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The Request Could Not be Performed Because of an I/O Device Error [Fix]
Make sure the connections are in order
5 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error. You’ve probably seen the dreaded message indicating aproblem with your external drive, USB, hard drive, or similar. Don’t worry; as always, we’re here to help you.
Today, we’ll explore what causes the error and give you some effective solutions to quickly resolve it.
What does The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error mean?
The I/O (short for input/output) device error occurs when Windows can’t perform input/output operations while trying to access the drive. I/O actions can be reading or copying information, while the drive affected can be a hard drive, USB, CD/DVD, or any other storage medium.
Several factors may be responsible for an I/O device error, including:
Now that you know the most common causes behind the I/O device error, let’s move on to our trusted solutions:
How do I fix the request could not be performed because of an I/O device error?
Before trying any advanced fixes, do these preliminary checks:
1. Update the device drivers
Alternatively, you canupdate your drivers via Windows Updateormanually by downloading driversfrom your manufacturer’s website. To make things even easier, you can useautomatic driver update software.
If you cannot update any faulty drivers or find any device with a yellow exclamation sign, try uninstalling them instead.
Outbyte Driver Updater
2. Run the hardware troubleshooter
Windows hardware and devices troubleshooteris a handy built-in tool to help you fix problems with your hardware and devices, e.g., peripherals, network connection, external drives, etc.
3. Change the drive letter
An incorrect drive letter can result in an I/O error. To fix this, you can try changing it.
Keep in mind that sometimes, the option to change it will be unavailable. This happens if yourdrive is uninitializedor you don’t have permission to execute such changes.
4. Repair disk errors
Thechkdsk (Check Disk)is a Windows built-in error-checking tool to scan and fix issues with storage devices. You may also try running it in a clean boot.
If nothing else works, you can alwaysformat your hard drive. Though, know that if you choose this option, you’ll lose all your data on it. It might be a good idea to try adata recovery toolto recover the files from the device first.
EncounteringThe request could not be performed because of an I/O device errorcan undoubtedly be frustrating. But, as you saw, it’s possible to resolve the issue with the right troubleshooting.
Did you manage to do it? Let us know in the comments which solution worked best for you.
More about the topics:external hard drive,Fix Hard Drive issues,USB issues
Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Passionate about technology,Windows, and everything that has a power button, he spent most of his time developing new skills and learning more about the tech world.
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, with a complete expertise in touch-based devices, he is constantly keeping an eye out for the latest and greatest!
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Vlad Turiceanu
Windows Editor
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.
