How to Check for Corrupted System Files in Windows 10

If you suspect that your Windows 10 system files have become corrupted, there are a few ways to check and potentially repair them. Corrupted system files can cause a variety of issues, from crashes and freezes to missing or malfunctioning features. Fortunately, Windows 10 includes built-in tools to help diagnose and fix these problems.

Using the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker (SFC) is a command-line tool that scans your Windows system files and compares them to cached copies. If it finds any corrupted files, it attempts to replace them with the correct versions. Here’s how to use it:

Press the Windows key X on your keyboard to open the Power User menu.
Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the menu.
If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes to allow the Command Prompt to make changes to your device.
Once the Command Prompt opens, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow

The SFC tool will now scan your system files and attempt to repair any corrupted ones it finds. Depending on the number of files and your system’s performance, this process may take several minutes.

If the SFC scan finds any corrupted files but is unable to repair them, it may indicate a more serious issue with your Windows installation. In this case, you can try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to repair your Windows image.

Using the DISM Tool

The DISM tool is another command-line utility that can be used to repair your Windows image. It can also be used to check the integrity of your system files. Here’s how to use it:

Open an elevated Command Prompt as described in the previous section.
Type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

The DISM tool will now connect to Windows Update and download the necessary files to repair your Windows image. This process may take some time, depending on your internet connection speed and the extent of the corruption.

If the DISM tool is unable to repair your Windows image, it may indicate a more serious issue with your system. In this case, you may need to consider performing a clean install of Windows 10 or seeking further assistance from Microsoft Support.

It’s important to note that while these tools can be effective in repairing corrupted system files, they are not a substitute for regular backups. If you have important data on your system, it’s always a good idea to keep regular backups in case of hardware failure or other catastrophic events.

In conclusion, if you suspect that your Windows 10 system files have become corrupted, you can use the built-in SFC and DISM tools to check and potentially repair them. By following the steps outlined above, you can help maintain the stability and performance of your Windows 10 system.