Disk read error occured on windows startup (Infrequent, sometimes happens, sometimes requires 5x restarts to boot)

Troubleshooting Intermittent Disk Read Errors During Windows 10 Startup

Experiencing sporadic disk read errors during Windows startup can be both frustrating and concerning. If your system sometimes fails to boot properly, requiring multiple restart attempts, it’s essential to identify the root cause and determine the appropriate solution. In this article, we will explore potential causes, interpret disk health reports, and suggest steps to resolve the issue effectively.

Understanding the Symptoms

Many users report infrequent but persistent boot problems where Windows 10 experiences disk read errors, occasionally requiring several restarts before achieving a successful boot. These issues can be caused by hardware or software factors, and pinpointing the precise cause is crucial for efficient resolution.

Analyzing Disk Health

In your case, you’ve checked the health status of your primary drive using CrystalDiskInfo, which reports a 70% health level on your Samsung SSD 850 EVO 250GB. While this indicates some wear, it is generally still within acceptable operational limits, as SSDs often operate reliably even below 100% health. However, a health percentage alone doesn’t tell the full story, especially if intermittent errors occur.

Potential Causes of Disk Read Errors

• Hardware Failures or Deterioration: Despite a decent health report, SSDs can develop issues over time, such as bad sectors or controller problems.
• Connection Issues: Loose or faulty SATA cables or power connections can lead to intermittent read errors.
• System Software or Drivers: Outdated or corrupted drivers, firmware, or Windows system files can cause startup issues.
• Other Hardware Components: Issues with the motherboard, RAM, or other connected drives could indirectly affect disk performance.

Considering the Other Drives

You mentioned having two additional NVMe storage devices. While these are not directly implicated in your current problem, they can sometimes influence system stability, especially if shared resources or connections are involved.

Next Steps and Recommendations

1. Check Physical Connections

2. Ensure all SATA cables and power connections to your SSD are secure.

3. If possible, replace the SATA cable to rule out potential faults.

4. Verify that your SSD is connected to a stable and functioning port.

5. Update Firmware and Drivers

6. Visit Samsung’s official website to download and install the latest firmware updates for your SSD.

7. Update your motherboard’s chipset drivers and storage controller drivers.

8. Run Diagnostics

9. Use Samsung Magician Software to perform