How to Repair Corrupted System Files in Windows 10: 7 Effective Methods

Corrupted system files can cause a wide range of issues in Windows 10, from crashes and freezes to performance problems and error messages. If you’re experiencing these issues, it’s important to take action to repair the corrupted files. In this article, we’ll explore seven effective methods for repairing corrupted system files in Windows 10.

1. Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The System File Checker (SFC) tool is a built-in utility in Windows 10 that can scan and repair corrupted system files. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt by pressing the Windows key, typing “Command Prompt,” right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
2. In the Command Prompt window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. The SFC tool will begin scanning and repairing corrupted files. This process can take several minutes, so be patient.
4. Once the scan is complete, check the results to see if any files were repaired or if any integrity violations were found.

If the SFC tool is unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try running it from Safe Mode or using the DISM tool.

2. Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

The DISM tool is another built-in utility in Windows 10 that can repair corrupted system files. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open an elevated Command Prompt as described above.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. The DISM tool will begin downloading the necessary files and repairing the corrupted files. This process can take a while, so be patient.
4. Once the repair process is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If the DISM tool is unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try running a System File Checker scan from Safe Mode or using System Restore to revert your system to a previous state.

3. Run a System File Checker Scan from Safe Mode

If the SFC tool is unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try running it from Safe Mode. Here’s how:

1. Restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
2. Select “Safe Mode with Command Prompt” and press Enter.
3. Once you’re in Safe Mode, open an elevated Command Prompt and run the SFC tool as described above.
4. If the SFC tool is able to repair the corrupted files in Safe Mode, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If the SFC tool is still unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try performing a System File Checker scan before Windows 10 starts or replacing the files manually.

4. Perform a System File Checker Scan Before Windows 10 Starts

If the SFC tool is unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try performing a scan before Windows 10 starts. Here’s how:

1. Restart your computer and press the F8 key repeatedly until the Advanced Boot Options menu appears.
2. Select “Repair Your Computer” and press Enter.
3. Select “Troubleshoot” and then “Advanced Options.”
4. Select “Command Prompt” and run the SFC tool as described above.
5. If the SFC tool is able to repair the corrupted files, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

If the SFC tool is still unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try replacing the files manually or using System Restore.

5. Replace the Files Manually

If the SFC tool and DISM tool are unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try replacing the files manually. Here’s how:

1. Identify the corrupted file by checking the SFC log or by using a system file checker tool.
2. Download a copy of the corrupted file from a trusted source.
3. Take ownership of the corrupted file by running the following command in an elevated Command Prompt: takeown /f "path\to\file"
4. Grant administrators full access to the file by running the following command: icacls "path\to\file" /grant administrators:F
5. Replace the corrupted file with the downloaded copy by running the following command: copy "path\to\downloaded\file" "path\to\corrupted\file"

Be careful when replacing system files manually, as it can cause further issues if not done correctly.

6. Use System Restore

If none of the above methods work, you can try using System Restore to revert your system to a previous state. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key, type “Create a restore point,” and press Enter.
2. Click on “System Restore” and follow the prompts to select a restore point.
3. Once the restore process is complete, restart your computer and check if the issue is resolved.

Keep in mind that using System Restore will revert your system to a previous state, which means that any changes made since the restore point was created will be lost.

7. Reset Your Windows 10

If all else fails, you can try resetting your Windows 10 installation. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key, type “Reset this PC,” and press Enter.
2. Click on “Get started” and select either “Keep my files” or “Remove everything” depending on your preference.
3. Follow the prompts to reset your Windows 10 installation.
4. Once the reset process is complete, set up your computer as new and check if the issue is resolved.

Keep in mind that resetting your Windows 10 installation will remove all your installed apps and files, so be sure to back up any important data before proceeding.