WD elements showing need to format and windows explorer restarts
If Windows Defender (WD) elements are showing “needs formatting” and Windows Explorer keeps restarting, this usually points to file system corruption, drive errors, or system file damage. Below is a clear explanation of what’s happening and how to fix it.
1. “You need to format the disk” Error
When Windows shows a message like:
“You need to format the disk in drive X: before you can use it.”
This typically means:
The drive’s file system is corrupted.
The partition table is damaged.
The drive was removed improperly.
There may be physical disk failure.
Important:
Do NOT format immediately if the drive contains important data. Formatting can permanently erase files.
Steps to Fix It
Step 1: Run CHKDSK
Press Win + X
Click Command Prompt (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)
Type:
chkdsk X: /f /r
(Replace X with the affected drive letter.)
This will:
Fix file system errors
Attempt recovery of bad sectors
Step 2: Check Disk in Disk Management
Press Win + R
Type diskmgmt.msc
Press Enter
Look for the drive status:
RAW → File system corrupted
Unallocated → Partition missing
Healthy but inaccessible → Logical corruption
If it shows RAW, use data recovery software before formatting.
2. Windows Explorer Keeps Restarting
If File Explorer (explorer.exe) constantly crashes or restarts, it’s usually caused by:
Corrupt system files
Faulty shell extensions
Bad hard drive sectors
Malware
Fix Windows Explorer Restart Loop
Step 1: Run System File Checker
Open Command Prompt (Admin) and run:
sfc /scannow
After that, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This repairs damaged Windows system files.
Step 2: Check for Disk Errors (System Drive)
Run:
chkdsk C: /f /r
Restart if prompted.
Step 3: Restart Explorer Manually
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
Open Task Manager
Find Windows Explorer
Click Restart
If it keeps crashing immediately, boot into Safe Mode and test.
3. Could This Be Hard Drive Failure?
If you notice:
Clicking sounds
Slow file access
Freezing when opening folders
Explorer crashing when accessing specific drive
It may be hardware failure.
Check drive health:
Use manufacturer tools (Seagate SeaTools, WD Data Lifeguard)
Or check SMART status via PowerShell:
wmic diskdrive get status
If it says anything other than OK, back up immediately.
4. Malware Possibility
Even though Windows Defender usually protects well, corruption or repeated Explorer crashes can sometimes indicate malware.
Run:
Full Scan in Windows Security
Offline scan
Consider Malwarebytes scan
5. When Formatting Is the Only Option
If:
CHKDSK fails
Drive remains RAW
Data recovery not needed
Then:
Open Disk Management
Right-click the drive
Choose Format
Select NTFS
Final Recommendation
If both errors started at the same time, the most likely causes are:
Failing hard drive (most common)
Corrupted file system
Power interruption damage
Bad USB enclosure (if external drive)
Immediate Action Plan:
Back up important data
Run CHKDSK
Run SFC + DISM
Check SMART status
Replace drive if errors continue
0コメント