CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode [Fix]

CHKDSK proves to be most helpful to fix any issue with storage, file system, and disk. But when scanning the operating system partition or some external storage devices, it may throw some error. One such error is the CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode.

The cause for this error could be:

• The drive is read-only – Write Protection enabled
• The drive is being used and scanned by a different program or utility.

Fix CHKDSK cannot continue in read-only mode in Windows 11/10

If you receive this error message, here are a few things you could try to fix the issue on your Windows 11/10 system:

1. Run CHKDSK from Recovery.
2. Run CHKDSK on Boot.
3. Disable Write Protection.

1] Run CHKDSK from Recovery

Boot into the installation environment for Windows from a Windows installation media. Click on Repair your computer.

On the blue screen, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.

Now type in the following command and hit Enter.

chkdsk x:/r /f

Here ‘x’ is the disk letter.

Once the disk error checking the scan is completed, type in Exit to exit the command prompt window, reboot your computer and check if the issue is resolved or not.

Read: CHKDSK Access Denied as you do not have sufficient privileges or the disk may be locked

2] Run CHKDSK on Boot

Or then, maybe you need to run CHKDSK so that it can fix and recover any damaged segments on the drive.

In an elevated CMD run this command:

chkdsk /r

You will see a message:

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the systtem restarts? (Y/N)

Type in Y and hit Enter to schedule a chkdsk scan when the computer boots up next time.

Read: Cannot lock current drive, Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process

3] Disable Write Protection

You can also refer to our guide to disable Write Protection. It will help you, then, to run CHKDSK as it is intended normally.

Pro Tip: For best results, it is recommended that CHKDSK be run at boot time. This allows CHKDSK to run with near-nil interferences, reducing potential conflicts that could interrupt its operation. CHKDSK can then efficiently repair file system errors and bad sectors without unnecessary interference from other programs.

Let us know if anything helps.