You likely noticed the delayed write failed error on Windows 11 while copying files from or to an external hard drive. The error is not exclusive to external hard drives but may be observed on virtual media. The full error may read Event ID: 50, Delayed Write Failed, Windows was unable to save all the data for the file.
The error is often associated with the Disk Write Caching feature, which increases performance by increasing the read/write speed of data. It may, however, be triggered by hardware problems, driver conflicts, corrupted system files, OS media errors, and, in some cases, malware.
This guide explores the most practical ways of resolving this error. Let’s get to it.
1. Check your Connections
Your connection should be the first check when encountering the delayed write failed error in Windows 11. Start by checking your cables and ensuring they are firmly connected to the external hard drives.
Also, verify they are not damaged in any form since a bad cable may lead to disconnection during file or data transfer. You may use new cables to rule out this possibility.
2. Update your USB drivers
Drivers serve as a vital connection between a computer’s hardware and software components. When you have outdated or corrupted USB drivers, they may cause certain malfunctions during file transfer and trigger the delayed write failed error on Windows 11.
To get the latest drivers, you may uninstall the old one and replace it with a new one using the steps below.
Step 1: Right-click the Start menu on the Taskbar, then select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers, right-click on your driver, select Uninstall device, and then confirm your choice.
Step 3: Restart the computer and re-open your Device Manager.
Step 4: Click the Search for hardware changes icon, and a new updated driver will be installed.
3. Run the Check Disk Scan
This fix is very effective if the error is triggered by corruption in the drive that leads to bad drive sectors. A Check Disk or chkdsk scans the drive for corruption and will be able to repair this corruption. Here is how to run the scan.
Step 1: Press the Windows and R keys on your keyboard to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Type cmd, then hit Ctrl + Shift + Enter to open an elevated Command Prompt.
Step 3: Input the command below and hit Enter to start the Check Disk scan.
chkdsk /f /r
4. Disable Disk Write Caching
The Disk Write Caching feature enhances performance on Windows by storing your frequently used data in the memory. However, if there is a power failure during this process, it can cause the delayed write failed error on Windows 11. You may disable this feature by following the steps below.
Step 1: Right-click the Start menu on the Taskbar, then select Device Manager.
Step 2: Expand Disk drives, right-click on your driver, and select Properties.
Step 3: Click the Policies tab, then uncheck Enable write caching on the device.
Step 4: Verify if the delayed write failed error on Windows 11 is fixed.
5. Perform a System Restore
Windows 11 System Restore allows you to roll back the operating system to a previous time. You might be able to return your computer to its condition at any of the restore points you made prior to the error if you did.
Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog, type rstrui, and hit Enter.
Step 2: Click the next button.
Step 3: Click a restore point from the list and click the Next button.
Step 4: Click the Finish button.
FAQ on Delayed Write Failed Error on Windows 11
1. What does Windows delayed write failed mean?
Generic failures caused by Windows’ inability to write data to a local or network disk device are known as Delayed Write Failure notifications. Failures in the hardware, drivers, or software could cause this error.
2. Can Windows repair disk errors?
You can use the Chkdsk utility in Windows operating systems to correct disk problems. A command-line utility called Chkdsk creates and displays a disk status report by scanning volumes for issues.
Final Thoughts
The delayed write failed error on Windows 11 is often associated with eternal drives, but you should be able to fix it using any of the solutions we have shared in this guide. We recommend frequent disk checks to ensure you do not face a repeat of the error in the future. You may also perform a detailed Disk cleanup to prevent the error.