If you have used Windows long enough there’s a possibility that you’ve encountered a hard disk error before. 

  • A locked hard disk can lead to a lot of inconveniences, including loss of important data.

  • When something like that happens, a little technical help is needed to restore your hard disk and important files.

  • Solutions may include checking the disk or running a system file check or startup repair.

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One of these errors you might encounter includes a locked drive, which can make most users extremely annoyed, but this guide should prove helpful.

This is usually a frustrating issue because, without proper technical help, you might end up losing important files. 

While this issue is serious for Windows users, it is possible to recover your PC drive without losing your files and documents. 

How do I reset my PC drive if it is locked?

1. Refresh your PC

  • Switch off your computer and install a boot disk or USB drive.
  • Switch it back on and press F12 or F8 to access the boot menu.
  • Click Next.
  • Select Repair your computer.
  • Once opened, click Troubleshoot.
  • Select Advanced options.
  • Click Refresh Your PC and follow the prompts.
  • Once finished, restart your computer and check if your hard disk is working again.

2. Run a disk check

  • Restart your computer while holding your Shift Key.
  • Select Troubleshoot.
  • Select Advanced options.
  • Then click on the command prompt.
  • Once your command prompt opens, type chkdsk D:/f/x/r on the command prompt and click enter.
  • Wait for the operation to complete and type exit to leave the command prompt.
  • Switch your computer back on and check whether the disk is unlocked.

3. Run a system file check

  • Go to your Windows menu option, and restart your computer while holding the Shift key.
  • Select Troubleshoot.
  • Select Advanced options.
  • Then click on the command prompt.
  • Type sfc/scannow and wait for the process to run.
  • Finish by typing exit.
  • Restart your computer and check whether our hard disk has been unlocked.

4. Complete a startup repair

  • Go to your Windows menu option, and restart your computer while holding the Shift key.
  • Select Troubleshoot.
  • Click Advanced options.
  • Select Startup Repair and let the process run.
  • This might take some time.
  • Startup repair might fail to work. Instead of shutting down your computer, click on advanced options.
  • Select Troubleshoot.
  • Then click on the command prompt.
  • Type bootrec /RebuildBcd and press enter.
  • Once done, type bootrec /fixMbr  Wait for the process to complete.
  • Then type bootrec /fixboot and wait for the process to complete on its own.
  • Type exit once all the processes are done and restart your computer.

This solution checks for corruption in the boot files and fixes them. 

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5. Try and restore your system

  • Boot your computer from a disk or USB.
  • Click Next.
  • Select repair computer.
  • Click on the restore option and pick a day earlier than when your disk started acting up.
  • Allow the process to run and restart your computer.
  • Check if your disk is working properly.

Regardless of your PC’s drive health, it is always important to regularly back up your data on a reliable source to prevent unexpected data loss. 

If you are having other issues with your drive such as a locked drive where Windows is installed, consider going through this detailed solution. 

Also, if you have other solutions that have worked for you, don’t forget to share them with us in the comment section below. 

If the advices above haven’t solved your issue, your PC may experience deeper Windows problems. We recommend downloading this PC Repair tool (rated Great on TrustPilot.com) to easily address them. After installation, simply click the Start Scan button and then press on Repair All.

Still having issues? Fix them with this tool:

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