If you’re experiencing issues with corrupted Windows system files, such as frequent crashes, error messages, or applications not functioning correctly, it’s essential to address the problem promptly. Corrupted system files can lead to various problems, including system instability, data loss, and security risks. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to repair corrupted Windows system files in 2024.
Step 1: Run the System File Checker (SFC) Tool
The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted system files. To run the SFC tool, follow these steps:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator. You can do this by searching for “Command Prompt” in the Start Menu, right-clicking on it, and selecting “Run as administrator.”
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In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
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The SFC tool will begin scanning your system files for any corruption. This process may take several minutes to complete.
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Once the scan is finished, the tool will display the results. If any corrupted files were found and successfully repaired, you’ll see a message indicating that “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.”
If the SFC tool couldn’t repair some of the corrupted files, you’ll see a message stating “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” In this case, you may need to use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool or consider other troubleshooting methods.
Step 2: Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool
If the SFC tool couldn’t resolve the issue, you can try using the DISM tool to repair corrupted system files. The DISM tool is used to service and prepare Windows images, and it can also be used to repair the Windows component store. Here’s how to use it:
Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
The DISM tool will begin downloading the necessary files from Windows Update to repair the corrupted system files. This process may take several minutes to complete.
Once the repair process is finished, restart your computer and run the SFC tool again to ensure that all corrupted files have been successfully repaired.
Step 3: Perform a System Restore
If the previous steps didn’t resolve the issue, you can try performing a System Restore. System Restore allows you to restore your computer to a previous state when it was working correctly. Here’s how to do it:
Open the Start Menu and search for “System Restore.”
Click on “Create a restore point” to open the System Properties window.
In the System Properties window, click on the “System Restore” button.
Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and complete the System Restore process.
Step 4: Reset or Reinstall Windows
If none of the above steps work, you may need to consider resetting or reinstalling Windows. Resetting Windows will remove apps and settings while keeping your personal files, while reinstalling Windows will remove everything and require you to reinstall your applications and restore your data from backups. Here’s how to reset Windows:
Open Settings and go to “Update & Security.”
Click on “Recovery” in the left pane.
Under “Reset this PC,” click on “Get started.”
Choose whether you want to keep your files or remove everything.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.
In conclusion, repairing corrupted Windows system files is essential for maintaining a stable and reliable operating system. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively address the issue and restore your computer to its optimal performance. Remember to always keep your system updated and perform regular backups to minimize the risk of data loss and system corruption.