How to Check for and Fix Corrupted Files in Windows 11

To check for and fix corrupted system files in Windows 11, open Terminal (Admin) and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow, then restart. DISM repairs the Windows image that SFC copies from, and SFC scans every protected system file and replaces damaged ones. If problems continue, check the drive with chkdsk, then try Startup Repair, System Restore, or reinstalling Windows while keeping your files. A corrupted document, such as a Word file or photo that won’t open, needs different fixes, which are covered at the end.

Signs of corrupted system files

• Apps or Settings crash or won’t open.
• Windows Update fails over and over.
• Blue screen errors, freezes, or Start menu and taskbar problems.
• Error messages that mention missing or damaged DLL files.

Step 1: Repair the Windows image with DISM

1. Right-click Start and choose Terminal (Admin). Click Yes on the prompt.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter.
3. Wait for it to reach 100%. It can pause at 20% or 60% for several minutes, which is normal. It needs an internet connection to download replacement files.

To only check for damage without repairing it, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth first.

Step 2: Scan and repair with SFC

1. In the same window, type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
2. Wait for the verification to reach 100%. It usually takes 5 to 20 minutes.
3. Read the result, then restart the PC.

Result	What it means
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations	System files are fine. Look elsewhere for the cause.
…found corrupt files and successfully repaired them	Fixed. Restart and check that the problem is gone.
…found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them	Run DISM again, restart, then run SFC again. If that fails, go to Step 4.
…could not perform the requested operation	Run SFC from Safe Mode or the recovery environment.

For a full guide to SFC, including how to read its log file, see how to run an SFC scan in Windows 11.

Step 3: Check the drive for errors

File corruption can come from errors on the drive itself.

1. In Terminal (Admin), run chkdsk C: /f.
2. Windows can’t check the drive while it’s in use, so type Y to schedule the check for the next restart.
3. Restart the PC and let the check finish.

If chkdsk keeps finding errors, back up your files soon. The drive may be failing.

Step 4: Use the recovery tools

If Windows still misbehaves, or won’t start at all:

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Advanced startup > Restart now. If Windows won’t start, it usually opens the recovery screen by itself after two failed starts.
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options, then try:
   • Startup Repair, which fixes problems that stop Windows loading.
   • System Restore, which goes back to a restore point from before the problem started. Your files aren’t affected.
   • Uninstall Updates, if the trouble started right after an update.

You can also run SFC and DISM from Safe Mode. See how to get into Safe Mode in Windows 11.

Step 5: Reinstall Windows and keep your files

• Fix problems using Windows Update: On recent versions of Windows 11, go to Settings > System > Recovery and click Reinstall now next to this option. It reinstalls your current version of Windows, keeping your apps, files and settings. Microsoft explains it in fix issues by reinstalling the current version of Windows.
• Reset this PC: Choose Keep my files to reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files. You’ll need to reinstall your apps. See how to reset Windows 11.
• Clean install: The last resort, using a bootable USB. See how to make a bootable USB for Windows 11 and how to do a clean install.

If the problem is a specific device rather than Windows itself, see how to fix corrupted drivers in Windows 11.

Fix a corrupted document or personal file

SFC only repairs Windows’ own files. For a Word, Excel or other file that won’t open:

• Office documents: In Word or Excel, go to File > Open > Browse, select the file, click the arrow next to Open and choose Open and Repair.
• Previous Versions: Right-click the file or its folder, choose Properties > Previous Versions, and restore an older copy. This only works if File History or restore points were turned on.
• OneDrive: If the file is in OneDrive, right-click it on the OneDrive website and choose Version history to restore an earlier version.
• Photos and videos: Try opening them in a different app before assuming they’re damaged.

Back up important files regularly, so a corrupted file is never your only copy.

What causes file corruption?

• Sudden power loss or forced shutdowns while Windows is writing files. Use Shut down, rather than holding the power button, whenever you can.
• Interrupted updates. Leave the PC plugged in and switched on until updates finish.
• Failing drives. Repeated chkdsk errors or clicking noises from a hard drive are warning signs.
• Malware. Run a full scan in Windows Security > Virus & threat protection > Scan options > Full scan.
• Registry cleaners and “PC optimizer” tools, which can remove things Windows needs. See how to clean the registry in Windows 11 safely.

Frequently asked questions

How long do SFC and DISM take?

Usually 5 to 30 minutes each, depending on your drive and internet speed.

Will these commands delete my files?

No. SFC, DISM and chkdsk only work on system files and the drive’s structure. Reset this PC with Keep my files keeps your personal files but removes apps.

Summary

1. Run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow, and restart.
2. Run chkdsk C: /f to check the drive.
3. Use Startup Repair, System Restore or Uninstall Updates if problems continue.
4. Reinstall Windows with your files kept as a last resort.
5. For damaged documents, use Open and Repair, Previous Versions or OneDrive version history.

Related: how to install a CAB file in Windows 11.

Related: how to create a corrupted Word file for testing and recover it.

Related: get help in Windows 11.