To repair Windows 10, open Command Prompt as administrator and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, then sfc /scannow. These fix damaged system files and keep your files and apps. If Windows won’t start, use Startup Repair from the recovery screen or a Windows 10 USB drive instead.
Start with the first fix below and only move on if the problem stays.
Applies to: Windows 10. Checked against Microsoft Support on September 25, 2026.
1. Repair system files with DISM and SFC
- Select Start, type
cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator. - Type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter. Wait for it to reach 100%. - Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. - Restart your PC when it finishes.
If SFC says it found and fixed corrupt files, you’re done. If it couldn’t fix some, run both commands again.
2. Run a troubleshooter
Select Start > Settings > Update & Security > Troubleshoot > Additional troubleshooters, then run the one that matches the problem, such as Windows Update or Playing Audio.
3. Check the drive
Run chkdsk C: /f in the same Command Prompt and restart when asked. See how to run CHKDSK in Windows 10.
4. Use Startup Repair if Windows won’t start
- Turn the PC on and off during startup twice. On the third start, Windows opens Automatic Repair.
- Select Advanced options > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
See how to run Startup Repair in Windows 10.
5. Go back to a restore point
On the same Advanced options screen, select System Restore, or type rstrui in Start if Windows runs. It undoes recent system changes and keeps your files. See how to restore Windows 10 to a previous date.
6. Repair from a USB drive
If you can’t reach the recovery screen:
- Make a Windows 10 USB drive on another PC. See how to create a bootable Windows 10 USB.
- Start the PC from the USB drive.
- On the first setup screen, select Next, then Repair your computer in the lower-left corner.
- Choose Troubleshoot and use Startup Repair, System Restore, or Command Prompt.
7. Do a repair install and keep your files
A repair install reinstalls Windows 10 over itself and keeps your files and apps.
- Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page.
- Run it and choose Upgrade this PC now.
- When asked, make sure Keep personal files and apps is selected, then select Install.
8. Reset as a last step
If nothing else works, reset Windows and keep your files. Your apps are removed. See how to reset Windows 10 to factory settings.
If the repair install or reset fails
- Keep personal files and apps is grayed out: the download must match your installed Windows 10 language, edition and 32- or 64-bit version. Run setup from inside Windows, not by booting from the USB drive.
- Setup says there is not enough space: free up about 20 GB on C: or plug in a USB drive when setup asks for extra space.
- Setup sits at one percentage for hours: unplug printers, docks and extra drives, restart, and run it again.
- “There was a problem resetting your PC”: run the DISM and SFC commands from step 1, then try again, or use the repair install from step 7 instead.
After a repair install, your old system files sit in a Windows.old folder for a while. Once everything works, Disk Cleanup can remove it under Previous Windows installation(s) to get the space back.
Frequently asked questions
Will repairing Windows delete my files?
DISM, SFC, Startup Repair, System Restore, and a repair install keep your files. A reset with Remove everything deletes them. Back up first to be safe.
How long does SFC take?
Usually 10 to 30 minutes. DISM can take longer, especially around 20%.
DISM fails with an error. What now?
Check your internet connection, since DISM downloads good files from Windows Update. If it still fails, do a repair install.
Why can’t I choose Keep personal files and apps in a repair install?
The option is grayed out when the installer doesn’t match your copy of Windows. Use media with the same edition (such as Home or Pro), the same language, and the same or a newer version. You also have to start the installer from inside Windows. Booting from the USB drive only offers a clean install.
Can I still repair Windows 10 now that support has ended?
Yes. DISM, SFC, Startup Repair, and a repair install all still work, and Microsoft still offers the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool. Free security updates ended on October 14, 2025, so consider Extended Security Updates or an upgrade to Windows 11 after the repair.
After a repair, check for updates. See how to update Windows 10.
If Windows is only acting up, try a restart first. See how to restart Windows 10.
For the full SFC and DISM steps, see how to run an SFC scan in Windows 10.
To have an undo point ready before you try a fix, see how to create a restore point in Windows 10.
For other ways to find answers, see how to get help in Windows 10.
Microsoft’s guide is Use the System File Checker tool to repair missing or corrupted system files. More help is on our Windows Help & Guides page.
Matt Jacobs has been working as an IT consultant for small businesses since receiving his Master’s degree in 2003. While he still does some consulting work, his primary focus now is on creating technology support content for SupportYourTech.com.
His work can be found on many websites and focuses on topics such as Microsoft Office, Apple devices, Android devices, Photoshop, and more.