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How to Fix Autochk Not Found Error on Windows 11: Step-by-Step Solutions

Encountering the “Autochk Not Found” error on Windows 11 can be frustrating, especially when you don’t fully understand what it means. This error usually appears during the startup process, indicating that Windows cannot locate the Autochk utility.

Autochk is an essential tool used by Windows to check the integrity of your hard drive at boot time. When it is missing or corrupted, it can prevent proper system checks, potentially leading to disk errors going unnoticed.

The good news is that fixing this error is often straightforward and does not require advanced technical knowledge. By following simple, step-by-step solutions, you can resolve this issue quickly.

In this article, you will learn how to fix the “Autochk Not Found” error on Windows 11 with basic instructions and alternative methods for more complex cases.

Quick Note Before You Begin

  • Make sure you have administrator privileges on your Windows 11 device, as some steps require elevated permissions.
  • Back up any important data before starting troubleshooting, just to be safe.
  • Have a stable power source or keep your device plugged in during the process to avoid interruptions.
  • If you are unfamiliar with Command Prompt or system files, proceed carefully and follow the steps exactly.

Step 1: Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary glitches that cause the “Autochk Not Found” error. Restarting refreshes system files and services, which might fix the issue if it was caused by a minor fault.

To restart your computer:

  1. Click on the Start menu.
  2. Select the Power icon.
  3. Click on “Restart”.

After your PC restarts, check if the error message still appears.

Step 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) Scan

The Autochk tool is a system file, and it might be missing or corrupted. Running the System File Checker scan helps repair missing or damaged Windows files automatically.

Here’s how to run the SFC scan:

  1. Press Win + S to open the search bar, type Command Prompt.
  2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. This is necessary because repairing system files requires admin access.
  3. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

This scan might take some time. Wait patiently until it completes. If any problems are found, Windows will attempt to fix them automatically.

Once the scan finishes, restart your computer and see if the error persists.

Step 3: Check the Path of Autochk.exe

Windows uses a specific path to locate the Autochk tool. If this path is incorrect or the file is missing, the system will show the error.

To verify and fix the path, follow these steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator (same as Step 2).
  2. Type the following command and press Enter:
where autock.exe

If the system cannot find the file, it means the Autochk.exe file is missing or misplaced.

By default, Autochk.exe is located in the C:WindowsSystem32 folder. You can manually check this folder by opening File Explorer and navigating there.

If the file is missing, proceed to the next step to restore it.

Step 4: Restore Autochk.exe from a Working Windows 11 PC

If Autochk.exe is missing or corrupted, you can copy it from another Windows 11 PC that’s working correctly.

Follow these steps:

  1. On the working PC, open C:WindowsSystem32.
  2. Locate autochk.exe.
  3. Copy the file to a USB drive or any external storage.
  4. On the PC showing the error, paste autochk.exe into the same location: C:WindowsSystem32.
  5. Restart your PC and check if the error is resolved.

This method works because Autochk.exe is a standard Windows system file and should be identical on all Windows 11 machines.

Step 5: Use DISM Tool for Advanced Repair

If the SFC scan did not fix the issue, you can try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. DISM repairs the Windows system image and can fix deeper problems.

Here’s how to run DISM:

  1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

The first command checks for corruption, and the second attempts to repair any issues found.

This process may take several minutes. After it finishes, restart your computer and see if the “Autochk Not Found” error is gone.

Alternative Method: Use Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE)

If your PC cannot boot normally, you might need to access the Windows Recovery Environment to fix system files.

To enter WinRE:

  1. Turn off your PC completely.
  2. Press the power button, and as soon as Windows starts to load, hold the power button to force shutdown. Repeat this 2-3 times.
  3. After the third forced shutdown, Windows should enter the recovery environment automatically.
  4. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
  5. Run the sfc /scannow and DISM commands here as explained earlier.

This method allows you to repair system files when the PC cannot boot normally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Autochk and why is it important?

Autochk is a built-in Windows utility that checks the integrity of your hard drive during startup. It helps detect and fix disk errors early, preventing data loss or system crashes.

Can I ignore the “Autochk Not Found” error?

Ignoring this error is not recommended because it means the system is unable to perform crucial disk checks, which can lead to further problems.

Does this error mean my hard drive is failing?

Not necessarily. The error usually indicates a missing or corrupted system file rather than a hardware failure. However, it’s good to check your hard drive health regularly.

Is it safe to copy Autochk.exe from another PC?

Yes, as long as the other PC runs the same version and edition of Windows 11, copying Autochk.exe is safe and effective.

Do I need to reinstall Windows 11 to fix this error?

Reinstalling Windows is rarely necessary. Most users can fix the issue using system repair tools like SFC and DISM.

When Nothing Works

If none of the above methods fix the “Autochk Not Found” error, you have a few last-resort options:

  • Perform a System Restore: Restore your PC to a previous working state through Windows Recovery options.
  • Reset Windows 11: Use the Reset feature to reinstall Windows without affecting your files (optional to keep data).
  • Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft support website for personalized help and guidance.
  • Check Hardware: Run diagnostics on your hard drive using tools provided by your PC manufacturer to rule out hardware issues.

Conclusion

The “Autochk Not Found” error on Windows 11 is usually caused by missing or corrupted system files related to disk checking. By following simple steps like restarting your PC, running the SFC and DISM tools, and verifying the location of Autochk.exe, you can resolve the issue effectively.

Copying the Autochk.exe file from a working PC or using the Windows Recovery Environment are reliable alternatives if standard methods don’t work. Always remember to back up your data and proceed carefully when dealing with system files.

With patience and the right approach, you can fix this error and ensure your system’s disk health checks run smoothly again.

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