Windows 11 · Windows
Repair Corrupted Windows System Files
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
When Windows 11 features fail, freeze, or show system errors, use Microsoft's built-in DISM and System File Checker tools from an elevated Command Prompt. Let each scan finish and read its result before attempting manual file replacement or a reinstall.
Confirm that Windows files may be involved
Use this procedure for Windows features that malfunction, system errors, or repeated freezes. Keep any exact error message; a specific app-only problem may require the app developer instead.
Open an elevated Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt with administrator rights so Windows can inspect and repair protected components. Close work that could be interrupted before starting the scans.
Run the DISM repair command
At the elevated Command Prompt, run `DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth` and wait for it to finish. Microsoft uses DISM before System File Checker to repair the Windows component image.
Keep the window open until DISM completes
Do not close Command Prompt while the operation runs. Record any displayed error instead of running unrelated repair commands at the same time.
Run System File Checker
When DISM finishes, run `sfc /scannow` in the same elevated Command Prompt. Microsoft says this scans protected files and replaces corrupted files with cached copies.
Wait for 100 percent verification
Leave Command Prompt open until System File Checker reaches 100 percent. Read the final message before restarting or attempting another repair.
Use the result to choose the next step
If SFC finds no integrity violations, the symptom is not explained by missing or corrupted protected system files. If it cannot perform the operation, Microsoft directs you to run SFC in Safe Mode.
Video walkthrough
If it does not work
- If DISM or SFC reports an error, preserve the exact text and follow Microsoft's linked repair guidance rather than downloading DLL files or replacing protected files from an unverified website.
- If SFC cannot perform the requested operation, restart into Safe Mode and run the scan there as Microsoft directs.
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: Windows.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.