A corrupted or malfunctioning flash drive can be frustrating, especially when it contains important files. Fortunately, Windows 11 provides several built-in tools to fix common flash drive issues. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to repair your USB flash drive.
Wait for the process to complete and restart your computer if prompted.
3. Run CHKDSK Command
If the error checking tool doesn’t work, try using the CHKDSK command:
Type cmd in the Windows Search bar and select Run as administrator.
Enter the following command (replace X:with your flash drive’s letter):
chkdsk X: /f /r /x
Press Enter and wait for Windows to repair the drive.
4. Update or Reinstall USB Drivers
Sometimes, outdated or corrupt drivers can cause USB issues. To fix this:
Press Win + X and select Device Manager.
Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
Right-click your USB device and select Update driver.
If updating doesn’t work, right-click and select Uninstall device, then restart your PC.
5. Use Windows Disk Management to Format the Drive
If the flash drive is still inaccessible, formatting it may be the only solution.
Press Win + X and select Disk Management.
Locate your flash drive (it may appear as unallocated space).
Right-click and choose Format.
Select FAT32 or NTFS, depending on your needs.
Click OK and confirm the process.
⚠ Warning: Formatting will erase all data on the flash drive. If possible, back up important files before proceeding.
6. Use Third-Party USB Repair Tools
If built-in methods fail, third-party tools like EaseUS Partition Master, MiniTool Partition Wizard, or HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool can help repair damaged USB drives.
7. Try a Different Computer
If your flash drive is still not working, test it on another computer. If it works, the issue may be with your Windows 11 system rather than the USB itself.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you can diagnose and repair most flash drive issues in Windows 11. If your USB drive remains unresponsive, it may be physically damaged, and professional data recovery services may be necessary. Always keep backups to prevent data loss in the future.
Kevin Kariuki is a passionate writer and blogger who shares insightful content on technology, lifestyle, politics and personal development. With a keen eye for detail and a love for storytelling, Kevin Kariuki aims to inform, inspire, and engage readers through well-researched articles and thought-provoking discussions.
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