How to Repair Corrupted System Files and Restore Windows Health
Published Sept. 17, 2024, 6:49 p.m. by Admin
If you're facing performance issues or system file corruption on your Windows 10 machine, there are built-in tools that can help repair the operating system. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) to diagnose and repair system issues.
Step 1: Run SFC (System File Checker)
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Type "CMD" in the Windows Taskbar search.
- Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select Run as Administrator.
Alternatively, if you can't boot into Windows, use the Windows 10 installation media to access "Repair Your Computer" from the second screen. Then, go to "Troubleshoot" > "Advanced Options" > "Command Prompt".
- Run the SFC Command:
- Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
- This will scan your system for corrupted or missing system files and attempt to repair them automatically.
If corrupted files are found, the system will try to fix them. It’s recommended to run the SFC scan up to three times, especially if errors are reported.
Step 2: Use DISM to Repair the Windows Image
If the SFC tool cannot repair the files or you receive messages stating that some files are irreparable, the next step is to use the DISM tool to fix the Windows image that SFC uses as a reference.
- Open PowerShell as Administrator:
- Type "Powershell" in the Taskbar search.
- Right-click on "Windows PowerShell" and select Run as Administrator.
- Check for Image Corruption:
- Copy and paste the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- This command will quickly check for any corruption in the Windows image.
- Scan for Image Corruption:
- If the previous command shows that the image is corrupted, but potentially reparable, run the following command to perform a more thorough scan:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- Repair the Windows Image:
- If the scan confirms that the image is repairable, run this command to repair it:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Repairing Using Windows Installation Media
If DISM fails or requests a "Source" file, you may need to use your Windows 10 installation media as a source for the necessary system files.
- Insert or Mount the Windows Installation Media:
- If you have the installation DVD or USB, insert it. Alternatively, you can mount a Windows 10 ISO file by double-clicking it.
- Locate the Install.wim or Install.esd File:
- Open the Sources folder on the installation media to locate the install.wim or install.esd file.
- Run the DISM Command with the Source File:
- If you’re using an .wim file, use the following command, replacing "Full Path to install.wim" with the actual path:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:wim:Full Path to install.wim file:1
- Example:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:wim:H:\Sources\Install.wim:1
- If you’re using an .esd file, the command will look like this:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:esd:Full Path to install.esd file:1
It may take a few tries to get this right, especially if the media isn’t being read properly. Mounting the ISO directly instead of using a physical disc often works more reliably.
- Run SFC Again: Once the Windows image is repaired, run sfc /scannow again to repair any corrupted system files.
Step 4: Perform a Windows Repair Upgrade
If, after all the above steps, performance issues still persist or system files remain unrepairable, you can perform a Windows Repair Upgrade. This process reinstalls Windows while keeping your files, apps, and most settings intact. It will also bring your system up to the latest Windows version, which can resolve many issues.
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