[Solved] Disk Read Error Occurred Windows 10

Admin | data recovery data security fix Software Technology Windows | 7 minutes read | Modified on: 28-04-2026

I recently had an issue with my HP Laptop running Windows 10 OS while running Windows Defender on it. After turning on the Defender, I ran system check which froze my laptop and I turned it off instantly. But while trying to restart it, I am getting “A disk read error occurred Press Ctrl + Alt + Del to restart” message. After so many attempts, I am getting the same error. I think I am stuck in a boot loop. I tried using Windows 10 disk, but it not loading from the disk. Can you please help me get out this situation?

If you face this error then there are chances that there is something wrong with your hard disk drive. This happens when you try to boot your Windows and this error triggers boot loop issues. But apart from boot loop issue, another concerning issue is regarding the data stored on these hard drives. it may happen that there might be some problem with the Master Boot Record (MBR) file or boot sector. But there are other factors too which, cause the disk read error.  Let’s check them out :

Why PC shows Disk Read Error Occurred? Know Common Causes

• Incorrect MBR Configuration
  Master Boot Record (MBR) is a boot sector that is created on the first partition of the drive during Windows installation on your machine. The MBR comprises the first 512 bytes on your HD drive. It contains information about all the partitions and its function is to load the operating system on your system. If the MBR is damaged or configured incorrectly, then your Windows OS won’t boot properly and display the disk read error.

  How to prevent it : it is better to keep a backup of the MBR, which can be easily done using the following command :dd if=/dev/sda of=/path-to-save/mbr-backup bs=512 count=1where path-to-save is the location path for saving your mbr-backup file.

• Corrupt Partition Tables
  Corruption in partition tables can be triggered due to faulty disk function, power outages or virus attacks.

  How to prevent it : Protect your system from virus and get your machines connected with power backup systems.

• Invalid or Ill-Configured Partitions
  Invalid partition tables can lead to boot issues and partition loss. The damaged partition table will make the system incompetent in locating the partition containing the boot record files.

  How to prevent it : Try to restore the damaged partition tables from the backup (if you saved it when in healthy state). Once the partition table is restored properly, this problem can be solved easily.

• Physical Damage
  Physical damage to the hard drive can make it difficult for users to access its data and booting the system from the drive.

Manual Methods to Fix A Disk Read Error Occurred Windows 10

You can check the below discussed manual methods to fix the disk read error

1. Run CHKDSK

• Open Command Prompt from the Start Menu
• Enter the command chkdsk *: /f /x /r
• where, *:/ is the root drive.
• Any issues, if found will be fixed and a report of errors will be displayed. If no issues are found, then the following message will be displayed :
  “Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems.”

2. Repair MBR

To repair MBR, you need original Windows installation or repair disc. You can also create one using Windows ISO and Win32DiskImager or any similar Tool.

• Boot the system from the original disc and follow these steps
• Click on Repair your computer
• Select the Windows OS version you want to repair and press Next
• A System Recovery Options window will open, choose Command Prompt
• Enter the following Commands one by one, separating each one by pressing Enter command:
  bootrec /fixbbr
  bootrec /fixboot
  bootrec /rebuildbcd
• Remove the disc
• Type Exit and press Enter
• Restart your machine and verify if Windows is booting or not

If the problem isn’t resolved with bootrec utility, then try EFI Bootloader

• Boot your machine from the installation disk
• Tap on Repair your computer
• Select Troubleshoot >> Command Prompt
• Type these commands followed by hitting Enter key after each command :
  Diskpart (tool to repair your EFI Bootloader)
  select disk 0 (select the first drive on your computer)
  list volume (list all the volumes)
• Select volume [number] (replace [number] with the actual number of your EFI system partition from the list of volumes)
  If the Volume number of EFI partition is 1, then type the command:
  select volume 1  (select actual number of your EFI system partition from the list)
  In case the volume number is other than 1, then change 1 to that number.
• Assign letter=[drive letter]: (mount the EFI system partition by assigning it a letter)
  Now, its time to assign a new letter to this partition. Please ensure that it must be different than the already assigned drive letter. Type the below command to assign new letter to the drive:
  assign letter=X:
  If the process is completed successfully, the following message gets displayed
  DiskPart successfully assigned the drive letter or mount point.
• Exit (to exit diskpart)
  Now type exit command to quit the DiskPart utility
• Repair EFI Boot records using the following command :
  cd /d X:\EFI\Microsoft\Boot\
  Now use the following command to rebuild bcd (Boot Configuration Data) store
  bcdboot c:\Windows /s X: /f ALL
  where, C:\ is the partition letter where your Windows is installed.
• Remove the disk and type exit.
• Finally, restart your computer

Related Posts :

Fixed “External hard disk drive not recognized by computer” Error

Recover accidentally deleted files from SD card

3. Rest BIOS

By resetting the BIOS, you can restore your system’s default settings and get disk error occurred fix :

• Depending on your computer system, recognize the key for entering BIOS. While the system is rebooting, keep pressing the key (try with either F2 or Delete Key)
• Choose Load Setup Defaults or other related options to load the default or factory settings
• Press Enter to reset BIOS. Select YES to confirm BIOS reset. 
• Alternatively, you can also fix disk read error by updating your BIOS. Please ensure that you keep your BIOS updated to the current version.

4. Check Hard Drive Cables

Check the hard drives’ SATA and power (IDE) cables in case of disk read error occurred. Fix it by checking for any loose or defective cable connections using a multimeter device. If these cables fail the test, then replace the faulty ones with new cables.

5. Check RAM Memory

It sometimes happens that issues in RAM (Random Access Memory) causes several problems such as blue screen of death, application crashing, data corruption, disk read error etc. It is recommended to run a memory test monthly or quarterly to spot any problems with the RAM. The test is quite easy to perform and doesn’t pose any harm to the RAM. On the contrary, it helps you fix disk read issue.

6. Test the Drive on Another System

If none of the above methods work, then try connecting it to another machine. Or you can connect it to the same machine using USB port and use BIOS to select it as a bootable drive in the boot priority order.

This will help you identify if there is problem with the hard drive or with other system hardware, such as motherboard, video card or power supply.

If the disk is detected by the other or same machine (connected using USB connection), then run CHKDSK utility to fix hard disk issues.

In case this solution also doesn’t work, then it is confirmed that your hard disk has failed or become corrupted. If the hard drive is under warranty, then you can contact the manufacturer for replacement or Return Authorization (RA). But before replacing, make sure the wipe its contents using a Data Erasure program to avoid data breach issues.

Replacing the hard drive with another one will mean that all your important data stored on the damaged/corrupt hard drive is lost. Since the manufacturer’s responsibility will be only upto replacing the damaged HDD and will not provide any data safety and data recovery solution. Therefore, you must use a professional data recovery program that will help you recover data from damaged hard disk drive.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why disk read errors occur, as discussed above in this article. Besides reasons, various solutions are also discussed to resolve this problem of disk read error occurred Windows 10, 11, and below editions. It may also happen that during the process, you might lose your important data. So, to help to recover your data, we have also recommended using a professional solution, which you can try using its free demo edition. For any further queries, you can also contact our technical support team.