"Every time I try to run CHKDSK for error checking on my external hard drive E:, I get the error message [Errors found. CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode]. How can I fix the CHKDSK read-only error and let CHKDSK work normally?"

CHKDSK can come in handy when your hard drive starts acting up or reports some errors. CHKDSK stands for Check Disk, and it's used to verify the file system integrity of a volume and fix logical file system errors. In Windows 10/8/7/XP and DOS, you can run CHKDSK from File Explorer, Disk Management, and Command Prompt. On this page, we'll focus on a common CHKDSK Command Prompt issue that prevents you from running certain CHKDSK commands and parameters, like `chkdsk /f/r`, `chkdsk /scan`, and shows the error message "The type of the file system is NTFS. CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode."

All 5 ways to run CHKDSK in read-only mode:

    1. Schedule CHKDSK to Run on Restart 2. Use Diskpart to Remove Read-Only Disk Status 3. Use Software to Remove Read-Only Disk Status 4. Change Read-Only Files to Normal State 5. Close All Programs and Files

Why does CHKDSK not continue in read-only mode?

When you try to use it to check for disk errors or boot issues, CHKDSK may not run due to various reasons, such as write protection or read-only problems. If the reason lies in the read-only issue, it will report an error message like:

The type of the file system is NTFS. Errors detected. CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode.

This error usually occurs in the following three situations on Windows 10/8/7/XP or other versions:

    • You are trying to run CHKDSK on a system volume.
    • The disk that you want to scan is in use by a program.
    • The disk that you want to scan has a read-only file system.

Related topics: The type of the file system is RAW. CHKDSK cannot run on a RAW volume.

Next, we'll provide you with several solutions to fix the “ CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode ” error. If you find this article helpful, please hit the social buttons below to share it with more people!

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How to Fix the "CHKDSK Cannot Continue in Read-Only Mode" Error

In different scenarios, when CHKDSK is unable to proceed in read-only mode, you might want to try various methods to resolve the issue. The following tricks and tips should be of assistance.

Fix 1: Schedule CHKDSK to run on next restart

If CHKDSK cannot continue running in read-only mode (because you are scanning a system volume or a drive that is in use by a program), your best bet is to schedule CHKDSK to run at the next restart.

Step 1: Press Windows + X to open the “Power User Menu.”

Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Step 2: In the Advanced User menu, select the Command Prompt (Admin) option.

Step 3. When the User Account Control (UAC) prompt appears, click Yes to run Command Prompt as an administrator.

4. Type chkdsk /r c: at the Command Prompt and press Enter. Replace c: with the letter assigned to the disk drive.

Step 5: When asked if you want to run CHKDSK the next time you restart, type “Y”.

Step 6. Restart your system, and CHKDSK will run automatically to check for and fix Windows disk errors.

Solution 2: Use Diskpart to Remove the Read-Only Attribute from the Disk

Sometimes, CHKDSK runs in read-only mode because the hard drive to be checked is also in read-only mode. To run CHKDSK not in read-only mode, you have to change the disk status from read-only to read-write in Windows Command Prompt, you can refer to this tutorial to change.

Step 1: Press the Windows + X keys and select "Command Prompt (Admin)."

Step 2. In the Windows Command Prompt window, enter each of the following commands on a separate line.

    • diskpart
    • list disk
    • select disk + number (e.g., select disk 1)
    • attributes disk clear readonly
    • exit

CHKDSK is now available for use again.

Fix 3: Remove Read-Only Attribute of Disk with Software

If you don't consider yourself a power user or are not comfortable with the command line, don't worry – there are graphical solutions that can help you unprotect your hard drive, USB drive, or even an SD card.

CleanGenius is one of those tools that can help you fix these hard drive issues without you having to know your way around a command line.

Here is a simple, easy-to-understand guide on how to use this tool to address your concerns:

Step 1: Download and install the free CleanGenius tool on your computer.

Step 2: Run CleanGenius on your computer, choose Optimization and enable Write Protection mode.

Disable write protection

Step 3: Select the device that is write-protected, and click “Disable” to remove the protection.

Disable write protection on the storage device.

Fix 4: Change read-only file system to normal

If this doesn't work, it's likely that the disk you're trying to scan has an unrecognized or incompatible file system that CHKDSK can't continue with in read-only mode. To fix this, you'll need to change the read-only file system to a readable/writable format. A free partitioning tool like tools Partition Master can help you do this with a disk format.

Step 1. Run Partition Master, right click the hard drive partition you want to format and choose "Format".

Format Hard Drive Partition - Step 1

Step 2. In the new window, set the "Volume Label," "File System" (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT) and "Cluster Size" for the partition to be formatted, then click "OK".

Format Hard Disk Partition - Step 2

Step 3: A warning window will appear. Click “Yes” to continue.

Format hard drive partition - Step 3

Step 4. Click "Perform 1 Task" to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting the hard drive partition.

Format Hard Disk Partition - Step 4

Fix 5: Close all running programs and files

The disk you're trying to scan is being used by a program. If that's the case, you can close all programs, processes, and files that might be using or accessing the target drive. Can't manually close programs to resolve the CHKDSK read-only issue? You can do further checks in the Windows Task Manager.

Step 1: Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager in Windows 10/8/7 and see which programs and processes are running in the background.

Check the disk usage in the Task Manager Check the disk usage in the Task Manager

Step 2. Right-click the suspicious app or process and select “End task” to force the program to close.

Have you resolved the issue with CHKDSK running in read-only mode?

Addressing the issue "Error found. CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode," we offer you five solutions to help you escape from the CHKDSK read-only mode. All methods are easy to apply, so please be patient and try these five approaches until your problem is fully resolved.

For ordinary computer users, CHKDSK in the Windows Command Prompt is not so friendly, not to mention when it reports errors. Therefore, to check for file system errors or fix a corrupted file system more easily, you can download a free alternative to CHKDSK without hesitation – Partition Master. It's a comprehensive partition manager software with a “Check File System” feature that's much easier to use.

How to use Alternate Tools for Partition Master to Check File System: