How to Fix The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable error in Windows 10 [Steps]

Tips to fix The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable error in Windows 10/11:

In this article, we are going to discuss on How to fix The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable error in Windows 10/11. You will be guided with easy steps/methods to resolve the issue. Let’s starts the discussion.

‘The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable’ error: It is common Windows Problem considered as external storage problem. This issue is usually occurred when you connect an external storage device like external hard drive, USB flash drive, SD card, and more to your Windows 10/11 computer. This issue can be occurred on all Windows OS versions including Windows 10/8/7 or Windows 11. When you try to access your external hard drive or USB drive in Windows computer, you may experience ‘The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable’ error on the screen.

There could be several reasons behind the issue including the interference of third-party antivirus/firewall program, corruption in system files or registry, or in system image or hard disk drives, outdated/corrupted Windows OS, RAW File System and other issues. It is possible to fix the issue with our instructions. Let’s starts the discussion.

How to fix The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable error in Windows 10/11?

Method 1: Fix The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable error with ‘PC Repair Tool’

‘PC Repair Tool’ is easy & quick way to find and fix BSOD errors, DLL errors, EXE errors, problems with programs/applications, malware or viruses infections in computer, system files or registry issues, and other system issues with just few clicks.

Method 2: Change the location of inaccessible files

One possible way to fix the issue is to change the location of files that you are unable to access it in computer. By changing the location of those inaccessible files, you have chance to open it normally.

Method 3: Disable or uninstall anti-malware

This issue can be occurred due to interference of third-party antivirus/firewall program installed in your computer. You can disable your third-party antivirus/firewall program in computer in order to fix the issue and check if it works for you.

Method 4: Scan drive for Disk Properties

Step 1: Open ‘File Explorer’ in Windows PC, find and right-click on hard drive that is causing this error, and select ‘Properties’

Step 2: Click ‘Tools’ tab. You will see ‘Check’ button. Click on it to scan the hard drive.

Step 3: If there is any error found on the hard drive, it will remind you and you can choose to repair the hard drive. Once done, check if it works for you.

Method 5: Perform the Startup Repair of the disk

Step 1: Open ‘Settings’ App in Windows PC via Windows Search Box and go to ‘Update and Security > Recovery’ and click ‘Restart Now’

Step 2: Once you are in Windows Recovery Environment, click ‘Troubleshoot > Advanced Options > Startup Repair’ and follow on-screen instructions to finish repairing. Once finished, check if the issue is resolved.

Method 6: Perform a Disk check through Command Prompt

Step 1: Type ‘cmd’ in Windows Search Box and press ‘SHIFT + ENTER’ keys on keyboard to open ‘Command Prompt as Administrator’

Step 2: Type ‘chkdsk /f x:’ command and hit ‘Enter’ key to execute. Once executed, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Method 7: Format the storage device drive without losing data

You can format the drive that is causing error in order to fix the issue.

Step 1: Open ‘File Explorer’ in Windows PC and go to your damaged external hard drive

Step 2: Right-click on it and select ‘Format’ option

Step 3: Tick ‘Quick Format’ under ‘Format Options’ and choose the file system correctly, and click ‘Start’ button to start formatting. Once done, check if the issue is resolved.

Method 8: Perform System Restore

If the issue is still persist, you can perform system restore in computer in order to fix the issue.

Step 1: Press ‘Windows + R’ keys on keyboard, type ‘rstrui’ in ‘Run’ window and hit ‘Ok’ button to open ‘System Restore’ app

Step 2: Click ‘Next’, select a valid restore point according to date & time when there was no issue at all in computer, and then click ‘Next > Finish’ to start restoring process and once done, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Conclusion

I am sure this post helped you on How to fix The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable error in Windows 10/11 with easy ways. You can read & follow our instructions to do so. That’s all. For any suggestions or queries, please write on comment box below.