How To Optimize ChkDsk Countdown
Two Methods for Optimizing Check Disk Countdown Time in Windows
Chkdsk (Check Disk) is a Windows utility tool designed to monitor the performance of your hard disk. It is the first line of defense which automatically triggers if there are signs of faulty sectors or data corruption. And you can also manually start chkdsk in Command Prompt.
Regardless of the activation method, this tool spits out reports that contain invaluable information about the status of your hard disk. Chkdsk provides insights into the issues that require your attention and it can even warn you when it’s time for a new HDD.
However, the chkdsk countdown time is a minor downside of this handy utility. The following guide gives you two methods to optimize the tool’s countdown times.
Optimizing Chkdsk Countdown Time in Command Prompt
Using the Command Prompt method is a quick and easy way to set chkdsk countdown time that fit your preferences. This is a system setting so you need to access Command Prompt as an administrator.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Launch Command Prompt
Type cmd in the Start menu search bar, then right-click Command Prompt. Now, select the Run as administrator option, which gives you the required rights to change the countdown times.
2. Issue chkntfs / t: <seconds> command
Paste or type chkntfs / t:<seconds> into Command Prompt. <seconds> is the number of seconds for the countdown times. For example, type 15 instead of <seconds> if you want the Check Disk timeout to be 15 seconds.
Note: You can set the number of seconds anywhere from 1 to 259,200. The default settings are usually 8, 10, or 30 seconds.
3. Hit Enter
There is no Command Prompt response after you hit enter but that doesn't mean you haven’t changed the settings. To check, use this command: chkntfs /t
Tip: If you want to revert to the default settings, execute the chkntfs / t:8 command. Of course, you can also use 10, or 30 seconds – whichever works best for you.
Optimizing Check Disk Countdown Times with Registry
The other tool which allows you to tweak chkdsk countdown times is Windows Registry. This method lets create and edit a registry value which changes the Check Disk timer.
Nobody’s perfect, so some mistakes might occur while editing the registry. This is why it is important to back up the registry before you play around with it.
Take the following steps to change chkdsk countdown times in the registry:
1. Access Windows Registry
Look for regedit from the start menu, right-click on the Registry, then choose Run as administrator.
2. Go to the Following Location
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager
This takes you to the place in Windows Registry where you can change the chkdsk timer.
Tip: If you are a Windows 10 user, there is no need to type the location or search through the menus step by step. Just copy and paste the location into the Registry Editor address bar and you’ll immediately get to the target destination.
3. Find AutoChkTimeout
Scroll down the Registry panel on the right to locate a value named AutoChkTimeout.
Note: There is a possibility you might not find the AutoChkTimeout value. In that case, right-click on the panel and choose New -> DWORD (32-bit) Value. Type AutoChkTimeout as the value name and hit Enter to confirm.
4. Launch the Edit Value Window
Simply double-click AutoChkTimeout and the Edit Value window pops up. First, you need to check the Decimal option under the Base section. Then type the desired number of seconds into the Value data field and click OK to save.
Restart your PC to initiate the changes and the chkdsk timer will be set to your preference from there on.
How to Cancel Check Disk in Windows
Windows Check Disk is a great tool indeed, but you might not want it to run on every startup. To abort the check-up, press any key while booting Windows to prevent Check Disk from engaging. But this action doesn’t actually cancel the scheduled tasks.
If you want to cancel a scheduled check-up, the easiest way to do it is in Command Prompt. Open Command Prompt and run as an administrator. Enter the chkntfs /x c: command and press Enter to cancel.
Note: The c in the command line represents the hard drive letter. You can put any other letter that corresponds to your hard drive/s.
Endnote
The above methods are straightforward ways to optimize the check disk countdown time. And you don’t have to be stuck for 30 seconds while waiting for chkdsk to switch to another partition.
It’s worth noting that some users prefer using Command Prompt because it is easier than messing with Windows Registry, especially if you haven’t accessed the latter before. But you can get the desired results with either method.
