How to Fix Disk Signature Collision Error in Windows 11

Discover how our experts managed to fix the problem

4 min. read

Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Key notes

Disks are a critical part of the PC and store both the operating system and the personal files. While some users have reportedslower disk performance, it doesn’t pose as big a problem as theDisk Signature Collisionerror, which turns disks inaccessible.

The error message when hovering over the disk in Disk Management reads,This disk is offline because it has a signature collision with another disk that is online.Any of the affected disks will be listed asOffline. So, let’s find out all about the error!

What does a signature collision mean?

Disk Signatures are unique IDs allotted by Windows to each storage device to distinguish between them and perform operations. This data is a part of the MBR (Master Boot Record) and is vital for various reasons.

So, when two drives have identical disk signatures, Windows turns one offline to avoid conflicts.

Here are a few reasons you come across theDisk Signature Collisionerror:

How do I fix the Disk Signature Collision error?

1. Turn the disk online

That’s it! Often the simplest solution to fix disk signature collision errors in Windows 10 is to turn the drive online.

2. Change the disk signature

The disk ID is a simple eight-digit alpha-numeric figure. We choose1415ADEBas the disk signature for the ID, while you can choose anything else. And this will help fix signature collision with another disk.

Also, if you get an Access is denied error when you change identifier usinguniqueidcommand of Diskpart, disableControlled Folder Accessto proceed since it is blocking the change.

3. Run Startup repair

When nothing else works, the built-in Startup Repair utility should do the trick in the case of the disk signature collision error. Since the problem has the potential to prevent Windows from booting, Startup Repair looks for it and eliminates any inconsistencies.

Which is the command to capture disk signature in Windows?

That’s all there’s to fixing the disk signature collision error in Windows 11, as well as any other iteration of the OS.

And once you are done, do not forget to check some quick tips toincrease the file transfer rate in Windows.

For any queries or to share which solution worked for you, drop a comment below.

How to Fix Disk Signature Collision Error in Windows 11#

What does a signature collision mean?#

How do I fix the Disk Signature Collision error?#

1. Turn the disk online#

2. Change the disk signature#

3. Run Startup repair#

Which is the command to capture disk signature in Windows?#