Need to recover partition table in Windows 10? This guide covers 3 methods for corrupted or missing partitions, plus data recovery with AOMEI FastRecovery when partition repair fails. Keep reading.
You turn on your computer, and instead of Windows loading, you see a black screen with the message: "Invalid Partition Table".
Your heart sinks. What does it mean? Is your data gone forever?
The partition table is the structure that tells your operating system where your hard drive's partitions are located and how to access them. When it becomes corrupted, Windows can't find your data but that doesn't mean your data is lost. In most cases, the partition table can be repaired or recovered without losing any files.
Not sure which method fits your situation? Here's a quick guide:
| ❓ Your Situation | 🎯 Best Solution |
|---|---|
| Computer won't boot, and you have a Windows installation disc | Solution 1: Command Prompt |
| Computer won't boot, and you don't have a Windows disc | Solution 2: AOMEI Partition Assistant (Bootable USB) |
| Computer boots, but a partition shows as Unallocated | Solution 3: A Partition Recovery Wizard |
A corrupted partition table usually shows clear warning signs:
The drive appears as Unallocated or Not Initialized in Disk Management.
You receive error messages like "Invalid Partition Table" or "No boot sector on internal hard drive".
Your computer won't boot properly, or you can't access certain partitions.
To verify the issue:
Once confirmed, you can proceed with the appropriate recovery method below.
If you have a Windows installation CD or DVD, you can use it to access the Command Prompt and repair a broken partition table, even if your computer won't boot normally.
Step 1. Insert the Windows installation disc, restart your computer, and boot from the disc.
Step 2. At the Welcome screen, click Repair your computer.
Step 3. Then, select Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
Step 4. In the Command Prompt window, type the following commands one by one, pressing Enter after each:
Restart your computer and wait. The partition table should be repaired, and your system should boot normally.
If you don't have Windows installation media, you can use AOMEI Partition Assistant, a professional partition management tool that includes a "Rebuild MBR" feature. This method works even when your computer can't boot - you just need another working computer to create a bootable USB.
Step 1. On a working computer, download and install AOMEI Partition Assistant. Insert an empty USB drive into the computer. Then, select Tools > Make Bootable Media and follow the on-screen instructions to create one.
Step 2. Connect the bootable USB drive to the computer that won't boot. Change the BIOS boot order to boot from it.
Step 3. After loading, you'll see AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right-click the disk with the partition table issue and select Rebuild MBR.
Step 4. Select the correct MBR type for your operating system and click OK.
Step 5. Click Proceed, then go back to the main screen and click Apply to save the changes.
The MBR is rebuilt, and your partition table should be restored.
If your computer still boots but a partition shows as Unallocated in Disk Management, you can use the Partition Recovery wizard in AOMEI Partition Assistant to recover the lost partition.
This tool is designed to recover deleted or lost partitions caused by accidental deletion, system shutdown, corruption, or partition table damage. It can restore both the partition and the data stored on it.
Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, click Recover > Partition Recovery. Then, select the disk that lost the partition.
Step 2. Choose Fast Search for quick scanning or Full Search for a more thorough scan.
Step 3. After scanning, select the corrupted partition and click Proceed to recover partition table in Windows 10.
The lost partition should be restored, and your data should be accessible. You can check this in Windows File Explorer.
If the Recovery Wizard doesn't recover your lost partition, you can still manually create a new volume in Disk Management. However, be aware that creating a new partition will erase all data in that space. This should only be used as a last resort when recovery tools have failed.
Step 1. Press Win + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter to open Disk Management.
Step 2. Locate the unallocated space on your hard drive, right-click it, and select New Simple Volume.
Step 3. Follow the New Simple Volume Wizard, assign a drive letter, and click Finish to complete the process.
After trying the methods above, you may find that some partitions are still missing or show as Unallocated or RAW in Disk Management, and your data is still inaccessible.
In this case, you don't have to keep chasing the partition table. AOMEI FastRecovery offers a different method. It bypasses the partition table entirely and scans your disk directly for recoverable files.
Step 1. Download and install AOMEI FastRecovery on a working Windows PC. Connect the disk with the lost partition to your computer. Then, click Partition Lost Recovery.
Step 2. Choose the disk with lost partitions (marked with a *), and click Scan. AOMEI FastRecovery will scan the disk thoroughly for recoverable files.
Step 3. Once the scan finishes, check all data on the lost partition and click Recover.
To locate individual files quickly, use the Search box to type file names or extensions (e.g., .jpg, .png), or click the Filter button to narrow down by file type (Images, Documents, etc.) or size. You can also preview files by double-clicking them.
A corrupted partition table can be alarming but in most cases, it's fixable without losing your data.
Here's the simple rule:
Use Solution 1 (Command Prompt) if your computer won't boot and you have a Windows installation disc.
Use Solution 2 (AOMEI Partition Assistant) if your computer won't boot and you don't have a Windows disc.
Use Solution 3 (Partition Recovery wizard) if your computer boots but a partition shows as Unallocated.
Try AOMEI FastRecovery if all the repair methods fail and you want to get your data back quickly.
To prevent future partition table corruption:
Always shut down properly: Avoid forced shutdowns, which can corrupt the partition table.
Back up your files regularly: The best way to keep your data safe is to back up your files on an external hard drive or cloud storage.
Keep a bootable USB handy: Create a bootable USB with partition recovery tools before you need it.
Your data is worth protecting. Start recovery now.