How to Fix CHKDSK Cannot Continue in Read-Only Mode

Theo Lucia

Apr 10, 2023 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

Sometimes you may encounter an error message saying “CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode” when trying to run the CHKDSK command on a specific drive in Command Prompt. If you’re looking for effective solutions to fix this problem, you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll walk you through 5 effective fixes to resolve this error on your Windows PC.

Part 1. Overview of the error

The CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode issue is caused by a variety of reasons that involve the following:

• The disk comprises a read-only file system
• The disk might be affected by malware or viruses
• A corrupted hard drive
• When the running process or program is using the target drive
• When the disk cannot be edited or written or the target hard drive is read-only
• Missing or corrupted system files

Part 2. How to Fix CHKDSK Cannot Continue In Read Only Mode in Windows?

Fix 1. Schedule Disk Check Upon Restart

Often CHKDSK doesn’t run because the drive or partition of concern is being used at the current moment. CheckDiskUtility will ask you if you want to schedule the disk check the next time you start up your computer. This can be done by following these steps:

Step 1. Hit the Windows key + X keys on your keyboard to launch a menu.

Step 2. The power users menu will launch. Here, choose Command Prompt (admin). This will allow you to run the command prompt as an administrator.

Step 3. User Account Control settings pop up will ask you permission to use it as an administrator. You should select Yes to begin.

Step 4. n the command line, type in chkdsk /r c then hit Enter.

NOTE: c in the command stands for the drive name or letter of your chosen disk. Replace this with the drive letter you’re trying to scan.

Step 5. You will be asked an option to schedule the disk check upon the next reboot. Type Y to select yes.

Step 6. Perform a reboot of your PC and disk check should automatically run to scan and fix any error within your disk.

Fix 2. Run CHKDSK in Recovery Mode

In the previous solution, we tried to schedule CHKDSCK upon reboot. In this method, we will try to fix it by running it in Recovery Mode. You can perform this task by simply following the instructions below:

Step 1. Click the Power icon while pressing on Shift on your keyboard. (Power icon will be found at the Start menu). Select Restart. This should launch a pop-up box.

Step 2. Here, select Troubleshoot. Choose Advanced Options. Look for Command Prompt and click it.

Step 3. This should reboot your device. Once the system starts up again, type in these commands in the command line:

Chkdsk d:
Chkdsk d: /f
Chkdsk d: /f
Chkdsk d: /r

NOTE: In this case, the drive we’re trying to fix is d. You may change this according to the drive letter you want to run a disk check on.

Step 4. This should fix your disk issues. Check if the problem persists.

Fix 3. Change the Read-Only Mode to Normal

If the solution previously suggested doesn’t fix the problem, it may be due to your disk set to read-only. You can remedy this using third-party software like EaseUs Partition Master. It will enable you to change the settings of your drive. Download and install EaseUs and proceed to the instructions below to perform the task:

Step 1. Launch Run by pressing the Windows key + R. Here, type in cmd to launch Command Prompt. Select to run as administrator.

Step 2. In the command line, key in diskpart and press Enter.

Step 3. Now, type in list disk then hit Enter. This will show you a complete list of active disks.

Step 4. Type in select disk # (Replace # with the disk number of concern)

Step 5. Type in attributes disk then presses Enter to show you the setting or mode of the disks. Here, you will be able to see the read-only disks.

Step 6. Type in attributes disks clear read-only on the command line to change read-only to normal.

Fix 4. Disable Write Protection

Sometimes the write protection feature can cause the error. So, to resolve the error, you need to check whether the write protection feature is enabled or disabled. By disabling write protection, you can easily check if there is any hardware lock on the affected drive:

Step 1. Press the Windows key + R key on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.

Step 2. Enter the command regedit and hit the Enter button.

Step 3. As and when the Registry Editor opens, move to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE path.

Step 4. Simply navigate to the left panel to Expand the content of the system folder.

Step 5. Now, click on CurrentControlSet and choose the Services option.

Step 6. Under the Services option, tap on USBSTOR. Now, move the right window panel and double tap on the Start button.

Step 7. In the provided space or box, enter 3 and exit the Registry Editor.

Fix 5. Close All Running Files and Programs

If the case is the disk you are trying to scan is currently used by a program, you need to close all the processes, files, and programs that might be utilizing the target drive. What’s more, if the CHKDSK read-only problem cannot be solved by turning off the programs manually, you can do it by checking further in the Windows Task Manager. For this, you need to:

Step 1. To open the Windows Task Manager window, press Ctrl + Shift + Esc and see what programs and files are running in the background.

Step 2. Look for any of the suspicious applications or processes and right-click on it.

Step 3. Now, choose the End Task option to force stop a running program or process.

Conclusion:

External storage devices such as USB flash drives are basically of little use if they’re set to read-only. After all, most users use this to carry and transport their files from computers to computers. It comes in very handy if you have any working internet connection. Disk checks can’t also be performed in your drive if it’s set to read-only mode. The fixes above will hopefully resolve your issues with CHKDSK not running in your read-only drive.