How to Repair Corrupt Windows Files With Windows Built-In Tools

If your Windows PC is acting up—crashing, running slow, or showing random error messages—there’s a good chance corrupt system files are to blame. Fortunately, you don’t need to install any third-party software to fix it. Windows comes with powerful built-in tools that can detect and repair corrupted files. Here’s how to use them.

1. Use System File Checker (SFC)

System File Checker is your first line of defense. It scans for missing or corrupted system files and replaces them with clean copies.

Steps:

1. Type cmd in the search bar.
2. Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
3. In the terminal, type: sfc /scannow
4. Press Enter.

This scan can take several minutes. Once it’s done, you’ll see a message with the results:

• No integrity violations: Your files are fine.
• Found and repaired corrupt files: You’re good to go.
• Found corrupt files but couldn’t fix some: Try the next tool.

2. Use Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management (DISM)

If SFC can’t fix everything, DISM can step in. It repairs the Windows system image, which SFC depends on to do its job.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Press Enter and wait. This process may take up to 20 minutes or more.

When DISM finishes, restart your computer and run sfc /scannow again. This time, SFC should be able to repair any remaining issues.

3. Use CHKDSK to Check Your Drive

Corrupt files can also be caused by issues with your hard drive. The Check Disk tool scans your drive for errors and attempts to fix them.

Steps:

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type: chkdsk C: /f /r Replace C: with your system drive letter if it’s different.
3. Press Enter. If prompted to schedule the check on next restart, type Y and hit Enter.
4. Restart your PC.

CHKDSK will scan your drive before Windows boots up and automatically fix detected issues.

4. Still Having Problems? Try Resetting Windows

If your system is still misbehaving after using SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK, you might need to reset Windows.

Go to:
Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC

You can choose to keep your files or remove everything. This should be a last resort, but it can give you a clean slate if nothing else works.

Final Thoughts

Windows gives you the tools you need to repair itself—you just need to know where to look. Using SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK in combination can solve most system file issues without a full reinstall or a trip to the repair shop.

Have questions or ran into a specific error code? Drop it in the comments—I’ll help you troubleshoot it.