Share this article

This article is translated in

Improve this guide

9 Methods to Fix Disk Management if It’s Not Loading

Stuck at loading disk configuration information? Check the services

10 min. read

Updated onMarch 22, 2024

updated onMarch 22, 2024

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

Fix Windows 10 OS errors with Fortect:

The Disk Management tool provides handy options for disks, file systems, and volumes. However, sometimes you might get anUnable to Connect to Virtual Disk ServiceorDisk Management could not start Virtual Disk Service (VDS) on…error message.

Why my Disk Management is empty?Here’s another question that mustn’t be overlooked. It seems as though some of the system files are broken on your computer.

You will need to start the file-checking scan for the system. You may accomplish this by implementing the third method that we provide below.

Then, the Disk Management app won’t load. If you can’t open the Disk Management window, this is how you can fix the system utility in Windows 10.

Why is Disk Management not loading?

Why is Disk Management not loading?

If loading Disk Management takes a significant amount of time, the problem may be caused by the hardware on your computer. The corruption of one or more of the system’s files is yet another prevalent reason why it won’t load.

Disk Management is a useful tool that allows you to manage drives on your PC. However, certain issues can sometimes occur, such as:

What can I do if Disk Management is not working?

What can I do if Disk Management is not working?

All these issues will be addressed below, so don’t worry; you are not the only one who encountered them.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the list of solutions for Disk Management not loading, Connecting to Virtual Disk Service issues, and more.

1. Try fixing Disk Management from the Services window

You can easily repair the Disk Management tool from theServicestool in Windows. See how to do that by following the steps above.

Most users don’t knowwhat to do if their Windows key stops working. Check out our detailed guide and be a step ahead.

2. Run the System File Checker and DISM

Scannow, or System File Checker, is a handy tool that can fix Windows system files.  So, this might also come in handy for fixing the Disk Management utility.

If you’rehaving trouble accessing Command Prompt as an admin, then you better take a closer look at our handy guide to fix the problem.

If the SFC scan doesn’t solve your issue, you might want to try performing a DISM scan. To do that, apply the following steps.

DISM scan will now start. Keep in mind that the DISM scan can take up to 20 minutes or more to complete so don’t interrupt it. Once the scan is finished, check if the problem still persists.

If you were unable to perform an SFC scan before, try running it after the DISM scan. Once the SFC scan is finished, the corrupted files will be repaired and the issue should be resolved.

If theDISM scan failed on Windowstake a look at our guide and get rid of the worries in no time.

Using adedicated toolcan be a great help in this kind of situation because it repairs and optimizes systems automatically. It monitors your computer’s health constantly and keeps it at its best performance.

3. Consider using a reliable third-party tool

If Disk Management isn’t loading on your PC and you lack the patience to apply one troubleshot tip for another, you might want to consider using a third-party tool from the start.

Disk Management is a convenient tool since it comes with Windows, but if you can’t start it, you might consider using the tool recommended below instead.

Unlike Disk Management, such programs offer some advanced features to manage hard drives and partitions with ease. Best of all, they aren’t at all complicated to use.

Hence, to find another third-party solution that can manage your disk and partitions, you definitely can proceed using thebest disk management tools on Windows 10.

So, if you can’t run Disk Management at all, you might give it a try and see if it’s your cup of tea.

4. Check your hardware

Sometimes Disk Management won’t be able to start if there’s an issue with your hardware. To check if everything is in order, be sure that your hard drive is correctly connected to your PC.

In addition to your hard drive, several users reported that the issue can occur due to your card reader. If the pins on the card reader are bent, you might experience issues with Disk Management.

In case there’s a problem with yourcard reader, you might need to take your PC to the repair center to solve the problem.

If you’re still running an old OS, here’s our guide onhow to access and use Disk Management in Windows 7.

5. Disconnect unnecessary devices

According to users, issues with Disk Management can occur due to other USB devices attached to your PC.

If you have anexternal hard driveorUSB flash driveconnected, disconnect them before trying to start Disk Management.

In some rare cases, your phone can cause this issue to appear. If your phone is connected to your PC, be sure to disconnect it and try to start Disk Management again.

This solution applies to you only if you have Cyberlink software on your PC. According to users, they could not start Disk Management because Cyberlink Virtual Drive wasn’t running.

7. Use Diskpart

If you’re an advanced user comfortable with using the command line tools, you might want to try Diskpart.

Diskpart offers the same features as Disk Management, but it runs in the command line environment, so it might not be as user-friendly as Disk Management.

In case you’re not familiar with this tool, we advise you to read a tutorial or two and learn its syntax in order to use it.

Diskpart is more complex than Disk Management, and since it doesn’t have a graphical environment, you can sometimes make irreversible changes to your PC by accident.

In order to avoid any problems and file loss, be sure to be extra cautious and read a tutorial or two on how to properly use Diskpart.

8. Keep your system up to date

Sometimes, issues with Disk Management can occur due to certain bugs. If that’s the case, the best course of action would be to ensure that your PC is up to date with system updates.

These updates often bring new features and bug fixes, so it’s advised to keep your PC up to date.

By default, Windows 10 automatically downloads the updates in the background, but due to certain glitches, you might miss an update or two. However, you can check for updates manually by doing as described above.

Once the updates are downloaded, restart your PC in order to install the updates. After updating your system, check if the problem still persists.

If you’rehaving trouble opening the Setting app, don’t worry as we have already put together a detailed guide, just for you.

9. Create a new user account

If Disk Management won’t load on your PC, the issue might be a corrupt user profile. To fix the problem, it’s advised to create a new profile.

After creating a new account, switch to it and check if that solves the problem.

If the issue doesn’t appear on the new account, you need tomove your files to the new accountand use it instead of your old account.

In caseWindows won’t let you add a new user account, follow the easy steps we have included and create or add as many accounts as you want!

How do I restart the Disk Management Service?

If Disk Management is not loading in Windows 10 or connecting to Virtual Disk Service got stuck, you finally know what to do.

However important, Disk Management is not the only or the best such software. You can also useother efficient disk management softwaresuggested in the article.

Being unable toconnect to a virtual disk serviceis unpleasant, but not impossible when you have the right tips.

After you have fixed the issue, we recommend reading our guide onhow to convert a RAW to NTFS drive without formatting.

If you have any other questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section below.

More about the topics:disk drive

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

Matthew is a freelancer who has produced a variety of articles on various topics related to technology. His main focus is the Windows OS and all the things surrounding it.

He is passionate about the tech world, always staying up-to-date with the latest and greatest. With an analytical view, he likes problem-solving, focusing on errors and their causes.

In his free time, he likes to read and write about history and tries to always develop new skills.

User forum

5 messages

Sort by:LatestOldestMost Votes

Comment*

Name*

Email*

Commenting as.Not you?

Save information for future comments

Comment

Δ

Matthew Adams

Windows Hardware Expert

He is passionate about everything surrounding Microsoft’s OS, focusing on troubleshooting guides & tips for everyday problems.