Medium Operating Systems ✓ Solution Verified by Community (0+ upvotes)

How to fix error error-seek in Windows 11

ERROR_SEEK = 25

65% success rate
👥 0+ users verified
📅 Updated: 2026-08-12
⏱️ 60 min read
Fix based on community reports and expert analysis. Last verified: 2026-08-12 · How we verify fixes
Error Codeerror-seek
Affected SystemWindows 11 (Microsoft)
DifficultyMedium
Estimated Time60 min
Requires Admin Rights⚠️ Yes
Requires Reboot🔄 Yes

Solution Steps

  1. 1 Back up your data immediately if the drive is accessible. Copy important files to another drive using File Explorer. This is critical because seek errors often indicate a failing drive.
  2. 2 Run Check Disk (chkdsk) to fix file system errors and bad sectors. Open Command Prompt as administrator (Windows key + X, select 'Terminal (Admin)'), type 'chkdsk C: /f /r' (replace C: with the drive letter), and press Enter. If prompted, type 'Y' and restart. This scans and attempts to repair the drive.
  3. 3 Check the drive's health using the Windows Error Checking tool. Open File Explorer, right-click the drive, select 'Properties', go to 'Tools', and click 'Check'. Follow the prompts.
  4. 4 If the drive is external, try a different USB port and cable. A loose connection can cause seek errors. Also, try connecting directly to the motherboard instead of a hub.
  5. 5 Update the drive's driver. Press Windows key + X, select 'Device Manager', expand 'Disk drives', right-click your drive, and select 'Update driver'. Choose 'Search automatically for drivers'.
  6. 6 If the drive is internal, check the SATA cable and power connection. Reseat the cables to ensure a firm connection. If possible, try a different SATA port.
  7. 7 If chkdsk cannot fix the errors, the drive may be physically failing. Consider using data recovery software or contacting a professional data recovery service.

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