How to Cancel System Repair Pending in Windows 10/11 (7 Solutions)

If you encounter the “SFC scannow there is a system repair pending” error message while trying to run the System File Checker (SFC) utility in Windows, it means there is an incomplete system repair process that needs to be resolved before you can proceed with the SFC scan. In this article, we’ll explore seven effective solutions to help you cancel the system repair pending and successfully run the SFC command.

Solution 1: Restart Your PC and Run SFC Again

The simplest solution is to restart your computer and then run the SFC command again. Sometimes, a pending system repair process can be resolved by rebooting the system. After the restart, try running the SFC scan once more to see if the error persists.

Solution 2: Delete the Pending Files Through Command Prompt

The pending system repair process is tracked by pending.xml files. If these files have become corrupted, they can cause the “SFC scannow there is a system repair pending” error. You can delete these files using Command Prompt:

1. Press Win R, type “cmd” in the Run dialogue, and press Enter to open Command Prompt.

2. In the Command Prompt window, execute the following command:

del c:\windows\winsxs\pending.xml

Replace “c” with the actual drive letter where Windows is installed.

3. Once the operation is completed successfully, type the following command to modify the SFC scan:

sfc /SCANNOW /OFFBOOTDIR=c:\ /OFFWINDIR=d:\Windows

4. Check if the “SFC scannow there is a system repair pending” error is resolved.

Solution 3: Revert Pending Actions via DISM Command

The DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) command can help revert any pending actions that may be causing the system repair pending issue:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt (either in normal or safe mode).

2. Execute the following command:

dism.exe /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /revertpendingactions

Replace “C” with the drive letter where Windows is installed.

3. Reboot your machine into safe mode.

4. In safe mode, open an elevated Command Prompt and run the “sfc /scannow” command.

5. Reboot the computer into normal mode and execute the DISM command with the /online option.

Solution 4: Change the BIOS Settings to IDE Mode

If the “SFC scannow there is a system repair pending” error occurs after changes to certain SATA settings, you can try solving it by changing the SATA settings to IDE mode:

1. Restart your computer and enter the BIOS settings by pressing the BIOS key (F1, F2, Del, ESC, F10, or other keys) during the OS initialization.

2. Locate the SATA option, usually under the Onboard Devices entry, Integrated Peripherals, or Advanced tab.

3. Change the SATA option from AHCI, RAID, or ATA to IDE mode.

4. Save the changes and exit the BIOS settings.

Solution 5: Update the Driver

Outdated or corrupted drivers can sometimes cause the “SFC scannow there is a system repair pending” error. Updating the relevant drivers may help resolve the issue:

1. Open Device Manager (right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager”).

2. Expand the category for the device with the outdated driver.

3. Right-click on the device and select “Update driver”.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver.

5. Restart your computer and check if the error persists.

Solution 6: Delete the “RebootPending” Key in the Registry Editor

There is a registry key responsible for tracking programs that request a reboot. If this key becomes corrupted or outdated, it can lead to the “SFC scannow there is a system repair pending” error. You can delete this key using the Registry Editor:

1. Press Win R, type “regedit” in the Run dialogue, and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.

2. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion

3. Right-click on the “CurrentVersion” key and select “Permissions”.

4. Select your username from the list, check the “Full Control” box, and click “OK”.

5. Look for a key named “RebootPending” in the right pane and delete it.

6. Restart your PC and retry running the SFC command.

Solution 7: Use a Third-Party Tool

If none of the above solutions work for you, you can try using a third-party tool like EaseUS Partition Master. This tool simplifies the process of handling system file issues and is suitable for users with little or no technical knowledge.

Remember to always create a system restore point or backup your important data before making any changes to your system. If you’re unsure about any of the steps or encounter further issues, it’s best to consult with a professional or seek additional support.