Chkdsk Is Stuck Verifying the USN Journal: Top Fixes

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The Update Sequence Number (USN) Journal is part of the Windows NTFS that holds data on volume changes. When you get the error message, Chkdsk is stuck verifying the USN Journal, which implies an underlying issue stopping the troubleshooting utility from reading or writing to the USN Journal.

Several factors will trigger this problem, including:

  • Hardware problems related to your drive
  • Update Sequence Number Journal corruption
  • Third-party app conflicts
  • Virus or malware infection

This guide shows you the most effective fixes for the error.

1. Run Chkdsk From Safe Mode

Safe Mode is a troubleshooting mode for Windows computers. It allows the computer to start with a minimal set of drivers, services and applications, thereby eliminating possible conflicts and allowing you to resolve any issues that cause chkdsk to be stuck verifying the USN Journal.

Step 1: Press the Power button, then as soon as Windows starts coming up, press and hold the Power button till the computer shuts down. Repeat the process three times so Windows can boot into Startup Repair, then select Advanced options.

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Step 2: Click the Troubleshoot option.

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Step 3: Select Advanced options on the Troubleshoot screen.

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Step 4: Click Startup Settings.

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Step 5: Click the Restart button

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Step 6: Finally, press F4 or F5 to boot into Safe Mode or Safe Mode with networking.

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Step 7: Re-run the chkdsk utility.

2. Repair the System Image and Corrupted Files

When you cannot successfully run the Chkdsk utility, and it triggers the chkdsk stuck verifying the USN Journal error, you may be dealing with system file corruption, and repairing the Windows image will fix the problem.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

Step 2: Type md and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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Step 3: Input the scripts below one after the other, hitting enter after each one to repair the damaged Windows image.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 4: Finally, run an SFC scan by entering the script below and hitting Enter.

sfc /scannow

Step 5: Restart your computer and rerun the chkdsk scan.

3. Update the Drivers

Windows drivers are pieces of software that bridge the gap between your OS and its hardware components. When they are corrupted, you will expect the computer to exhibit some error, including the chkdsk stuck verifying the USN Journal. You should update all your outdated drivers.

4. Recreate the USN Journal file

If the USN Journal file is corrupted, you may expect it to trigger a few errors around the Check Disk utility. A good way around it is to recreate the file. This way, you will clear all file corruption. Follow the steps below.

Please be aware that you should only delete the USN journal if Check Disk is unable to pass it despite numerous attempts and even in the Safe Mode.

Step 1: Open the Run dialog by pressing Windows + R.

Step 2: Type md and hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open the Command Prompt as an administrator.

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Step 3: input the scripts below, hitting Enter after each one:

drive: fsutil usn deletejournal /d c:
drive: fsutil usn createjournal m=1000 a=100 c:

Step 4: Re-run the Check Disk Scan.

5. Uninstall Your Windows Update

It is a best practice to keep your computer updated with the latest Windows updates. This is because updates often come with new features, security fixes, and patches. They guarantee that your computer is as safe as it can be. However, some updates may come with a few bugs, and on rare occasions, this may affect the Check Disk utility, triggering the chkdsk stuck verifying the USN Journal error. It would be best if you uninstalled the updates.

Step 1: Press Windows + I to open the Settings app.

Step 2: Click Windows Update on the left pane, then select Update history on the right.

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Step 3: Scroll down and click Uninstall updates.

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Step 4: Select the Uninstall button for your most recent update.

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6. Run a Malware Scan

Malware is one of the biggest causes of file corruption on Windows computers. If you get the chkdsk stuck verifying the USN Journal error, then your computer may be infected with malware. You should run a comprehensive scan with a reliable antivirus. You may also use the built-in Windows Security. The specific steps will depend on your vendor.

FAQ on Chkdsk Stuck Verifying the USN Journal

1. Where is the USN Journal located?

The Update Sequence Number (USN) Journal is located at the [root_directory] of NTFS – $Extend – $UsnJrnl.

2. What to do if check disk is stuck?

It would be best if you restart the computer and then try running the scan in Safe Mode.

After Fixing the Chkdsk Error

After you have gone through the steps in this guide, you should have successfully fixed the Chkdsk error. To avoid a repeat occurrence, you may run regular file scans, always use a reliable antivirus, and keep your drivers up to date.

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