How to Repair Windows 10 Using Command Prompt: A Comprehensive Guide

If your Windows 10 computer is experiencing issues, such as system crashes, blue screens, or file corruption, you may need to repair your operating system. One effective way to do this is by using the Command Prompt. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to repair Windows 10 using Command Prompt, helping you get your computer back up and running smoothly.

Accessing Command Prompt in Windows 10

Before you can start repairing your Windows 10 system using Command Prompt, you need to access it. Here’s how:

1. Click the **Start** button and type “Command Prompt” in the search box.
2. Right-click on “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator”.
3. If prompted, enter your administrator password or click “Allow” to grant permission.

Alternatively, if your Windows 10 computer is not booting properly, you can access Command Prompt from the Advanced startup options:

1. Click the **Start** button and go to **Settings** > **Update & Security** > **Recovery**.
2. Under “Advanced startup,” click “Restart now”.
3. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Command Prompt”.

Using System File Checker (SFC) to Repair Windows 10

One of the most commonly used commands to repair Windows 10 is the System File Checker (SFC). This built-in tool scans and replaces corrupted system files with cached copies. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
3. Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted files are found, SFC will automatically replace them.

If SFC is unable to repair the corrupted files, you can try running it in Safe Mode:

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. Run the SFC command as described above.

Using DISM to Repair Windows 10 Image

Another useful tool for repairing Windows 10 is the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. DISM can repair the Windows image, which includes system files and settings. Here’s how to use it:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Wait for the repair process to complete. This may take several minutes.

If DISM is unable to repair the Windows image using Windows Update, you can specify a local source:

1. Insert your Windows 10 installation media or mount the Windows image file.
2. Run the following command, replacing D:\sources\install.wim with the actual path to your installation source: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\sources\install.wim

Using System Restore to Repair Windows 10

If your Windows 10 system is experiencing severe issues, you can try using System Restore to revert your computer to a previous state. This will undo recent changes and restore system files and settings. Here’s how to use System Restore:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: rstrui.exe
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to select a restore point and complete the process.

Keep in mind that System Restore will not affect your personal files, but it may remove recently installed programs and drivers.

Using Windows Reset to Repair Windows 10

If none of the above methods work, you can try resetting your Windows 10 system. This will reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files or removing everything, depending on your choice. Here’s how to reset your Windows 10 system:

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: systemreset -cleanpc
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Keep in mind that resetting your Windows 10 system will remove all installed programs and drivers, so make sure to back up any important data before proceeding.

In conclusion, using Command Prompt to repair your Windows 10 system can be an effective way to resolve various issues, such as system crashes, blue screens, and file corruption. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can use tools like SFC, DISM, System Restore, and Windows Reset to get your computer back up and running smoothly.