace the drive or contact the manufacturer to restore all your important data.
In case your Windows gives you a lot of trouble, you will have to search for the latest available updates.
Now, let us discuss the fixes in details to get rid of the chkdsk cannot lock current drive error message. Have a look!
Fix 1: Use Command Prompt
You can try to run the chkdsk <your drive letter:> / f / r / x for checking the issue. In case you face trouble with your command prompt you may skip the step.
But many users have found this method as an effortless way to solve cannot lock current drive error.
Follow the steps mentioned below:
Step 1: Hit the Windows button and in the search box enter Command prompt. Now right-click on it to open an Elevated Command Prompt.
Step 2: Now enter chkdsk <your drive letter:> /f /r /x. now press the Enter button.
Now after you press enter, it may run the scan, or you may receive a message that chkdsk is unable to run and it will prompt you to check it during the next start-up procedure.
So, press the Y button for that and hit the Enter key. After accomplishing the process, reboot your system.
Fix 2: Run Chkdsk Using Safe Mode
For resolving your issue with chkdsk, try to run the chkdsk in the Safe Mode. Many users have reported that this procedure helped them. So, here, I am mentioning the steps in detail for your convenience.
Step 1: Press Windows key+R and enter msconfig in the Run dialog box. Then hit the Enter key and choose the Boot tab from the given option.
Step 2: Now locate the Safe Boot option and under your safe boot option, choose Minimally. Hit the OK button and press the restart option.
Step 3: Now, when your Windows will restart, hit the Windows button once. Next in the search box, enter CMD and open your Elevated Command Prompt.
Step 4: Once again input chkdsk <your particular drive letter:> /f /r /x. Hit the Enter button. See if this does any improvement and resolves the chkdsk error.
Step 5: When you are done with the entire procedure, turn off your safe mode option. For doing this:
Press Windows key+R and enter msconfig in the Run dialog box again.
Step 6: Now choose the Boot tab and uncheck the Safe Boot option and finally hit the OK button. After this, you will have to give your system a fresh restart. Check for improvements.
Fix 3: With Advanced Startup
For getting the Advanced Startup Options, you do not require any installation, but you need Windows Installation Media, and the media should be similar to the version you are using.
This Advanced Startup option has helped the users to sort the chkdsk cannot lock current drive. Here is the process described below. Follow the steps:
Step 1: Make sure to turn off the system. Now, put in the Windows Installation Media Flash Drive or Disk.
Step 2: You will be asked to hit any button for booting from CD/DVD. You can also check the order following BIOS.
Step 3: Now you will have to go for setting this boot order in such a way that Installation Media gets the topmost position. In case you are using a CD or a DVD, set this drive at the top.
Step 4: When you find the Startup Screen, hit the Next button. Select to repair the Computer Link option.
Step 5: When you find the Advanced Startup Options, choose to Troubleshoot. Next, choose the advanced options. Choose your account for opening Command Prompt with admins privilege.
Step 6: Input your respective password and hit the Continue button. Now you will find yourself in the Command Prompt.
Step 7: Again, input chkdsk <your particular drive letter:> /f /r /x. Hit the Enter button. See if this does any improvement and resolves the chkdsk error.
Step 8: In case the issue persists, enter Diskpart and then hit the Enter button. Now input List Volume and hit the Enter button.
Step 9: Now search the letter for the drive that has your windows installed. Now input Exit and press Enter.
Step 10: Again, input chkdsk <your particular drive letter:> /f /r /x and hit the Enter option. After that exit Command Prompt and hit the Continue option on Advanced startup for rebooting.
It might happen that while you perform the above-mentioned fixes you may encounter different errors for each of them. In case you are not having any other issues without any BSODs, your system may be fine.
But in case of diverse types of error messages for different steps, it is highly recommended to check for any hardware issues and remember to contact your manufacturer to sort out the problem to restore your important data.
Fix 4: Update Your Windows
Updating windows is required to address many problems in the System along with the can’t run chkdsk issue.
In case your windows version is old, it may create a lot of problems.
You can perform this task quite easily with just a few steps mentioned below:
Step 1: First of all, press the Windows button in case your mouse is not working and then type Update. With the arrow key find Check For Updates.
Step 2: Now with the help of the tab key search and find Download Updates and then press the Enter button.
Now, your Windows will proceed to download all the pending updates. Reboot your Windows and after you have rebooted, check whether it has made any improvement.
Many users have reported this process has solved their problem immediately. So, before you try any other remedy, you can give this a try.
Fix 5: Disable Your Antivirus Software
Cannot lock current drive problem may occur due to the antivirus software you are using. You are recommended to temporarily disable your antivirus and check if it fixes up the problem for the time being.
So, here I recommend you disable all the security applications. You can easily find out the disable option by right-clicking on them and uninstall them for a temporary period.
As soon as you disable the option, run your chkdsk. Any third-party antivirus may lead to the said issue. So, remember to perform this task whenever you face this issue.
Read also: Simple Methods To Run CHKDSK On External Drive In Windows 10
Final Words
So, I hope by now, you are able to find out a suitable solution if got annoyed when the chkdsk cannot lock current drive!
If you still have queries related to this issue or any other folder, please communicate with us in the comments section provided below.
Feel free to shoot us a mail with your ideas or suggestions. We always look forward to hearing back from you.
