In a magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus of a type wherein a magnetic disk having a magnetic recording layer formed on a rigid substrate is rotated at a high speed and magnetic recording and reproduction are conducted by the magnetic head disposed on the surface of the disk, the magnetic recording and reproducing apparatus being characterized in that the magnetic recording layer constitutes an oxide layer, a nitride layer or an oxidized coating film at at least its surface layer, and the magnetic recording and reproducing are conducted by the magnetic head which is caused to be substantially in contact with the surface of magnetic disk at at least the innermost cylinder of the magnetic disk.