How to Fix File System Errors in Windows 10: A Detailed Guide to Follow

File System errors in Windows 10 can be a significant issue, often preventing you from accessing files, launching applications, or performing essential system tasks. These errors can result from various factors, including corrupted system files, faulty hardware, or issues with the disk drive.

Fortunately, there are several solutions you can try to resolve these errors and restore your system to normal functionality. This guide will walk you through the steps to fix file system errors in Windows 10.

How can I Fix File System Errors in Windows 10?​

1. Run the Check Disk Utility (CHKDSK)​

The Check Disk utility is a built-in Windows tool that can scan and repair disk errors, including file system errors.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run CHKDSK:
   • In the Command Prompt window, type chkdsk C: /f /r and press Enter. Replace C: with the letter of the drive where Windows is installed if it's different.
   • The /f switch tells CHKDSK to fix any found errors, and /r locates bad sectors and recovers readable data.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • You will be prompted to schedule the check at the next system restart. Type Y and press Enter.
   • Restart your computer to allow CHKDSK to run and fix any errors.

This process may take some time, depending on the size of your drive and the number of errors found.

2. Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool​

The System File Checker is another built-in utility that can scan and repair corrupted or missing system files that might be causing file system errors.

1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
   • Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows Terminal (Admin).
2. Run SFC:
   • Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
   • The SFC tool will scan your system for corrupted files and automatically repair them.
3. Restart Your Computer:
   • After the scan completes, restart your computer to ensure the repairs take effect.

Running SFC can resolve many file system errors by repairing corrupted system files.

3. Run the BSOD Troubleshooter​

1. Open the Settings app and go to the Update & Security section.
2. Select Troubleshoot from the menu on the left.
3. Select BSOD from the right pane and click Run the troubleshooter.
   
4. Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the troubleshooting.

The Troubleshoot tool is a Windows 10’s built-in tool. The troubleshooter can help you resolve all sorts of issues, including the BSOD problems.

4. Update or Reinstall Device Drivers​

Outdated or corrupted device drivers can sometimes cause file system errors, particularly if the errors are related to specific hardware components.

1. Open Device Manager:
   • Press Windows + X and select Device Manager.
2. Update Drivers:
   • Expand each category in Device Manager, right-click on the device you suspect might be causing the issue, and select Update driver.
   • Choose Search automatically for updated driver software to let Windows find the latest driver.
3. Reinstall Drivers:
   • If updating doesn’t work, right-click the device and select Uninstall device.
   • Restart your computer, and Windows will attempt to reinstall the driver automatically.

Updating or reinstalling drivers can resolve compatibility issues or corruption that might be causing file system errors.

5. Perform a Disk Cleanup​

Temporary files, system cache, and other junk files can sometimes cause file system errors if they become corrupted. Running a Disk Cleanup can help remove these files and potentially fix the errors.

1. Open Disk Cleanup:
   • Type Disk Cleanup in the Start menu search and select the tool.
2. Select the Drive to Clean:
   • Choose the drive you want to clean and click OK.
3. Delete Unnecessary Files:
   • Check the boxes next to the types of files you want to delete, such as Temporary files, System cache, and Recycle Bin.
   • Click OK and then Delete Files to start the cleanup.

Disk Cleanup can free up space and remove corrupted files that might be causing errors.

6. Scan for Malware​

Malware infections can corrupt system files and cause file system errors. Running a thorough malware scan can help identify and remove any malicious software.

1. Run a Full Scan with Windows Security:
   • Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
   • Go to Virus & threat protection and select Full scan.
2. Remove Detected Threats:
   • Allow Windows Defender or your preferred antivirus program to remove any detected malware.

A malware scan can eliminate infections that may be causing file system errors.

7. Perform a System Restore​

If the file system errors started recently, performing a System Restore can revert your system to a previous state where it was functioning correctly.

1. Open System Restore:
   • Type System Restore in the Start menu search and select Create a restore point.
   • Click on System Restore and choose a restore point from before the issues began.
2. Follow the On-Screen Instructions:
   • Proceed with the restoration process, which will restart your computer and apply the changes.

System Restore can undo recent changes that might be causing file system errors, restoring your system to a stable state.

8. Reinstall or Reset Windows 10​

If none of the above solutions work, you may need to consider reinstalling or resetting Windows 10 to resolve the file system errors.

1. Backup Your Data:
   • Before resetting or reinstalling, ensure that you back up all important files.
2. Reset Windows 10:
   • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
   • Click Get started under Reset this PC and choose to either Keep my files or Remove everything based on your preference.
   • Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.

Reinstalling or resetting Windows 10 can resolve deep-seated software issues causing file system errors.

File system errors in Windows 10 can be disruptive, but they can usually be resolved by following the steps outlined in this guide. Whether the issue is related to corrupted files, disk errors, or outdated drivers, these solutions can help restore your system to full functionality.