How to Repair Windows with SFC and DISM Commands
We explain how to use these commands to repair your Windows system.
If you are experiencing problems with your Windows system, such as blue screens, crashes, or missing features, you may need to repair the corrupted or damaged system files. Windows provides two built-in tools for this purpose: the System File Checker (SFC) and the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) commands. In this article, we will explain how to use these commands to repair your Windows system and answer some common questions about them.
What are SFC and DISM?
SFC and DISM are command-line tools that can scan and repair the integrity of the Windows system files. SFC stands for System File Checker, and it can check for any corruption or changes in the system files that are essential for Windows to run properly. If it finds any issues, it will automatically replace the affected files with the correct versions from a backup source.
DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, and it can repair the underlying Windows system image that SFC uses as a backup source. Sometimes, the system image itself may be corrupted or missing some files, which can cause SFC to fail or not work properly. In that case, you can use DISM to restore the health of the system image and then run SFC again.
How to use SFC and DISM?
To use SFC and DISM, you need to open an administrative command prompt or PowerShell window. You can do this by right-clicking the Start button and selecting “Command Prompt (Admin)” or “PowerShell (Admin)”. On Windows 11, you might need to select “Windows Terminal (Admin)” instead.
Remember to back up your important files before using these command.
To run SFC, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannowThis will scan all the system files and try to repair any issues. The process may take some time, depending on the size and state of your system. You will see a message when it is done, telling you if it found any corruption and if it was able to fix it.
To run DISM, type the following command and press Enter:
dism /online /cleanup-Image /restorehealthThis will scan the system image and try to repair any issues. The process may take longer than SFC, depending on your internet connection speed and the amount of damage. You will see a message when it is done, telling you if it found any corruption and if it was able to fix it.
You can also use some additional arguments with DISM to specify different sources for repairing the system image, such as a Windows installation media or a network share. For more details on how to use these arguments, you can check the official documentation here: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/manufacture/desktop/repair-a-windows-image
Should I run SFC or DISM first?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different situations may require different approaches. However, a general rule of thumb is to try running SFC first, as it is faster and simpler than DISM. If SFC fails or does not fix the problem, then you can try running DISM afterwards.
What does SFC and DISM actually do?
SFC and DISM work by comparing the current state of your system files and system image with a reference version that is stored in a backup location. If they find any discrepancies, they will try to replace the corrupted or missing files with the correct ones from the backup source.
SFC uses a backup source that is located in a hidden folder called WinSxS (Windows Side by Side) on your system drive. This folder contains multiple versions of each system file that are needed for different Windows features and updates. SFC will look for the most appropriate version of each file for your current system configuration and replace it if needed.
DISM uses a backup source that is located online on Microsoft’s servers. This source contains the latest version of each system file that is compatible with your current Windows version and edition. DISM will download the required files from this source and replace them if needed.
Does SFC use DISM?
No, SFC does not use DISM directly. However, they both rely on the same underlying mechanism of Windows Resource Protection (WRP), which is responsible for protecting the integrity of the system files and system image. WRP uses a service called TrustedInstaller to perform the actual file operations.
Does DISM replace SFC?
No, DISM does not replace SFC completely. They are complementary tools that serve different purposes. SFC is more focused on repairing individual system files that are corrupted or changed, while DISM is more focused on repairing the entire system image that may be corrupted or missing some files.
Does DISM or SFC delete anything?
No, neither DISM nor SFC delete anything from your system. They only replace or restore files that are corrupted or missing with the correct versions from their respective backup sources. They do not affect your personal files, settings, or applications.
Do I need to reboot after SFC or DISM?
It is recommended to reboot your system after running SFC or DISM, especially if they have made any changes to your system files or system image. This will ensure that the changes are applied correctly and that your system is stable and secure.
Does SFC need internet?
No, SFC does not need internet to run. It uses a local backup source that is stored on your system drive. However, DISM does need internet to run, as it uses an online backup source that is stored on Microsoft’s servers.
Conclusion
SFC and DISM are useful tools that can help you repair your Windows system. They can scan and fix the corruption or damage in your system files and system image. These files are essential for Windows to run properly. You can run them from an administrative command prompt or PowerShell window. You should reboot your system after using them. If you have any questions or feedback about this article, please let us know in the comments below.
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