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Windows CHKNTFS command

The Windows chkntfs command is used to display or modify the checking of the disk during system boot. This command allows users to enable or disable scheduled disk checking on a specified volume, or display the current status. By using this command, users can customize the disk checking process based on their preferences and requirements. With the chkntfs command, users can optimize the disk checking process to ensure the stability and performance of their Windows system.

CHKNTFS Syntax:

Terminal window
chkntfs [/D] [/T[:TimeToWait]] [/X[:TimeToForce]] [/C] [/L[:Drive]]

Options:

OptionDescription
/DRestore default settings and exit.
/TSet the Autochk timeout to TimeToWait (default is 8 seconds).
/XSet time in seconds to force volume dismount if dirty (default is 0).
/CSchedule the volume to be checked at next reboot.
/LDisplay or set the dirty bit flag on a volume.

Parameters:

ParameterDescription
TimeToWaitTime in seconds before Autochk is started.
TimeToForceTime in seconds before volume dismount is forced.
DriveSpecifies the drive letter for which dirty bit should be set or queried.

CHKNTFS Usage:

Check if C: drive is scheduled for a disk check at boot time

Terminal window
chkntfs C:

Checks if the C: drive is scheduled for a disk check at the next boot.

Disable disk checking on C: drive at boot time

Terminal window
chkntfs /x C:

Disables disk checking on the C: drive at boot time.

Display current settings for all drives

Terminal window
chkntfs /t

Displays the current settings for all drives on the system.

Schedule disk checking on all drives at boot time

Terminal window
chkntfs /c

Schedules disk checking on all drives at the next system boot.

How do I use chkntfs in CMD?

To use the chkntfs command in CMD, execute the following command:

Terminal window
chkntfs /t

What does the chkntfs /t command do?

The chkntfs /t command displays the time before the automatic check disk is performed on the specified drive.

How can I disable automatic disk checking using chkntfs?

To disable automatic disk checking using chkntfs, use the following command:

Terminal window
chkntfs /x C:

How can I set a custom countdown time for disk checking with chkntfs?

You can set a custom countdown time for disk checking using chkntfs with the following command:

Terminal window
chkntfs /i 10

How do I force checking at the next system restart using chkntfs?

To force checking at the next system restart using chkntfs, execute the following command:

Terminal window
chkntfs /c C:

Can I schedule disk checking on multiple drives with chkntfs?

Yes, you can schedule disk checking on multiple drives with chkntfs by specifying the drive letters in the command. For example:

Terminal window
chkntfs /d /x C: D:

Applications of the CHKNTFS Command

  • Check the disk for errors at startup
  • Display whether the automatic disk checking is scheduled for the next boot
  • Set or clear automatic disk checking at startup
  • Display current settings for automatic disk checking
  • Display the status of all local disk drives