NTFS File System error

NTFS File System error on Windows 11 is a critical issue that usually occurs because of outdated hard drive drivers or bad disk sectors. When this blue screen error appears, it clearly indicates that your PC is experiencing a serious problem, and Windows takes the precaution of shutting down to prevent further damage to your system. Outdated or faulty drivers, along with file system corruption, can be the primary culprits behind this issue. Additionally, the presence of bad disk sectors or Certain software installations or updates can conflict with the file system that NTFS File System Error in Windows 11. Let’s find out the reason behind this blue screen error and solutions to fix NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM (or NTFS File System) error on a Windows 11.

What is the NTFS File System?

NTFS, or New Technology File System, is the modern file system used for storing files on computer drives like Hard Disk Drives (HDD) and Solid-State Drives (SSD). It sets the rules for how files are organized, stored, and accessed on the drive. Compared to older file systems like FAT32, NTFS offers better performance, and security, and can handle larger files and storage capacities.

How to Fix NTFS File System Error in Windows 11

The NTFS File System Error in Windows 11 typically occurs due to several potential reasons, outdated or faulty hard drive drivers or bad disk sectors.

  1. File System Corruption: The most common cause is corruption within the NTFS file system itself. This can happen due to sudden power loss, improper shutdowns, or disk errors.
  2. Outdated or Faulty Drivers: Obsolete or malfunctioning device drivers, particularly those related to hard drives, can trigger this error.
  3. Bad Disk Sectors: Physical problems with the hard drive, such as bad sectors, can lead to an NTFS File System Error.
  4. Malware or Virus Infections: Malicious software can corrupt the file system, resulting in this error.
  5. Faulty Hardware: Issues with hardware components like RAM, motherboard, or storage devices can sometimes cause this error.
  6. Recent Software Installations or Updates: Certain software installations or updates can conflict with the file system, resulting the error.

Repair System files and windows image

When critical system files become corrupted, it can lead to instability in the file system, potentially resulting in this error. Additionally, if the Windows image itself is compromised or incomplete, it can cause issues with file operations and lead to errors, including the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM Error.  In such cases run the System file checker utility and DISM restore health command scan, repair or replace the corrupted files to resolve the issue.

Running DISM and SFC scans will find corrupt system files and replace them with working ones.

  • Press the Windows key to access the search box and type “cmd”
  • Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as Administrator”.
  • In the command prompt, input: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth and press Enter.
  • Once the process completes, type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.
  • Wait for the scanning to finish.

Repair Windows 10 Using DISM

Check the Disk drive for Errors

Bad sectors and disk errors on a storage device can disrupt the file system’s operation, leading to NTFS File System errors in Windows 11. Both Windows 10 and 11 provide the free ChkDsk utility to find and fix drive problems.

  • Open the Command Prompt with administrative privileges.
  • Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk /f C:

Note: you can replace “C:” with the appropriate drive letter.

You may receive a message stating that the drive is in use and needs to be scheduled for the next system restart. Type “Y” and press Enter to confirm.

Run chkdsk command

  • Restart your computer to allow ChkDsk to check and repair drive issues during the boot-up process.

Try safe mode or clean boot

If you’re encountering the NTFS File System Error and unable to proceed, consider initiating a clean boot in Windows 11. This streamlined startup mode loads the operating system with minimal apps and drivers. If this resolves the issue, gradually reintroduce apps and services to identify the problematic ones.

  • Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box type msconfig and press Enter.
  • Go to the “Services” tab Check the box that says “Hide all Microsoft services” at the bottom left corner. This ensures you don’t disable essential Windows services.
  • Click on “Disable all” to disable all non-Microsoft services and startup items.
  • Click on “Apply” and then “OK” You’ll be prompted to restart your computer. Click “Restart”.

Hide all Microsoft services

Your computer will now start with a minimal set of services and startup items. If the NTFS File System Error no longer occurs, it suggests that a third-party service or startup item was causing the issue.

NTFS File System Error occurs at startup or before reaching the sign-in screen, try booting into Safe Mode.

Safe Mode Boot

Scan for Virus malware infection

Sometimes, Malicious software can tamper with system files, corrupt the file system, or interfere with essential processes. This interference can result in various errors, including the NTFS File System error.

  • Open  Windows Security (Windows Defender) and select the Virus and Threat Protection tab on the left.
  • Click the Scan options and select full scan option, Press the Scan now button to start.

Windows Security Scan

Also, you can install third-party antivirus or antimalware software to regularly scan your system for potential threats.

Perform startup repair

The startup Repair tool can be a helpful step in resolving NTFS File System errors in Windows 11. Startup Repair is designed to automatically diagnose and fix issues that prevent Windows from booting properly.

  • Insert your Windows installation media (such as a bootable USB drive or DVD) and restart your computer.
  • When your computer starts, you may need to press a key (like F2, F12, Esc, etc.) to access the boot options menu. Select the option to boot from the installation media
  • Choose your language, time format, currency, and keyboard input method, then click “Next”.
  • Click on “Repair your computer” in the bottom left corner.
  • Select your user account and enter the password if required.
  • In the System Recovery Options window, choose “Startup Repair”.

Windows Advanced Options

The tool will attempt to diagnose and automatically repair any issues that prevent Windows from starting properly.

If prompted, follow any additional instructions provided by the tool. After the repair process is complete, restart your computer and check if the NTFS File System error persists.

 Rebuild the boot manager

The Boot Configuration Data (BCD) contains crucial information about how Windows starts. If this data is corrupted or missing, it can lead to boot issues and errors. In such cases, Rebuilding the boot manager help resolve boot-related issues, including those caused by file system errors.

Again boot from installation media and access Advanced Optons. This time choose “Command Prompt”. option and run the following commands.

bootrec /fixmbr
bootrec /fixboot
bootrec /rebuildbcd

After the BCD has been rebuilt, restart your computer and check if the NTFS File System error persists.

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Robeg
I am Robeg founder of this blog. My qualification. completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications love write articles on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.) Cybersecurity, WordPress and more.