How to Run SFC and DISM in Windows 11

This guide explains how to use the built-in Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) and System File Checker (SFC) command-line tools in Windows 11. Running these utilities allows you to scan for, identify, and automatically repair corrupted or missing system files to resolve operating system crashes, performance drops, and instability.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

To execute system repairs, you must run the command line with elevated administrative privileges.

1. Press the Windows Key + S to open the search bar.
2. Type cmd or Command Prompt.
3. Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator (or click Run as administrator in the right pane).
4. Click Yes when prompted by User Account Control (UAC).

Step 2: Run the DISM Tool

It is recommended to run DISM before SFC. DISM checks and repairs the Windows Component Store image, ensuring that SFC has a healthy source to pull replacement files from.

In the elevated Command Prompt, type the following command and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

• What it does: Connects to Windows Update to download and replace damaged system components.
• Duration: The process typically takes between 5 to 20 minutes depending on your system and network speed. It may temporarily appear stuck at certain percentages (such as 20% or 62%); do not close the window until the scan reaches 100% and displays a completion message.

Step 3: Run the System File Checker (SFC)

Once the DISM scan finishes successfully, proceed with the SFC scan to repair protected Windows system files.

In the same Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

• What it does: Scans all protected system files and replaces corrupted files with a cached copy located in a compressed folder at C:\Windows\System32\dllcache.

Step 4: Review the SFC Results

When the verification phase reaches 100%, you will see one of the following output messages:

• “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.”
  No missing or corrupted system files were found on your device.
• “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.”
  Corrupted files were detected and replaced automatically.
• “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.”
  Some files could not be repaired. In this case, restart your computer, boot into Safe Mode, and run the command again.
• “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.”
  Run the scan while booted into Windows Safe Mode, or verify that the PendingDeletes and PendingRenames folders exist under C:\Windows\WinSxS\Temp.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer

After both the DISM and SFC operations have completed, close the Command Prompt window and restart your Windows 11 PC to ensure all repaired files and updates take effect properly.