How to use the command 'fsutil' (with examples)

The fsutil command is a powerful utility in the Windows operating system designed primarily for advanced users and system administrators. It provides comprehensive functions to manage and obtain information about file systems and volumes. This command-line tool allows users to perform a range of tasks, from viewing basic volume information to managing the file system’s integrity through various states like the dirty bit and auto-repair.

Understanding how to effectively use fsutil can significantly enhance your ability to maintain and troubleshoot file systems, ensure the health of your storage devices, and manage disk resources effectively.

Use case 1: Display a list of volumes

Code:

fsutil volume list

Motivation:

This command is particularly useful for users who wish to quickly identify all the volumes present on their system. This could be beneficial in scenarios where you are unsure about the volumes connected to the system, such as after adding new disks or when managing a server with multiple attached storage devices.

Explanation:

• fsutil: This is the main command that initiates the file system utility.
• volume: This specifies the component of the file system the user wants to manage or obtain information about.
• list: This argument prompts the command to list all volumes present on the system.

Example output:

Volume C: -\\?\Volume{UUID}\ (NTFS)
Volume D: -\\?\Volume{UUID}\ (FAT32)
Volume E: -\\?\Volume{UUID}\ (exFAT)

Use case 2: Display information about a volume’s file system

Code:

fsutil fsInfo volumeInfo C:

Motivation:

When managing a system, it is crucial to understand the specifics of each volume, including the file system type and features it supports. Knowing this information can help you decide how to handle different volumes or resolve issues related to file system compatibility.

Explanation:

• fsutil: The core utility to access file system operations.
• fsInfo: This component specifies that the user wants to obtain file system information.
• volumeInfo: This is the subcommand used to retrieve information about a particular volume.
• C:: This argument represents the drive letter or path of the specific volume you are inquiring about.

Example output:

Volume Name : C:
File System : NTFS
Max Component Length : 255
Compression : Supported

Use case 3: Display the current state of the file system auto-repair for all volumes

Code:

fsutil repair state

Motivation:

Automatic file system repair is a crucial feature that ensures the integrity of your data by attempting to fix errors without user intervention. Knowing the state of auto-repair can help in diagnosing whether automatic corrections have failed or are disabled, potentially indicating more serious underlying issues.

Explanation:

• fsutil: Initiates the file system command utility.
• repair: This specifies the section of the utility dealing with automatic repairs.
• state: This argument queries the current state of the auto-repair feature for all volumes.

Example output:

AutoRepair for Volume C: is enabled.
AutoRepair for Volume D: is disabled.
AutoRepair for Volume E: is enabled.

Use case 4: Display the dirty bit state of all volumes

Code:

fsutil dirty query

Motivation:

The dirty bit is a file system flag indicating that the file system may be in an inconsistent state. Understanding the dirty bit status helps ensure that a volume is not corrupt and helps initiate disk checks before serious data issues occur.

Explanation:

• fsutil: The primary command for file management tasks.
• dirty: Specifies that the user wants to inquire about the dirty bit.
• query: This argument requests information about the current state of the dirty bit across all volumes.

Example output:

Volume C: is clean
Volume D: is dirty
Volume E: is clean

Use case 5: Set the dirty bit state of a volume

Code:

fsutil dirty set C:

Motivation:

Setting the dirty bit on a volume can be used in scenarios where a manual disk check and repair is needed upon the next system reboot. This is essential for troubleshooting or preparing the system for a controlled repair session.

Explanation:

• fsutil: The main command for managing file systems.
• dirty: Indicates that the operation concerns the dirty bit.
• set: This subcommand alters the state of the dirty bit.
• C:: The drive letter or path of the volume for which you want to set the dirty bit.

Example output:

The dirty bit of volume C: has been set.

Conclusion:

The fsutil command-line utility offers diverse functionalities pivotal for advanced users and system administrators aiming to efficiently manage and maintain the integrity of file systems and volumes within the Windows ecosystem. By leveraging the command’s rich feature set, users can ensure smooth operation, effective troubleshooting, and fine-tuned control over their data storage environments.