If your Windows PC is running slow, crashing, or showing error messages, corrupted system files might be the cause. Windows includes built-in tools System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) to repair these issues.
Use System File Checker (SFC) to Fix Corrupt Files
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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- Click the Start button (Windows logo in the bottom-left corner).
- Type cmd in the search bar.
- Right-click Command Prompt from the search results and choose Run as Administrator.
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- Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
2. In the black Command Prompt window, copy and paste or type the following command exactly:
sfc /scannow
(Make sure there is a space between “sfc” and “/”.)
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- Press Enter and on your keyboard to check the integrity of system files.
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- Wait until the verification reaches 100% and completes. If issues are found, SFC will attempt to repair them automatically.
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- Restart your PC after the process finishes.
Use DISM to Fix Windows Image Issues
If SFC fails to repair system files or errors persist, use DISM:
DISM does not work on Windows 7 or earlier.
1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
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- Click the Start button (Windows logo in the bottom-left corner).
- Type cmd in the search bar.
- Right-click Command Prompt from the search results and choose Run as Administrator.
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- Click Yes if prompted by User Account Control.
2. In the Command Prompt window, copy and paste or type the following command exactly:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
(Make sure there is a space before each “/”.)
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- Press Enter and on your keyboard to run the DISM command.
- DISM will scan for corruption and replace damaged files using Windows Update. This may take some time.
- After completion, restart your PC to ensure all issues are resolved.
Using SFC and DISM can fix missing or corrupt system files and restore Windows stability. If issues persist, consider performing a System Restore or Windows Reset.