Fix Corrupt Master File Table Error in Windows 11/10/8/7

Theo Lucia

Apr 10, 2026 • Filed to: Recover Files • Proven solutions

Have you encountered a Corrupt Master File Table error while running a CHKDSK scan on the corrupt or inaccessible NTFS drive? Well, you need not worry. It is just a simple issue that can be resolved easily. All you need to do is to follow this guide.

You will learn several techniques to fix the issue and that too using quick and simple steps. Now how to fix Corrupt Master File Table Error will not remain an issue anymore.

Part 1: Common Causes of Master File Table Corruption

Understanding why your Master File Table failed is key to choosing the right fix. Below is a quick diagnostic map:

Part 2: How to Fix Corrupt Master File Table Error

Well, when it comes to fixing Master File Table Error in Windows 10/8/7, there are many methods that you can go with. You can check the file system, Reinstall the drive, format the drive after recovering data, and so on.

To make it easy here are few tested and trusted solutions for you.

Solution 1: Repair corrupt MFT with CHKDSK utility

This is one of the easiest solutions to go with. You can easily repair a corrupt MFT with CHKDSK utility using some simple steps. 

Step 1: Connect the disk with corrupted MFT and open “File Explorer”. Now right-click on the corrupt NTFS partition and select “Properties” going to the context Menu. Now you have to click on “Tools” by going to Disk properties followed by a tap on the “Check Button”. It will be under Error Checking.

Step 2: Now select “Scan Drive” on the error checking message box and wait for the process to complete.

Now restart the system to see if the issue is resolved. If it is not resolved, you can go with further solutions.

Solution 2: Perform Startup Repair

Windows Startup repair is another option to fix the Corrupt Master File Table error. For this, you are required to boot in a recovery environment which you can do by turning your computer ON and OFF three times. Also, make sure to turn off your computer on seeing the windows logo. After the third attempt Windows will boot into the diagnostics mode. Once done, follow some steps

Step 1: Select the “Advanced options” when you see the recovery screen. Now you have to select the “Troubleshoot” from the given options.

Step 2: Now you have to tap on the “Advanced options” button.

Step 3: Now tap on the “Startup Repair” from the given options.

Step 4: Now you have to select your account and fill in the password. Now click “Continue” and you are done. This will start the repair process. This will scan, detect and fix the problem.

Solution 3: Run FixMbr Command in Windows Recovery Environment

MBR stands for Master boot record. It is a boot sector that holds the information regarding the partitions of your hard drive. It acts as a loader for the OS that you are running. It is basically created when you install Windows on the first partition that you have created. If the MBR got damaged you will not be able to boot into Windows.

You can use the FixMbr command in the windows recovery environment to fix Corrupt Master File Table Error. For this follow some steps.

Step 1: Enter the system recovery options screen and connect a bootable USB drive to your PC. Now restart the PC and continuously press F2 or F8 as per your computer’s manufacturing company. This will let you enter into the BIOS setup. Now go to the Boot column and set your PC to boot from the new drive. Save these changes and restart your computer.

Step 2: Now you have to follow the onscreen message and select “Repair your Computer” from the system recovery options window.

Now select “Command Prompt”. This will open a command prompt window. You have to type “bootrec.exe” and hit enter.

This will allow the repair of a corrupted Master Boot Record.

Solution 4: Formatting the Drive (The Ultimate Fix)

When the MFT is beyond repair, re-initializing the drive is necessary. However, this erases the "index" to all your data. Use the table below to gauge your recovery options before proceeding:

This is the ultimate fix to all the errors. You can easily format the drive by pressing the “Windows + R” key and then typing “diskmgmt.msc” Now hit the “Enter” key to open the Disk Management tool. Now all you have to do is to right-click on your corrupted disk and select “Format” as an option. You are done.

After successful formatting, it becomes crucial to recover your lost data. You can do this by taking the help of Wondershare Recoverit. It lets you easily recover your lost or deleted files in 3 simple steps. It supports more than 1000 types and formats. It doesn’t matter if you want to recover data from a laptop, computer, hard disk, Recycle Bin, or any other storage media it will do the job for you.

You can recover your data by following simple steps.

Step 1: Select a Location

Select the location from where you want to recover your files or data. You can do so by selecting the one from under “Hard Disk Drives”.

Step 2: Scan the Location

After selecting the location press “Start”. This will start an all-around scan. This will take some time.

You can stop or start the process of scanning anytime you want. You can also pinpoint the files when the process of scanning is underway.

Step 3: Preview and Recover Files

Once the process of scanning is completed, you can preview the files for quality and assurance.

Once you are satisfied with the file or files to be recovered., press “Recover”, you will be asked for the path where you want to store files.

Once the path is selected, press “Recover”. This will restore your data to the selected location.

Conclusion:

Corrupt Master File Table error is common while running a CHKDSK. But when it comes to fixing the error, there are rare techniques that work. Some of those techniques are presented to you here. These solutions are tested and trusted. If you are able to fix the issue using initial solutions, it is good. But if the error still remains, formatting is one of the best options to go with. You can perform the formatting without any fear as Wondershare Recoverit is there to recover the data for you.

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