How to Check a Hard Drive for Bad Sectors (Step-by-Step Guide)
Many users overlook what to do after they check a hard drive for bad sectors, which often leads to avoidable data loss.
In most cases, they show warning signs long before complete failure happens. Slow file access, system freezes, corrupted files, or unexpected crashes often indicate one hidden issue: bad sectors.
If you ignore these symptoms, you may face serious data loss. That is why learning how to check a hard drive for bad sectors is essential for both everyday users and professionals.
This guide gives you more information for checking a hard drive for bad sectors. By the end, you will also know when data recovery tools like Magic Data Recovery become necessary.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
Table of Contents
What Are Bad Sectors on a Hard Drive?
A sector is the smallest storage unit on a hard drive.
When a sector becomes unreadable or unstable, it is called a bad sector.
There are two main types:
Physical Bad Sectors
These occur due to:
- Aging hardware
- Manufacturing defects
- Drops or physical shocks
- Overheating
Physical bad sectors cannot be repaired. The drive controller can only mark them as unusable.
Logical Bad Sectors
These result from:
- File system corruption
- Improper shutdowns
- Software errors
- Malware attacks
Logical bad sectors are often fixable with the right tools.
Understanding this difference helps you choose the correct solution when you check a hard drive for bad sectors.
Common Signs You Need to Check a Hard Drive for Bad Sectors
You should not wait until your drive completely fails.
Instead, watch for these warning signs:
- Files suddenly become inaccessible
- Frequent system crashes or freezes
- Unusual clicking or grinding sounds
- Slow read/write speeds
- Error messages when copying files
When these symptoms appear, learning how to check a hard drive for bad sectors becomes urgent.
How to Check a Hard Drive for Bad Sectors on Windows
Windows includes built-in tools that help identify disk errors. These tools are reliable for early diagnosis.
Method 1: Use CHKDSK (Command Prompt)
CHKDSK is the most common way to check a hard drive for bad sectors on Windows.
Steps:
- Press
Windows + Sand type cmd - Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
- Enter the following command:
chkdsk C: /r
- Press Enter and confirm the scan
What it does:
- Scans the disk for bad sectors
- Attempts to recover readable data
- Marks damaged sectors to prevent future use
This method works best for logical bad sectors.
Method 2: Check Drive Errors via File Explorer
For users who prefer a graphical interface:
- Open This PC
- Right-click the target drive
- Select Properties
- Go to Tools
- Click Check under Error Checking
This approach is simple, but it offers fewer details than CHKDSK.
How to Check a Hard Drive for Bad Sectors on macOS
Mac users can rely on Disk Utility.
Use Disk Utility (First Aid)
- Open Disk Utility
- Select the target drive
- Click First Aid
- Start the scan
Disk Utility can detect file system issues and minor disk errors.
However, it does not always reveal deeper sector-level damage.
Using Third-Party Tools to Check a Hard Drive for Bad Sectors
Built-in tools are useful, but they have limitations.
Professional disk tools provide:
- Visual sector maps
- Detailed scan reports
- Faster surface tests
Examples include disk surface test utilities commonly used by technicians.
Why professionals prefer them:
- Better detection accuracy
- Clear distinction between good and bad sectors
- Advanced scanning algorithms
When precision matters, third-party tools are often the better choice.
Can You Fix Bad Sectors After Detection?
The answer depends on the sector type.
For Logical Bad Sectors
You can often fix them by:
- Running CHKDSK
- Repairing the file system
- Reformatting the drive (data loss risk)
For Physical Bad Sectors
They cannot be repaired.
Best practice includes:
- Backing up data immediately
- Replacing the hard drive
- Avoiding further write operations
Ignoring physical bad sectors only accelerates failure.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Checking for Bad Sectors
Even experienced users make these errors:
- Continuing to use the drive after errors appear
- Running repair tools repeatedly on failing hardware
- Skipping data backup before disk scans
- Assuming bad sectors will “heal themselves”
Once you check a hard drive for bad sectors, your priority should always be data safety.
What If Bad Sectors Cause Data Loss?
When bad sectors develop on a hard drive, stored files may become partially unreadable or completely inaccessible. In many cases, the file system still recognizes the file, but the damaged sectors prevent the data from being read correctly.
Standard disk repair tools focus on fixing file system errors or isolating bad sectors. However, when data loss has already occurred, these tools can sometimes make the situation worse. Repeated repair attempts may overwrite recoverable data or permanently mark sectors as unusable.
At this stage, data recovery software becomes critical. Instead of repairing the disk structure, recovery tools scan the drive in a read-only mode and attempt to extract data from readable sectors while safely bypassing damaged areas. This approach reduces the risk of further data loss and improves recovery success.
Recovering Data from a Hard Drive with Bad Sectors
When files disappear due to bad sectors, recovery requires:
- Read-only scanning
- Advanced error handling
- Sector-level data extraction
Why Magic Data Recovery Is a Reliable Solution
Magic Data Recovery is designed specifically for scenarios involving disk errors and damaged sectors.
To recover your lost files, please download it from the button below.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
Core problems it solves:
- Files lost due to bad sectors
- Inaccessible partitions
- Read errors during normal file access
Key advantages:
- Safe, non-destructive scanning
- Strong support for damaged storage media
- Ability to recover data even from partially unreadable sectors
Real-world use cases:
- Recovering documents from an aging HDD
- Extracting photos from a drive with read errors
- Restoring files before replacing a failing disk
Compared to manual fixes or basic utilities, Magic Data Recovery focuses on data preservation first, which makes it more reliable in high-risk situations.
If you are looking for an efficient and safe solution, you may want to try Magic Data Recovery before attempting irreversible repairs.
Best Practices After You Check a Hard Drive for Bad Sectors
Once bad sectors are confirmed, follow these steps:
- Back up all accessible data immediately
- Avoid writing new data to the drive
- Monitor SMART health indicators
- Plan for drive replacement
A hard drive with growing bad sectors will not recover on its own.
Conclusion
Learning how to check a hard drive for bad sectors helps you detect problems early, reduce downtime, and prevent permanent data loss. Built-in tools are useful for diagnosis. Third-party utilities offer deeper insight.
However, when bad sectors already affect your data, recovery becomes the priority. That is why tools like Magic Data Recovery are recommended. They focus on safe extraction, practical recovery scenarios, and real user needs rather than risky disk repairs.
If your hard drive shows signs of failure, act early. The right approach can save both your data and your time.
Supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and Windows Server
FAQs
What are bad sectors on a hard drive?
How do I check a hard drive for bad sectors on Windows?
Can bad sectors be repaired?
Does CHKDSK fix bad sectors?
How long does a bad sector scan take?
Are bad sectors a sign of hard drive failure?
Should I stop using a drive with bad sectors?
Can I recover data from a hard drive with bad sectors?
