A disk read error occurred. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart
Most likely cause: Failing or corrupted hard drive with bad sectors
Try first: Restart the computer
Likely causes
- Failing or corrupted hard drive with bad sectorsmost likely
- Damaged boot sector or master boot recordpossible
- Loose internal cables or power connection to the driveless likely
How to fix it
Restart the computerSafe
Press Ctrl+Alt+Del as the message suggests and see if the error clears on the next boot attempt.
Boot into Windows Recovery EnvironmentSafe
Restart while holding Shift and repeatedly tap F8 (or use installation media) to reach the recovery options, then choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
Run chkdsk from recovery command promptChanges settings
In Advanced options choose Command Prompt and type the command below to check and fix disk errors.
chkdsk C: /f /r⚠ This can take hours and may not recover all data if the drive is failing.
If that didn't fix it
Create a Windows installation USB on another computer, boot from it, and run the repair tools from the recovery environment.
When to see a technician
If the computer makes unusual clicking or grinding sounds from the drive or none of the steps resolve the boot, take it to a technician for drive diagnostics or replacement.
Quick answers
- What does A disk read error occurred. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart mean?
- Windows cannot read data from the hard drive during startup, so it cannot load the operating system.
- What causes A disk read error occurred. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart?
- Failing or corrupted hard drive with bad sectors. (most likely) Damaged boot sector or master boot record. (possible) Loose internal cables or power connection to the drive. (less likely)
- How do I fix A disk read error occurred. Press Ctrl+Alt+Del to restart?
- Try these in order, safest first: 1. Restart the computer. 2. Boot into Windows Recovery Environment. 3. Run chkdsk from recovery command prompt.
- What if that didn't fix it?
- Create a Windows installation USB on another computer, boot from it, and run the repair tools from the recovery environment.
- When should I see a technician?
- If the computer makes unusual clicking or grinding sounds from the drive or none of the steps resolve the boot, take it to a technician for drive diagnostics or replacement.