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How to Unlock Drive in Windows 10: 5 Ways to Remove a Lock

Run the basic commands through the CMD to scan your drives first.

4 min. read

Updated onNovember 10, 2023

updated onNovember 10, 2023

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Key notes

The drive where Windows is installed is locked, which is one of the widespread errors preventing users from getting full access to their PCs. With this comes a surge in the number of people who want to know how to unlock a drive in Windows 10.

If you are also facing this issue, this guide will show the efficient ways to remove any lock on your drive.

Why is my drive locked?

Below are some of the reasons your drive might be locked on Windows 10:

How can I unlock the drive in Windows 10?

How can I unlock the drive in Windows 10?

Below are some basic troubleshooting steps to apply before proceeding to the more sophisticated fixes in this section:

1. Run the CHKDSK command

The first thing to do to unlock your drive on Windows 10 is to try to fix the bad sectors. This will eliminate the most prominent cause of the error message.

You can also use this method to unlock an external hard drive on Windows 10.

2. Run the SFC command

If the CHKDSK scan can’t unlock your drive on Windows 10, you might want to try using the SFC scan instead. This will repair and replace any corrupt system file causing the issue.

3. Fix boot records

The common cause for The drive where Windows is installed is locked error is corrupted boot records. However, you can easily unlock your drive on Windows 10 by following the steps above.

The first three solutions above are how to unlock your drive in Windows 10 using Command Prompt. In case you are looking for ways toreset only the C drive on Windows 11, we have an excellent guide for you.

4. Ensure you’re using UEFI

UEFI is a modern and more advanced version of BIOS, and most new motherboards support it. Check your motherboard manual for detailed instructions to switch to UEFI.

The switching process is relatively simple; you must find and change a single setting in BIOS. So, it would be best if you switched to UEFI to unlock your drive in Windows 10.

5. Use diskpart

You can fixThe Drive Where Windows is Installed is Lockederror by using the diskpart command in Command Prompt.

Before we start, we have to mention that diskpart is extremely powerful tool, so be extra cautious while using it.

  1. Repeatsteps 1 to 5inSolution 1.

  2. Type the following command in Command Prompt:diskpart

3.Now, you need to select the hard drive that has Windows on it. If you have only one hard drive, entersel disk 0. If you have two or more hard drives, you might have to use a different number.

  1. Next, enterlist volin cmd.

  2. Look for FAT32 partition on the list. If you don’t have it, this solution won’t work for you, so you can just skip it. Once you find FAT32 partition, select it by typingsel vol X(replace X with the number of the volume).

6.Run theassign letter=z:command.

7.Typeexitand pressEnterto run it.

  1. Entercdz:EFIMicrosoftBoot

9.Now run thebootrec /fixbootcommand.

  1. Lastly, runbcdboot c:Windows /s z:

After doing that, your Windows should start working again. Remember that this is an advanced solution, so be extra cautious.

You are using this tool at your own risk, and we aren’t responsible for any potential damage or file loss that might occur.

With this, we can conclude this guide on how to unlock your drive on Windows 10. Ensure you follow the instructions in the letter, and things should return to normal.

If you face other issues likeresetting this PC, this drive is locked; check our detailed guide to fix it quickly.

Let us know the solution that worked for you in the comments below.

More about the topics:Fix Hard Drive issues

Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.

When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.

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Ivan Jenic

Windows Hardware Expert

Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.