Windows Cannot Access the Disk: 4 Ways to Allow it Access

Easy steps to regain access to your disk

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

Share this article

This article is translated in

Improve this guide

Read our disclosure page to find out how can you help Windows Report sustain the editorial teamRead more

Key notes

Sometimes you can suddenly receive Windows cannot access thediskerror. Usually, this type of error is associated withWindows Explorer, but other elements are associated with it.

Once you have the error message, any operation that needs to access your disk will be interrupted and terminated, which can quickly become frustrating.

This guide will run you through common triggers and the best solutions.

Why can Windows not access the disk?

There could be several reasons why Windows is unable to access a disk. However, some common reasons include the following:

Regardless of the causes, you should be able to resolve the Windows cannot access the disk error using the solutions we recommend below.

What can I do if Windows cannot access the disk?

Before diving into any solutions, we recommend checking for an error message. In most cases, they will specify what triggers the issue, which may guide you on what troubleshooting solutions to try.

1. Check your drive connection

First, please ensure that all cables are correctly connected between your storage devices and the computer. Then, unplug that disk or try a different line on a different USB port if you’re using external hard drives.

Next, you should restart your computer. If this doesn’t work, you should try connecting your storage device to other machines.

3. Run check disk in Command Prompt

3. Run disk repair utilities

4. Scan for viruses

In closing, we recommend backing up data or even performing data recovery solutions if you fear losing valuable data.

You should also note that your solution would depend, in most cases, on your specific error message. But generally, these should be all easy steps you can follow.

They come in handy if Windows cannot access the external hard disk, SD card, or USB.

Lastly, 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 you have encountered with yourdisk drive.

Windows Cannot Access the Disk: 4 Ways to Allow it Access#

Why can Windows not access the disk?#

What can I do if Windows cannot access the disk?#

1. Check your drive connection#

3. Run check disk in Command Prompt#

3. Run disk repair utilities#

4. Scan for viruses#