Windows 10 Caused My Hard Drive to Die: How to Diagnose & Fix A Failed Hard Drive

If you’ve ever experienced the dreaded moment when your computer suddenly slows down, crashes, or fails to boot, you might be dealing with a failed hard drive. For many Windows 10 users, the operating system has been blamed for causing hard drive failures. Whether it’s due to system updates, software conflicts, or hardware issues, a failing hard drive can lead to data loss and significant downtime. In this article, we’ll explore the causes and symptoms of hard drive failure, how to check if your hard drive is failing, and provide actionable solutions to fix a dead or failing hard drive.

Can a Failing Hard Drive on Windows 10 Be Repaired?

Before diving into solutions, it’s important to understand whether a failing hard drive can be repaired. The answer depends on the severity of the damage. In some cases, minor issues can be resolved, while severe physical damage may require professional data recovery services or a replacement drive.

🧐 Why does hard drive fail?

Hard drive failures can occur due to a variety of reasons, including:

Physical Damage: Dropping your computer or exposing it to extreme temperatures can damage the hard drive’s internal components. Software Corruption: Windows 10 updates or incompatible software can corrupt system files, leading to hard drive issues. Virus or Malware: Malicious software can damage your hard drive’s file system. Wear and Tear: Hard diskalso has a lifespan. Over time, hard drives naturally degrade, especially if they’re heavily used. Power Surges: Sudden power outages or surges can cause hard drive failure.

🔎 Common symptoms of hard drive failure

Recognizing the signs of a failing hard drive can help you take action before it’s too late. Common symptoms include:

Slow Performance: If your computer takes forever to boot or open files, your hard drive might be failing. Frequent Crashes: Random blue screens or system crashes are red flags. Strange Noises: Clicking, grinding, or whirring sounds from your hard drive indicate mechanical issues. Missing Files or Corrupted Data: If files suddenly disappear or become corrupted, your hard drive could be failing.

How to fix a failing hard drive on Windows PC

If your hard drive has already failed or is on the verge of dying, don’t panic. Here are three methods to fix a dead or failing hard drive.

Way 1. Fix failing hard drive on Windows Error-checking

File Explorer can be a beneficial utility for resolving hard drive failure if you prefer to utilize the built-in Windows utilities. To resolve hard drive issues using File Explorer, follow the steps outlined below:

Step 1. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key + E on your keyboard.

Step 2. Navigate to "This PC" and locate the drive experiencing failure.

Step 3. Select "Properties" on the drive that has an issue.

Step 4. Navigate the "Tools" tab in the Properties window.

Step 5. Select the "Check" icon located in the "Error-checking" column.

Windows will conduct an automatic repair attempt and inspect the drive for any issues.

Way 2. Fix failing hard drive on Windows via CHKDSK Commands

You can also use CMD to check and repair your hard drive.

Step 1. Open the command prompt via the Windows key and select "run as an administrator."

Step 2. Now type in this command: chkdsk /f c: Replace [c] with the letter assigned to the problematic drive.

If you are using the hard drive, you will be prompted with a message as the picture shows above; just type Y to continue.

Step 3. Press Enter and let the chkdsk command scan the drive for errors and repair them.

It is important to exercise caution when employing the chkdsk command, as it directly interfaces with your hard drive. Make sure that you have the appropriate drive letter and that you follow the instructions precisely.

Way 3. Fix failed hard drive via third-party disk manager

For a more comprehensive solution, consider using AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional, a powerful disk management tool that can help you diagnose and repair a failing hard drive. This tool avoids complex orders you need to know and lowers the risk of manual mistakes. For Windows 11/10/8/8.1/7, it is a professional Windows device manager. This application will present you with two alternatives for verifying your hard drive.

The "Surface Test" can evaluate the entire hard drive and determine whether it contains any defective sectors. The second option is "Check Partition," which enables you to verify a particular partition if necessary and provides three options for error checking. Then there are “S.M.A.R.T Test” which allows you to see all the details and the entire process from the window.

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# 1. Surface test

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, click “Tools” in the top toolbar, and choose “Extend Partition Wizard”.

Step 2. Tick “Quick Check” if you need, and click “Start”.

The task depends upon the size of your disk, the checking process may take you a few minutes to work out.

# 2. Check partition

Step 1. Choose a partition that you want to check, right-click it, and choose "Advanced"> "Check Partition".

Step 2. Select the way of checking errors to perform. There are three choices you can choose according to your needs.

• Check partition and fix errors in this partition by using chkdsk.exe: Not only finds the wrong parts in the partition but also uses chkdsk to fix them. • Check partition for errors by using chkdsk.exe: It gets the errors only while the final one just tells you whether there is a bad sector on the partition. • Check whether there is bad sector on the partition: Only do check the task on the selected partition.

Step 3. Click the "Start" button to check.

Step 4. The operation will be completed successfully in a few seconds or minutes. While it is operating, you can view how far it goes through the process on the pop-out window. Click "OK" to finish this task.

▶ Tips: For the partition without drive letters (the unallocated space), it should be labeled before you can check it.

By the way, you can also employ the S.M.A.R.T. test with this tool. Unlike the Windows built-in tool, users can see all the details and the entire process from the window. Just right-click the disk, and select "Properties" to enter this test.

Ending

A failing or dead hard drive can be a nightmare, especially if you haven’t backed up your data. By understanding the causes and symptoms of hard drive failure, you can take proactive steps to protect your data and extend the life of your hard drive. Tools likeAOMEI Partition Assistantmake it easier to diagnose and repair hard drive issues, ensuring your Windows system runs smoothly. Remember, regular backups are your best defense against data loss.

FAQs about hard drive failed

1. Can Windows 10 Updates Cause Hard Drive Failure?

While Windows 10 updates are generally safe, they can occasionally cause issues if the update process is interrupted or if there are compatibility problems with your hardware. Always ensure your system is backed up before installing updates.

2. How Often Should I Check My Hard Drive’s Health?

It’s a good idea to check your hard drive’s health every few months, especially if you notice performance issues. Regular monitoring can help you catch problems early and prevent data loss.

3. What Should I Do If My Hard Drive Is Physically Damaged?

If your hard drive is physically damaged, avoid attempting DIY repairs. Instead, consult a professional data recovery service to retrieve your data. Continuing to use a physically damaged drive can worsen the problem.