This article will guide you on how to use SFC /Scannow command to repair corrupted Windows system files.
The System file check is a utility tool in Windows that let users scan and fix corrupted files.
SFC /Scannow command when run scans all the protected system files and replaces the corrupted system files with a cached copy of the file located at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.
Note: You can use SFC /Scannow command on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, and Windows Vista
How To Use SFC /Scannow to Repair System Files
Here is how to use Use SFC /Scannow tool to repair missing or corrupted system files
1. Open the command prompt as administrator
2. In the command prompt window type the command sfc /scannow
3. Now press enter.
4. The system file checker tool will now scan every protected file on your PC for any corrupted or missing files.
5. If any corrupt file is found it will automatically replace the corrupt file with a cached copy of the same file.
6. After the scan process is completed you may get one of the messages mentioned below:
- Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.
- Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them. Details are included in the CBS.Log %WinDir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS.Log %WinDir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.
Note: Do not close the cmd window until the verification process is completed 100%.
7. Once the corrupt file or missing DLL is repaired by system file check you can restart your computer.
FAQs
Is it safe to use SFC Scannow?
It is completely safe to use SFC /Scannow command. after the command is run successfully it will show a warning or errors if any are found and will automatically fix it.
Does SFC fix corrupted files?
Running SFC scan will find all the corrupted files and replace them with working ones found from the cached files.
Which is better SFC or DISM?
If SFC is unable to resolve the problem on your computer the DISM is used. DISM tool will repair the Component Store Corruption, which can be preventing sfc scan to fix corrupt files on the computer.
