NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error in Windows 11: How to fix it

Have you ever encountered the dreaded blue screen on your Windows 11 computer showing the error NTFS_FILE_SYSTEMThis failure, also known as stop code 0x00000024, it can completely lock your PC and prevent you from accessing your data or continuing to use your computer normally.

Although it's alarming when it appears unexpectedly, the truth is that this problem can be solved, whether you can start your computer or not even reach the desktop. In this article, we explain the causes and solutionsWe'll also teach you how to prevent it, recover your data, and avoid future problems.

Why do I get the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error in Windows 11?

The error NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM is part of the well-known Blue Screen of Death (BSoD), or blue screens of death, which indicate that the operating system has detected a critical hardware or software failure. Specifically, This error is linked to the file ntfs.sys, which is the driver responsible for allowing Windows to read and write data on drives with NTFS format (the file system used by default in Windows).

When Windows cannot properly access data on the system partition, it displays this message and renders your computer inoperable until the root cause is resolved. The most common reasons why you might encounter this error in Windows 11 these are:

• Corrupt or missing Windows system files due to improper shutdowns, malware attacks, or failed updates.
• Outdated, corrupt, or incompatible disk drivers that prevent correct access to the disk.
• Corruption or damage to the file system: Bad sectors, damaged essential files, or inconsistent internal structure.
• RAM errors, which make it difficult to process the information needed to start up correctly.
• Insufficient space on the system partition, which can prevent Windows from functioning properly and cause read/write errors.
• Physical problems with the hard drive: mechanical failures, bad sectors or logical/physical damage.
• Using certain backup applications, antivirus or defragmentation programs which concur with disk access and can cause conflicts.

Understanding the source of the error is key to successfully resolving it, as the approach will vary depending on whether it's a software or hardware issue.

What to do before attempting any repair?

Before you jump into applying solutions, there are two basic recommendations that can help you avoid losing important data or complicating the problem:

• As far as possible, back up your dataIf the drive is still responding, connect the drive to another computer or use bootable media to try to extract critical files.
• If after seeing the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error the PC restarts automatically and boots normally, makes a diagnosis and follow the steps as soon as possible, since Recidivism can aggravate the damage.

 

Top Methods to Fix NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM Error in Windows 11

Let's review, in detail and step by step, all the options you can try To resolve the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error, either from the system itself, from safe mode, or by booting from external media.

Boot into Safe Mode in Windows 11

El Safe Mode It is a special boot environment that loads only essential drivers and services, making it easier to identify and repair serious faults.

1. Accede to Configuration.
2. Then click System and select the option Recovery.
3. In the Advanced Startup Options, choose Restart now.
4. Click on Solve problems.
5. There go to Advanced.
6. Choose Startup configuration and click Restart.
7. When the system displays the options, press F4 for basic safe mode or F5 for safe mode with networking.

After this, you must log in and attempt the repairs detailed in the following sections.

Use Event Viewer to identify the cause

El Events viewer Windows logs all system errors, including disk and NTFS errors. Here's what you should do:

1. Open Event Viewer (search for “events” in the Start menu).
2. Ir a «Windows logs.
3. Then you have to click on System and filter for errors.
4. Search for events related to NTFS and note details such as the code and when it occurred, which can give you clues about the true origin of the failure.

Diagnosing and testing RAM memory

An damaged RAM can cause file errors and bad sectors. Windows includes a diagnostic tool:

1. Type "diagnosis" in the search engine and select Windows memory diagnostics.
2. Click on "Restart now and check for problems."
3. The computer will perform a comprehensive memory test and display the results after restarting. If errors are detected, you'll need to replace the faulty RAM module.

Free up space on the system drive

Lack of disk space on your system can trigger the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error. If your Windows disk is over 85-90% full, stability will suffer. To free up space:

1. Search "Disk Cleanup" and select drive C:
2. Click on "Clean system files" and select the C: drive again.
3. Mark the items to be deleted (temporary files, trash, etc.) and confirm.
4. Delete large or useless files manually if necessary.

Update, check, and verify hard drive drivers

Un Corrupt or incompatible disk controller is often responsible for this error.. To minimize risks:

1. Right click on the Start button and select Device administrator.
2. Deploy the Disk drives, right click on the system drive and choose Update Driver.
3. If no update is found, you can uninstall the driver and restart your computer so Windows can automatically reinstall it.
4. Use the command verifier.exe to check the integrity and digital signatures of installed drivers.

Check and repair the file system and sectors of the hard drive

Microsoft itself recommends use built-in tools like CHKDSK and SFC To fix file system corruption:

1. Opens Terminal (Administrator) o Symbol of the system with elevated privileges.
2. Write chkdsk /f c: to repair errors on the C: drive (confirm if it asks for a restart).
3. Then run sfc /scannow to scan and repair essential Windows files.

Use Startup Repair and Windows Recovery Options

When the system does not boot, you can resort to the recovery environment of Windows (WinRE) using a USB or force restarting the computer three times.

1. Accede to Solve problems.
2. Go to Advanced.
3. Choose Startup repair. Windows will detect and correct problems that prevent it from booting.

If you need more control, select the Symbol of the system and execute commands like bootrec /fixmbr, bootrec /fixboot y bootrec /scanos to restore the boot.

Reset Windows 11 to its original state

If none of the above solutions work, you can try reset windows 11 keeping or deleting your files:

1. Accede to Start > Settings > System > Recovery.
2. Press on Reset this PC and choose whether to keep or delete your personal files.
3. You can choose between local reinstallation or cloud download.

This solution deletes all settings, apps, and data except for personal data if you choose. Don't forget to back up your data first.

What if I lose data after fixing the error?

It's not uncommon to find that documents, photos, or other files are missing after resolving the NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error. Act quickly to try to recover them, since the more time passes, the more likely they are to be overwritten.

• Use a recovery utility like Disk Drill or other recovery tool to search for deleted files.
• Install the tool on a different drive than the one you want to recover (to avoid overwriting data).
• Scan the affected drive, select the files you want to recover, and save them to another safe location.

Remember that this type of software can recover files in different states: deleted, existing, or reconstructed; and the success rate will depend on the time elapsed and the degree of damage or overwriting.

How to prevent future NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM errors

Prevention is better than cure. Take note of these recommendations to keep your computer safe from this and other critical errors:

• Make regular backups of your important documents and files. You can use OneDrive, Google Drive, or an external drive.
• Keep your hard drive with enough free space (at least 10-15%) and delete unnecessary files regularly.
• Update drivers and operating system whenever possible to avoid incompatibilities that affect the operation of the hardware.
• Pass disk and RAM analysis a few months. At the slightest sign of errors, perform a complete diagnosis.
• Avoid sudden shutdowns, power outages, or using your computer with defective disks., as they increase the risk of damaging critical files.
• Make sure your antivirus, defragmentation software, and backup programs are compatible with your version of Windows. and do not cause conflicts with NTFS.

The NTFS_FILE_SYSTEM error in Windows 11 can be scary because it appears suddenly and leaves the system unusable. There are several ways to address it, and in most cases, it is possible to restore the computer without regretting the loss of information. Maintaining your computer updated, supervised and cared for It is the best guarantee to avoid blue screens and continue enjoying Windows 11 with peace of mind.