5 Ways to Fix The Parameter Is Incorrect Error on Windows 11

Quick Tips

• You can use the Check Disk utility to scan your external storage device for malware or scan it for malware using Microsoft Defender.
• Corrupt system files can also cause such errors, so run SFC and DISM scans.
• If you experience this error with a specific device or storage drive, you may need to format it.

Fix 1: Use Check Disk Utility

Corrupted data is one of the most common reasons you might encounter the “incorrect parameter” error. You can use the Check Disk utility on Windows to repair your external drive.

Step 1: Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer. Select the problematic drive and press Alt + Enter to open its properties.

Step 2: In the Properties window, switch to the Tools tab > click the Check button.

Step 3: Select Scan drive to begin the check disk operation.

Depending on the size of the external drive, this process might take a while. Once it’s done, restart your PC and see if you can access the drive.

Fix 2: Run SFC and DISM Scan

Corrupted or missing system files can trigger the “The parameter is incorrect” error. If that’s the case, running the SFC (System File Checker) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) scans should help.

Step 1: Right-click the Start icon and select Terminal (Admin) from the list.

Step 2: In the console, type the following command and press Enter.

SFC /scannow

Step 3: Run the following commands one by one and press Enter after each one to run the DISM scan:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Restart your PC after the scan is complete and check if the issue is still there.

Fix 3: Scan for Malware

Another reason you might face the “Parameter is Incorrect” error is if the external drive connected to your PC is infected with malware. To rule out this possibility, try scanning the external drive using Microsoft Defender.

Step 1: Open the File Explorer on your PC > right-click on the external drive > select Show more options.

Step 2: Select Scan with Microsoft Defender.

This will initiate a thorough scan of the external drive and report any threats if found.

Fix 4: Update Disk Driver

If the drive is free from errors, the issue may be related to outdated or corrupted disk drivers on your PC. Updating these drivers should resolve the issue. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Right-click on the Start icon > select Device Manager from the list.

Step 2: In the Device Manager window, expand Disk drives. Right-click on the problematic driver > select Update driver.

Fix 5: Format the Drive

If nothing else works, you must format the drive as a last resort. However, formatting the drive will erase all its content, so we recommend backing up important files before proceeding.

Step 1: In the File Explorer window, right-click on the problematic drive and select Format.

Step 2: Name your drive > tick Quick Format > hit Start.