Sometimes you can suddenly receive Windows cannot access the disk error. Usually, this type of error is associated with Windows Explorer, but it can be caused by improper operations, malware, or even a faulty power connection. However, there’s a way to fix this problem.

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How can I fix Windows cannot access the disk USB drive error?

  • Check your drive connection
  • Change your drive letter
  • Run check disk in Command Prompt

1. Check your drive connection

First things first, please ensure that all cables are properly connected between your storage devices and the computer. If you’re using external hard drives, go by unplugging that disk or try a different cable on a different USB port.

Next, you should restart your computer. In the event that this didn’t work, you should try connecting your storage device to other machines.

2. Change your drive letter

Sometimes you can fix Windows cannot access the disk error simply by changing the drive letter of the hard drive can sometimes fix this problem.

  • Press Windows + X to open the Win + X menu.
  • Click on Disk Management.
  • In the Disk Management window, you will find a list of drives associated with your system. Select your hard drive from the list and right-click on it.
  • Click on Change Drive Letter and Paths.
  • Next, click on the letter currently associated with your drive and click on Change.
  • Select a new drive letter from the drop-down menu and click.
  • After you’ve completed this, restart your machine.

3. Run check disk in Command Prompt

If you’re still having Windows cannot access the disk error, you might want to try using chkdsk scan. But do keep in mind that if chkdsk tries to repair bad sectors, data on that drive might be lost.

  • Click on the Start button and click on Programs and Accessories, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  • Type command the drive letter in Command Prompt and press Enter.
  • Type chkdsk /r and press Enter (in the event that you are prompted to dismount and schedule chkdsk on next restart, press Y and press enter).
  • Restart your computer.
  • You’re all set.

Hint

If you fear losing valuable data, we recommend backing-up data or even performing data recovery solutions.

Always remember, the following issues might be affecting your drive, if it’s not accessible:

  • Malware removes the drive letter.
  • The system does not allocate letters for some special partitions, for example, the system reserved partition.
  • Users remove the drive letter by mistake.

We hope you managed to fix Windows cannot access the disk error using one of our solutions. In the meantime, let us know what issues have you encountered with your disk drive.

RELATED STORIES TO CHECK OUT:

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  • How to fix fatal errors on external hard drives for good

  • Windows was unable to repair the drive: How can I fix that?

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