system-file-checker-windows-10

Whenever something goes wrong with a PC, there seems to be a number of tools and troubleshooting tricks you can perform to try and repair the issue and move on.

In Windows 10, there are several built-in commands you can use to repair corrupt system files that tend to cause issues over time as you change Windows system files.

Let’s look at how to run the System File Checker tool in Windows 10 to repair corrupt system files and more.

Dealing with Corrupt System Files in Windows 10

System File Checker Tool to the Rescue

The System File Checker tool scans your computer for any corruption or changes to system files that would otherwise interfere with the normal operation of your PC. From there, it replaces the file with the correct version to ensure smooth functioning.

If you notice an increase in the Blue Screen of Death, applications constantly crashing, Windows operations stalling, you may need to run the System File Checker to help correct errors causing your PC to perform slowly.

While the System File Checker may not always discover corrupt files, it can help eliminate what might be causing issues and help you move your troubleshooting elsewhere.

Repair Corrupt System Files in Windows 10 with the System File Checker

These steps work in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10.

When you’re ready to run the System File Checker tool, open an elevated Command Prompt.

elevated-command-prompt

Run the following command:

sfc /scannow

running-sfc

Once the scan starts, it can take some time, especially on older machines that upgrade to Windows 10. Sit back, relax, and let the System File Checker tool run in Windows 10.

One of three things will happen when you get the results and the System File Checker is done running in Windows 10:

  • There will be no system file errors
  • There will be system file errors Windows replaces
  • There will be system file errors Windows can’t replace

results-sfc

If number one is what you see, then you can move on to the next phase of troubleshooting your PC’s issues.

If you see number two, then Windows has repaired system file issues and replaced them properly.

If number three is what appears, run the System File Checker in Windows 10 in safe mode to see if that clears up the issues.

If you do that and you still see issues that can’t be repaired, you can run the DISM in Windows 10.

Repairing Corrupt System Files in Windows 10 with DISM

If the above doesn’t work in Safe Mode, there’s one last way to check for corruption in system files and repair them. You can use the Deployment Image and Servicing Management (DISM) tool. These steps work in Windows 8, 8.1, and 10 as well.

You’ll need another elevated Command Prompt open to run DISM.

Use the following command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

running-dism

Like the System File Checker, this’ll take a bit to run. Let it do its job.

Once finished, restart your computer and attempt to run the System File Checker again. It should now correct any issues and finish its task.

If not, again, move on to other forums of troubleshooting to solve your issues in Windows 10.

Conclusion

The next time you run into issues with your Windows 10 PC, give the System File Checker and DISM utilities a chance to fix it for you. You might be surprised by the results, or you can move on to other methods for checking the health of your computer.