How to Repair Corrupted Windows System Files

Corrupted or missing Windows system files can cause problems such as crashes, broken Windows features, failed updates, applications not opening, or unusual system behavior.

Windows includes built-in tools called System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) that can repair many of these issues.

Step 1: Open Terminal as Administrator

  1. Right-click the Start button.

  2. Select Terminal (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

  3. Select Yes when Windows asks for permission.

Administrator privileges are required for the repair commands below.

Step 2: Run DISM

Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Press Enter.

DISM checks the Windows component store and repairs damaged files that Windows uses for system recovery.

The process may appear to pause at certain percentages. Allow it to finish.

Step 3: Run System File Checker

After DISM completes, enter:

sfc /scannow

Press Enter.

Windows will scan protected system files and attempt to replace corrupted files automatically.

Step 4: Review the Result

You may see messages such as:

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations

No corrupted system files were detected.

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them

Windows detected and repaired corrupted system files.

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them

Additional troubleshooting may be required.

Step 5: Restart Your PC

Restart Windows after both scans have completed.

Then test the feature or application that was previously having problems.

Still Having Problems?

If SFC and DISM do not resolve the issue, consider:

  • Installing pending Windows updates

  • Checking for driver problems

  • Using System Restore

  • Performing a Windows repair installation

  • Contacting EXM Support if the issue appeared while using EXM

When contacting support, include any messages shown by SFC or DISM.