This guide explains Error Code 36 in Windows, often appearing as a can't be read or written or cannot copy file I/O error. Read to find the meaning and follow easy steps to fix it.
What is Error Code 36? Error Code 36 in Windows usually points to an I/O problem, which means the system has trouble reading or writing data. This error often appears when you copy files, especially if a file is damaged, the drive has no space, or you do not have the right permissions. In some cases, it can also appear during user profile transferrence or in Device Manager when hardware cannot communicate properly.
When the error happens during file copying, it often suggests the file or the storage device has an issue. Make sure the destination drive has enough space and that you have permission to write to it. It also helps to check the drive for errors and confirm that none of the files are corrupted. Problems with an SD card, such as a faulty adapter, poor contact, low power supply, or outdated USB drivers, can also trigger I/O errors.
If the error appears during profile migration or backup tasks, it may be caused by a temporary user profile. Restarting the computer usually clears this. If it does not, you may need to remove the temporary profile entry in the registry and log in again.
In Device Manager, Error Code 36 shows that Windows failed to translate an Interrupt Request, which points to a hardware conflict. Checking for devices marked with a warning sign and updating or reseating the hardware can often solve it.
Overall, Error Code 36 means Windows cannot access the data or device correctly. Checking the file, drive, and hardware conditions one by one usually leads to the cause.
If your computer's storage device driver is outdated, damaged, or incompatible with the attached device, it may interfere with its input/output functionality.
Step 1. Right-click the Start menu and select Device Manager.
Step 2. Expand the Disk Drives section.
Step 3. Right-click the device you want to update and select Update Driver.
Step 4. Choose Search automatically for drivers, then follow the on-screen instructions to complete the update.
The Error Code 36 and I/O device error on an external hard drive can sometimes be resolved using the Command Prompt. It scans both the external and internal drives, repairing any disk issues to fix the problem.
Step 1. To start, type "Command Prompt" in the search bar next to the Start menu.
Step 2. Right-click the Command Prompt option and choose "Run as administrator".
Step 3. Next, enter the command chkdsk G:/f/r/x in the window and press Enter. Be sure to replace "g" with the correct drive letter for the hard drive experiencing the I/O error.
If using command lines feels difficult or risky, you can let AOMEI Partition Assistant handle the CHKDSK check for you. Its clean and easy interface guides you through the process in just a few clicks, giving you a safer and more comfortable way to check your disk.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
Step 1. Download and open AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the external hard drive, select “Advanced” and click “Check Partition”.
Step 2. In the check options window, here we choose “Check partition and fix errors in the partition using chkdsk.exe” and you can also choose other check options, and click “OK”.
And wait for the check program to finish. Then restart the computer.
When you start your computer, BIOS will activate various boot components, so incorrect BIOS settings can lead to Error Code 36 or “an unexpected I/O error has occurred” error. Then you can set the BIOS to default settings to fix it.
Step 1. Power on your computer, and enter the BIOS setup.
Step 2. Select “Load Optimal Defaults”, commonly it is under the “Exit” tab. Or you can press “F9” to directly execute this operation.
Then, BIOS will be set to default settings. And check if your computer can boot successfully. If it can’t, try other solutions.
If the earlier solutions do not fix the problem, you can try formatting your hard drive. Formatting the external hard drive can fix Error Code 36 and other I/O issues because it rebuilds the entire file system. When a drive contains corrupted data or damaged structures that prevent files from being read or copied, formatting clears these problems and gives the disk a fresh start. This often restores normal performance when all other methods fail.
If you are unsure how to format a drive, AOMEI Partition Assistant offers a much easier and safer way to do it. Its clean and intuitive interface guides you through every step, so you do not need technical knowledge or command-line skills. With just a few clicks, you can repair the file system, refresh the drive, and eliminate stubborn file copy errors. This makes AOMEI Partition Assistant an ideal choice for users who want a simple and reliable solution.
The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer
Step 1. Open AOMEI Partition Assistant, and right-click “Format Partition”.
Step 2. Then choose the file system of your external hard drive, and click “OK”.
Step 3. View the pending operation and click “Apply” to start formatting.
Error Code 36 is a common Windows issue that usually indicates an input/output (I/O) problem, which can stop your system from reading or writing data properly. It often appears when copying files due to corruption, insufficient drive space, or permission restrictions. The error can also stem from hardware conflicts in Device Manager or temporary user profile problems during migration.
To fix this error, start with straightforward solutions. If these steps do not work, formatting the external hard drive can fully restore the file system and resolve persistent issues, though it will erase all data on the drive.
By following these practical troubleshooting steps, you can effectively address Error Code 36, eliminate file copy problems, and restore smooth, reliable performance on your Windows PC. Using a user-friendly tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant can make the process even easier and safer, helping you fix the error without technical hassle.