Many Windows 11 users get the error message “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” when they use their system. Such an error emerges from a mix of file system corruption and hard drive bad sectors, alongside hardware malfunctions. The error blocks users from accessing essential files, folders, and external storage devices which include USB drives and SD cards.
Hence, today we have listed detailed solutions through this guide to address the “file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” error in Windows 11.
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Causes of The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable in Windows 11
The “file or directory is corrupted and unreadable” error during Windows 11 operation stems from multiple possible causes. These are the primary factors that lead to this error occurrence.
1. Windows shows this error when file system corruption affects NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT files, so they become unreadable.
2. The aging process of hard drives together with external storage devices results in bad sectors that prevent Windows 11 from accessing files or directories.
3. Some malware that targets file systems creates corruption that blocks users from accessing their stored data.
4. A shutdown incident from power outages and system crashes when your computer deals with data operations can result in a corrupted file system that triggers “file or directory is unreadable” errors.
5. The correct functioning of storage devices depends on proper disk drivers which must be updated and compatible with Windows, or else it cannot read files properly.
6. System files needed to read and write data suffer corruption because of software conflicts alongside incomplete updates and unexpected system crashes.
Fix: The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable in Windows 11
The following solutions represent the best approach to resolve this error while regaining access to your files. Follow these instructions precisely to solve the problem.
Fix 1: Run the Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool
Memory problems on your computer may lead to file system corruption. The Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool serves as a tool to detect memory issues and perform repairs.
1. Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R. Enter the below command followed by pressing “Ok”.
mdsched.exe
2. Your PC will restart after selecting “Restart now and check for problems”.
The tool performs a RAM error scan before automatically applying fixes to detected problems. Your PC will restart after the process finishes while showing the diagnostic results.
Fix 2: Utilize the Check Disk Tool (CHKDSK Command)
The CHKDSK (Check Disk) tool stands as a powerful solution to fix corrupted files and directories within Windows 11. The tool performs a search for damaged disk areas and then fixes problems with file system organization.
1. Press Windows + S, type “Command Prompt”, right-click on it, and select “Run as administrator”.
2. Enter the following command into the system and press the Enter key.
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Use the correct drive letter of the affected partition instead of C:.
3. To schedule the scan for the next restart enter Y and press Enter.
CHKDSK will perform a drive error check while attempting to resolve problems to restore drive functionality.
Fix 3: Try Moving Files to a Different Location
Moving an affected file to a different location can help users access the file when corruption occurs.
1. Open File Explorer through the Windows + E shortcut with the problematic file.
2. You should attempt to move the file to another storage device or external drive.
3. Now, remove the original file and replace it with the copied version.
Fix 4: Set a New Drive Letter
The problem with external storage devices can often be fixed by changing the assigned drive letter.
1. Open the “Disk Management” tool by pressing the Windows + X keys and then, selecting the option.
2. Find the problematic drive from the displayed list. Right-click the drive then choose “Change Drive Letter and Paths” from the menu.
3. Open the “Change” dialog box then choose a new drive letter before clicking “OK”.
Verify if the corrupted and unreadable error disappears after assigning a new drive letter.
Fix 5: Repair System Files With an SFC Scan
The built-in System File Checker (SFC) tool in Windows performs scans and repairs system file corruption that might lead to this error.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator (Windows + S, type “CMD”, and select “Run as administrator”).
2. Enter the following command then press the Enter key.
sfc /scannow
The scan process will finish before you can restart your PC. The SFC tool will fix system file problems so your files should become accessible again.
Fix 6: Perform a Startup Repair
Startup Repair enables you to repair system files that cause Windows 11/10 to malfunction.
1. To access the Advanced Startup Menu press Shift + Restart during the PC login process.
2. Access Troubleshoot from the menu and select Advanced Options followed by Startup Repair.
3. The system will display on-screen prompts that you should follow while Windows performs startup error repairs.
After the repair process verify if you can retrieve files that were unreadable before the repair started.
Fix 7: Check Your Computer for Malware and Disable Antivirus
Files become unreadable or get corrupted because of malware alongside aggressive antivirus software operations. The process of running a virus scan together with disabling antivirus software temporarily should help resolve the issue.
1. Users can open Windows Security by using the Windows + S combination then entering “Windows Security” and selecting the application. Or you can directly open it from the search console menu.
2. Select the “Virus & threat protection” option followed by “Quick scan” from the menu.
3. When threats appear during scanning you should remove them and then restart your PC. Temporary disabling your antivirus software will allow you to check if it is blocking your access to the file.
Fix 8: Format the External Drive (Last Resort)
The only remaining solution for external drive issues which cannot be resolved by other methods is to format the drive. The formatting operation will remove all data present on the storage device.
1. You can access File Explorer through the Windows + E shortcut and open the drive.
2. Right-click on it and select “Format”.
3. Select the file system as NTFS for Windows users or exFAT for Mac compatibility. Check “Quick format” and tap “Start” and let the process run until completion.
The drive will become usable after formatting without any errors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#1 Why does Windows 11 show “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable”?
The error happens because storage devices endure file system corruption, bad sectors or malware infections, and abrupt power interruptions.
#2 How to fix a hard drive without formatting?
You can run CHKDSK to fix bad sectors while using SFC to check system files and examining the drive in Disk Management and assigning a new drive letter will also help. Startup repair and data recovery software must both be attempted before you resort to formatting the system.
#3 Will formatting fix a corrupted external drive?
Formatting makes a new file system while removing all corrupted data and simultaneously deletes every file that exists. You should always perform file backups before beginning.
That’s it!
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