LOGO Mobile menu
Download SpyShelter

What’s chkdsk.exe (Check Disk Utility)? Is it safe or a virus?

Chkdsk.exe, or Check Disk Utility, is a command-line tool in Microsoft Windows used to analyze and repair issues with the file system and storage devices. It scans the integrity of the file system, locates bad sectors on the disk, and attempts to recover readable data stored in damaged areas. Additionally, it fixes logical file system errors, such as corrupted entries or cross-linked files, and verifies the integrity of file metadata. It is commonly used to maintain disk health, troubleshoot errors, and ensure data consistency on hard drives, SSDs, or external storage devices connected to the system.

Researched by Laura @ SpyShelter Labs

Recently Detected Threats

A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.

Download SpyShelter to see detailed safety information about every .exe on your PC.

Check your PC for threats

More about chkdsk.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes chkdsk.exe (Check Disk Utility)?

We’ve found Microsoft Windows should be the publisher of chkdsk.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: March 10, 2025

Curious about other processes on your PC?
Try SpyShelter or search below.

Or browse the process directory by name:

Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

Have any questions? Please join our free public SpyShelter PC Security Forum and talk cybersecurity with our USA-based team. We love talking about PC Security and we’d like to get to know you.

Join our PC security forum →