CHKDSK (Check Disk) is a built-in Windows utility that scans your hard drive or SSD for file system errors, bad sectors, and other disk-related issues. After the scan completes, Windows displays a summary of the results in the Command Prompt window. However, if you missed the output or scheduled CHKDSK to run during startup, you may wonder where the results are stored.
Fortunately, Windows records CHKDSK logs in Event Viewer, allowing you to review the scan details at any time. In this guide, you’ll learn several ways to find CHKDSK results in Windows 11 and Windows 10.
Why You Might Need CHKDSK Results
Viewing the CHKDSK log can help you:
- Confirm whether the scan completed successfully.
- Check if file system errors were repaired.
- Identify bad sectors on your drive.
- Review disk health after troubleshooting.
- Save or share scan results for technical support.
Keeping a record of the results is especially useful if you’re diagnosing recurring storage issues.
Method 1: View CHKDSK Results in Event Viewer
Event Viewer is the primary location where Windows stores CHKDSK logs.
To find the results:
- Press Windows + S and search for Event Viewer.
- Open Event Viewer.
- Expand Windows Logs in the left pane.
- Select Application.
- Click Find in the right-hand Actions pane.
- Type Wininit and click Find Next.
If you ran CHKDSK from within Windows (without scheduling it for startup), search for Chkdsk instead of Wininit.
- Double-click the matching event.
- Read the detailed CHKDSK report in the General tab.
The log includes information such as:
- File system type
- Files scanned
- Errors found
- Errors repaired
- Bad sectors detected
- Available disk space
This is the easiest and most reliable method for reviewing previous CHKDSK scans.
Method 2: Use Windows Search to Open Event Viewer Faster
Instead of browsing through menus, you can quickly access the log.
- Press Windows + S.
- Search for Event Viewer.
- Open the application.
- Navigate to Windows Logs > Application.
- Search for Wininit or Chkdsk as appropriate.
This method saves time if you regularly review system logs.
Method 3: Use PowerShell to Retrieve CHKDSK Results
PowerShell can display the latest CHKDSK event without manually opening Event Viewer.
Follow these steps:
- Right-click the Start button.
- Select Windows Terminal or PowerShell.
- Run the following command:
Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName="Application"; ProviderName="Wininit"} | Select-Object -First 1 | Format-List MessageAfter pressing Enter, PowerShell displays the latest CHKDSK report.
This method is useful for administrators and advanced users.
Method 4: Use Command Prompt to Review Event Logs
Command Prompt can also retrieve CHKDSK information.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Run:
wevtutil qe Application /q:"*[System[(Provider[@Name='Wininit'])]]" /f:text /c:1The command displays the most recent CHKDSK startup log.
Method 5: Check the Command Prompt Window
If you ran CHKDSK manually using Command Prompt and haven’t closed the window yet, the results remain visible immediately after the scan finishes.
You’ll typically see information such as:
- Total disk space
- File records processed
- Index entries processed
- Security descriptors processed
- Bad sectors found
- Disk errors corrected
Once the Command Prompt window is closed, you’ll need to use Event Viewer or another method to view the log again.
Method 6: Save CHKDSK Results to a Text File
If you want to keep a permanent copy of the scan results, you can redirect the output to a text file.
Open Command Prompt as Administrator and run:
chkdsk C: > "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\CHKDSK_Report.txt"Replace C: with the drive letter you want to scan.
After the scan completes, a text file containing the results will be saved on your desktop.
Method 7: Export the CHKDSK Log from Event Viewer
If you already have the log open in Event Viewer, you can save it for future reference.
- Open the CHKDSK event.
- Click Copy or Save Selected Events.
- Choose a location.
- Save the log.
This is useful if you need to send the report to technical support.
Understanding Common CHKDSK Messages
When reviewing the results, you may encounter messages such as:
- Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems.
Your drive appears healthy. - Windows made corrections to the file system.
CHKDSK found and repaired file system errors. - Bad sectors were found.
Parts of the drive may be physically damaged. If bad sectors continue to increase, consider backing up your data and replacing the drive. - Failed to transfer logged messages.
This usually doesn’t affect the repair itself and is often related to logging rather than the disk scan.
Understanding these messages helps determine whether further action is needed.
Why Can’t I Find My CHKDSK Log?
If the log isn’t available, consider these possibilities:
- The scan didn’t complete successfully.
- Event logs have been cleared.
- You’re searching for the wrong event source.
- The scan was run on another drive or user account.
Remember:
- Wininit logs are created when CHKDSK runs during system startup.
- Chkdsk logs are created when the scan runs while Windows is already running.
Searching for both sources usually locates the report.
Conclusion
Finding CHKDSK results in Windows 11 and Windows 10 is straightforward once you know where to look. Event Viewer is the primary location for stored CHKDSK logs, whether the scan ran during startup or while Windows was running. Advanced users can also retrieve the information using PowerShell or Command Prompt, while redirecting the output to a text file provides a convenient way to save future reports. Reviewing CHKDSK results regularly can help you identify disk problems early and take action before they lead to data loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are CHKDSK logs stored?
CHKDSK logs are stored in Event Viewer under Windows Logs > Application. Look for events from Wininit or Chkdsk.
Why don’t I see any CHKDSK results?
The scan may not have completed, the event logs may have been cleared, or you may be searching for the wrong event source.
Can I save CHKDSK results to a file?
Yes. You can redirect the output to a text file using Command Prompt or export the event from Event Viewer.
Does CHKDSK always repair disk errors?
Not always. CHKDSK can repair many file system errors, but if the drive has serious physical damage or numerous bad sectors, replacing the drive may be necessary.
