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Fix: Stuck at CHKDSK is Verifying USN Journal

It could be a sign of a failing hard drive

6 min. read

Updated onApril 1, 2024

updated onApril 1, 2024

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Key notes

While Check Disk is a viable utility that helps fix several drive-related problems, users often find it stuck atCHKDSK is verifying Usn journal. First things first, what is the USN journal? The USN journal stores a log file of all the changes made on a specific volume.

This data is often referred to by programs to understand how the files were modified over the course of time. It comes under Stage 3 of the checks, when the Check Disk is examining security descriptors.

That’s where you see the message, or it could read,CHKDSK is resetting Usn information, when Windows can fix the problem. It may even ask you to run another Check Disk command.

What causes CHKDSK to hang atCHKDSK is verifying Usn journal?

How do I get past CHKDSK is Verifying USN Journal?

Before we start with the slightly complex solutions, try these quick ones first:

If none work, head to the fixes listed next.

1. Run Check Disk from the Recovery Environment (Windows RE)

2. Repair the corrupt system files

Corrupt system filesare known to trigger issues with the built-in utilities.Running the DISM commandsand SFC scan will replace these files with the cached copy stored on the PC.

Furthermore, if you’re looking for a faster method, we suggest you usespecialized repair softwareto find healthy replacements automatically for all corrupt system files found.

3. Uninstall recent Windows update

4. Update the drivers

When the utility is stuck atCHKDSK is verifying Usn journal, it could indicate the inability to read data on the drive, which often arises due to outdated or corrupt drivers. So,update the disk drivers.

And if Windows can’t find one, you will need to visit the manufacturer’s website, locate the latest version, download it, and thenmanually install the driver.

5. Delete the USN Journal file and create another one

6. Disable Check Disk (CHKDsK) from running at boot

7. Check the drive for issues

When nothing else works, andCheck Disk is stuck, it’s most certainly a drive malfunction or failure to blame. Hard drives usually have a life of 5-8 years, depending on whether they are attached to a laptop or a desktop respectively

Use aneffective disk repair toolto identify and eliminate any problems with it. And for a failing hard drive, you will need adata backup solutionso as to not lose any critical files.

The last resort is to replace the hard drive and get a new one, if it’s way beyond the average working span and exhibits performance issues as well.

Remember, theCHKDSK is verifying Usn journalstuck issue can mostly be resolved, but there are situations where replacing the drive is the only solution. It is recommended you contact the system manufacturer or a local service center and get the disk inspected before replacement.

Also, a few users reported theWindows can’t check the disk while it’s in useerror, and a clean boot usually helped fix the problem!

For any queries or to share what worked for you, drop a comment below.

Fix: Stuck at CHKDSK is Verifying USN Journal#

How do I get past CHKDSK is Verifying USN Journal?#

1. Run Check Disk from the Recovery Environment (Windows RE)#

2. Repair the corrupt system files#

3. Uninstall recent Windows update#

4. Update the drivers#

5. Delete the USN Journal file and create another one#

6. Disable Check Disk (CHKDsK) from running at boot#

7. Check the drive for issues#