ntfsfix

Fix a given NTFS partition

$ sudo ntfsfix [/dev/sdXN]

ntfsfix [options] device

ntfsfix fixes common NTFS problems that prevent the filesystem from being mounted. It resets the NTFS journal, clears the dirty flag, and repairs some structural issues without performing a full filesystem check.
This tool is useful when Windows was not shut down properly and the NTFS partition is marked as needing a check (dirty). It allows Linux to mount the partition in read-write mode without booting into Windows first.
For comprehensive NTFS repair, Windows' built-in chkdsk should be used, as ntfsfix only handles basic issues that prevent mounting.

-b, --clear-bad-sectors

Clear the list of bad sectors

Clear the dirty flag on the volume

Perform a dry run; don't actually write changes

Not a full repair tool; use Windows chkdsk for comprehensive repairs. The partition must be unmounted. Does not fix all NTFS corruption—serious issues still require Windows. Part of the ntfs-3g package.

ntfs-3g(8), mount(8), fsck(8)