Windows Can’t Check The Disk While It’s in Use [Force Dismount]

Tested and trusted solutions to fix force a dismount issue

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 10, 2023

updated onOctober 10, 2023

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Key notes

CHKDSK is a Windows command line or utility that means Check Disk. It helps sort and put the system files and disk files in order. However, Windows can’t check the disk while it’s in use: Force a dismount error indicates thatWindows can’t access the diskfor some reason.

What does it mean to force a dismount?

Windows operating system allows you to mount and dismount data volume. The C: drive remains mounted by default, allowing numerous programs to use it.

However, the Force a dismount message may appear if the CHKDSK (Check Disk) program wants to analyze the disk and detect other programs using it. Hence, forcing a dismount will stop every action on the disk and temporarily unmount the volume.

In short, force a dismount option is an aggressive way of removing a volume, making the partition temporarily inaccessible.

Why can’t Windows check the disk while it’s in use?

Windows CHKDSK (Check Disk) programs require sole ownership and exclusiveaccess to your disk/drivewhen running a disk check. So, if the disk is being used by other programs or services on your PC, Windows won’t be able to check it.

Furthermore, some other factors that can causeWindows not to be able to check the diskwhile it’s in use are:

Windows can experience Check Disk problems due to these causes.

How do I fix the Windows can’t check the disk while it’s in use error?

Observe the following preliminary checks before trying any advanced troubleshooting steps:

Proceed with the solutions below if you can’t fix the problem:

1. Run the CHKDSK command after reboot

Running the CHKDSK command after reboot allows it to take control of the disk before other programs. You may experiencechkdsk.exe running on every boot; check how to stop it.

2. Perform a Clean boot

Performing a clean boot will prevent any interference from third-party apps anddisable startup appsthat may prompt disk errors.

3. Use Advanced Boot Options to force dismount

Force a dismount will temporarily disable the partition if Windows can’t check the disk while in use.

Besides, if the built-in utility isstuck atCHKDSK is verifying Usn journal, repair the corrupt system files to get things running!

Alternatively, you can checkwhat you need to do if Windows cannot access the diskon your PC.

Also, please read our guide aboutCHKDSK getting stuck in Windows 11and some fixes for the problem.

Do you have further questions? Kindly drop them in the comments section. Also, you can tell us which solutions worked for you.

Windows Can’t Check The Disk While It’s in Use [Force Dismount]#

How do I fix the Windows can’t check the disk while it’s in use error?#

1. Run the CHKDSK command after reboot#

2. Perform a Clean boot#

3. Use Advanced Boot Options to force dismount#

Windows Can’t Check The Disk While It’s in Use [Force Dismount]

How do I fix the Windows can’t check the disk while it’s in use error?

1. Run the CHKDSK command after reboot

2. Perform a Clean boot

3. Use Advanced Boot Options to force dismount