How to Fix "Windows can't access the disk" [5 Methods]

​Encountering the “Windows can’t access the disk” error is a common issue that can arise from various reasons. Regardless of whether you’re using Windows 7, 8, 10, or the latest Windows 11, you can tackle this problem by trying 5 feasible solutions one by one until the issue is resolved.

[Before Fix] How to Recover Data When Windows Can't Access the Disk?

Before attempting any fixes, it’s crucial to recover your data first, as repairs might lead to data loss. Using professional data recovery software can help you retrieve files from an inaccessible hard drive. One highly recommended tool is MyRecover, you can effortlessly recover files from hard drive on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, and Windows Server.

Key Features of MyRecover:
★ Support recovery of over 1000 file formats, including DOC/XLSX/PDF/PPT documents, JPG/PNG/TIF photos, MP4/MOV/AVI videos, archive, emails,etc.
★ Handles various data loss scenarios: support accidental deletion recovery, Recycle Bin recovery, formatted hard drive recovery,computer crashed recovery, and virus attack recovery.
★ Automatically start quick and deep scanning methods to find as many of your files as possible. You cansearch, filter specific files or folders, and preview them to ensure that you have selected the right files for recovery.
★ Support wide storage devices: Recover deleted files from SD cards, USBs, HDDs, SSDs, external hard drives, and other storage devices. 

🔥 Bonus! MyRecover Free version is free for up to 500MB of data. Download it on your Windows PC to easily recover data from inaccessible drive!

Step 1. Open MyRecover, hover over the inaccessible drive and click Scan.

Step 2. It will run Quick Scan and Deep Scan to find all lost files on the disk. You can preview files during the scanning and use Filter or File/Folder Search to find the items you need.

Step 3. Click Recover xx files and choose a new location to save the restored files. Otherwise, the lost or deleted data may be overwritten.

How to Fix Windows Can't Access the Disk

1. Check the Connection

A frequent cause of the "Windows can't access the disk" error is a loose or improper connection to the hard drive. Start by powering off your computer and ensuring all connections are secure. This step is especially useful if you've recently upgraded to Windows 11.

Step 1. Turn off your computer and open the case to inspect the hard drive connections.

Step 2. For external drives, unplug them one at a time and reconnect them to different USB ports.

Step 3. Examine the USB ports for any power supply issues that might be causing the drives to be inaccessible.

2. Get Permission for Inaccessible Drive

No permission to hard drives is the main reason why Windows can't access the disk. To get permission to the partition, you should review the following steps:

Step 1. Right-click the disk in File Explorer and click Properties. On the pop-up screen, select the Security tab, and click Advanced.

Step 2. Choose the Change option next to the owner label.

Step 3. Then, input your user account in the Enter the object name to select filed, and click Check Names > OK.

Step 4. After that, right-click the inaccessible hard disk again, and choose Properties > Security > Edit.

Step 5. Select the user account under Group or user names, and set the permission to Full control to click Apply.

3. Change the Drive Letter

If there’s a mismatch in the drive letters assigned to your hard drives, it can lead to the "Windows can't access the disk" error. Using Disk Management, you can assign the correct drive letters.

Step 1. Press Win + X on the keyboard at the same time, and choose Disk management.

Step 2. Locate the target hard disk, right-click it, and choose Change Drive Letter and Paths.

Step 3. Click Add and select Assign the following drive letter. Then, pick a new drive letter for your inaccessible hard drive, and click OK.

4. Run CHKDSK to Repair Disk Errors

Corrupted or damaged sectors on your hard disk could also be the culprit. To fix these, run the built-in CHKDSK tool. If  Windows cannot access the disk, it is caused by file system errors or bad sectors, you can try the CHKDSK command to detect and fix it.

CHKDSK, is a system tool that can be run in Command Prompt to analyze hard drive errors and repair or recover corrupted hard drive data automatically. How to solve “Windows cannot access the disk”  on Windows 10/11 using the CHKDSK command line? You can proceed with the following guide.

Step 1. Type “cmd” in the Windows search box, and choose Run as administrator.

Step 2. Input chkdsk d: /f or chkdsk d: /r (here D is the drive letter, and /f and /r are repairment parameters), and press Enter.

The repair process may take some time, depending on the severity of the damage and the size of the disk capacity. After repair, you can see if the disk can be accessed successfully.

5. Seek Professional Repair

If you’ve tried the above methods and the drive is still inaccessible, there may be a hardware issue, such as a damaged hard drive or bad sectors. In this case, it’s best to consult a professional data recovery service.

If your hard drive is under warranty, consider claiming it and sending the drive for repair. If not, find a trustworthy data recovery company and get the drive examined as soon as possible.

Common Causes of Windows Cannot Access the Disk

1. Corrupted File System: Sometimes, the file system on your disk can get corrupted due to unexpected shutdowns, improper ejections, or software errors. This is like a librarian losing track of where books are placed.

2. Faulty Hardware: If your hard drive is physically damaged, it could lead to access issues. Think of it like having a broken shelf in your library—it’s hard to access anything stored there.

3. Driver Issues: Outdated or corrupt drivers can also cause access problems. If the librarian doesn’t know how to handle the new catalog system, chaos ensues!

4. Viruses and Malware: Malicious software can interfere with your disk’s functionality. It’s like a rogue employee messing with the library's system.

Conclusion

You now have 5 effective solutions to tackle the "Windows can't access the disk" error on Windows 11/10/8/7. These methods also apply to external hard drives, SSDs, USB flash drives, pen drives, and SD cards. It's wise to recover your important data using MyRecover before attempting any fixes, ensuring your information remains safe.  You can still use it to recover deleted files in Windows Server 2016, 2019, 2022, etc.

Disk Not Accessible FAQs

1. How to fix Windows cannot access this disk?

If you're seeing the "Windows can't access the disk" error, it might be due to an issue with the drive letter assigned to your hard drive. If there's a mismatch or inconsistency, you can resolve this by using Disk Management to reassign the correct drive letter. The process is simple and can be done quickly.

2. Why can't Windows read my disc?

The most common reason a CD or DVD isn’t being read by your computer is a dirty or scratched disc surface. Check for any visible damage and make sure the disc is compatible with your computer. To clean it, use a lint-free cloth and some filtered water to gently remove dust or smudges.

3. Why can't Windows access my external hard drive?

If your external hard drive isn’t recognized, try swapping the cable or using a different USB port to rule out connection issues. Check for any indicator lights on the drive—if the light is on, this usually means the connection and power supply are functioning properly.