How to Fix Corrupted System Files in Windows 10, 8, and 7 with SFC and DISM

If you’re experiencing issues with your Windows operating system, such as frequent crashes, missing or corrupted files, or malfunctioning features, it could be due to corrupted system files. Fortunately, Windows includes built-in tools to help you identify and repair these issues. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of using the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to fix corrupted system files in Windows 10, 8, and 7.

Using the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The System File Checker (SFC) is a command-line tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files in Windows. Here’s how to use it:

Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window. To do this, right-click the Start button and select “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin)”.
In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Wait until the scan is 100% complete, making sure not to close the Command Prompt window before then. The results of the scan will depend on whether or not the SFC finds any corrupted files.
If the SFC finds no integrity violations, you will see the message “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.”
If the SFC finds corrupted files but is unable to repair them, you will see the message “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS.log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.”
If the SFC is unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try running it in Safe Mode. Restart your computer and press the appropriate key (usually F8 or Shift F8) to enter the Advanced Boot Options menu. Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and run the SFC scan again.

Using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

If the SFC is unable to repair corrupted system files, you can try using the DISM tool. DISM is a command-line tool that can repair the Windows image and restore corrupted system files. Here’s how to use it:

Open an elevated Command Prompt or PowerShell window.
In the Command Prompt or PowerShell window, type the following command and press Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for the command to complete. This may take several minutes.
If the DISM command is unable to repair the corrupted files, you may see an error message indicating that the source files could not be found. In this case, you can use the /Source option to specify the location of the required files.
After the DISM command completes, run the SFC scan again to ensure that all corrupted files have been repaired.

If you continue to experience issues after running the SFC and DISM commands, you may need to consider more advanced troubleshooting steps, such as performing a system restore or a clean installation of Windows.

In conclusion, using the SFC and DISM tools can help you identify and repair corrupted system files in Windows 10, 8, and 7. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can resolve many common system issues and keep your Windows installation running smoothly.