Corrupted system files can cause a wide range of issues in Windows 10, from Blue Screens of Death to application crashes and performance problems. Fortunately, there are several built-in tools and methods you can use to diagnose and repair these files. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through 7 effective ways to fix corrupted Windows 10 system files and get your PC running smoothly again.
1. Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool
The System File Checker (SFC) is a powerful command-line tool that scans your Windows system files and replaces any corrupted or missing files with a cached copy from a compressed folder. Here’s how to use it:
Open an elevated Command Prompt by searching for “Command Prompt” in the Start menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator”.
Type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannow
Wait for the scan to complete, which may take several minutes. SFC will attempt to repair any corrupted files it finds.
If SFC is unable to fix some files, it will provide details in the CBS.log file located at %WinDir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log. You can manually replace these files with a known good copy from another computer running the same version of Windows.
2. Run SFC from Safe Mode
If SFC is unable to fix corrupted files when run normally, you can try running it from Safe Mode. This can help resolve issues with files that are locked or in use by other processes. Here’s how:
Boot into Safe Mode by pressing F8 during startup (or hold Shift while clicking Restart to access the Windows Recovery Environment).
Open an elevated Command Prompt and run the sfc /scannow command as described above.
Make sure the %WinDir%\WinSxS\Temp directory contains the PendingDeletes and PendingRenames folders. If not, create them and run SFC again.
3. Use the DISM Tool
If SFC is unable to fix corrupted system files, you can try using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. DISM can repair component store corruption that may be preventing SFC from working properly. Here’s how to use it:
Open an elevated Command Prompt.
Run the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Wait for the repair process to complete, which may take 5-10 minutes. The progress bar may be slow at first, but do not cancel the command.
Once DISM finishes, restart your computer and run SFC again to replace any remaining corrupted files.
4. Perform an SFC Scan Before Windows 10 Starts
If Windows is unable to boot due to corrupted system files, you can try running SFC from the Windows Recovery Environment. This allows you to scan and repair files before Windows starts. Here’s how:
Boot into the Windows Recovery Environment by pressing F8 during startup (or hold Shift while clicking Restart).
Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”.
Run the sfc /scannow command as described above.
Once the scan is complete, restart your computer and see if Windows boots normally
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5. Replace Corrupted Files Manually
If SFC and DISM are unable to fix specific corrupted files, you can try replacing them manually. This requires locating a known good copy of the file and replacing the corrupted one. Here’s how:
Identify the corrupted file using the details provided in the CBS.log file.
Take ownership of the corrupted file by running the following command in an elevated Command Prompt:
takeown /f Path_And_File_Name
Grant administrators full access to the file:
icacls Path_And_File_Name /grant administrators:F
Copy a known good version of the file to replace the corrupted one:
copy Source_File Destination
Restart your computer for the changes to take effect.
6. Use System Restore
If corrupted system files are causing issues with your Windows installation, you can try rolling back to a previous restore point using System Restore. This will revert your system files to a state where they were not corrupted. Here’s how:
Search for “Create a restore point” in the Start menu and open the System Properties window.
Click the “System Restore” button and follow the prompts to select a restore point.
Once the restore is complete, restart your computer and see if the issues have been resolved.
7. Reset Your Windows 10 Installation
If all else fails, you can try resetting your Windows 10 installation. This will remove apps and settings while keeping your personal files. Here’s how:
Open the Settings app and go to “Update & Security” > “Recovery”.
Under “Reset this PC”, click “Get started”.
Choose whether to keep your personal files or remove everything.
Follow the prompts to complete the reset process.
Once finished, your Windows 10 installation will be reset to its default state, removing any corrupted system files.
In conclusion, corrupted system files can be a frustrating issue, but with the right tools and methods, you can diagnose and repair them effectively. By using the System File Checker, DISM, System Restore, or even resetting your Windows 10 installation, you can get your PC back to a healthy state. Remember to always keep a backup of your important data in case you need to perform a full reset.