How to Repair Windows 10 Without Losing Files

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

1. Select Start, type cmd, right-click Command Prompt, and select Run as administrator.
2. Type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth and press Enter. Wait for it to reach 100%.
3. Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
4. 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

1. Turn the PC on and off during startup twice. On the third start, Windows opens Automatic Repair.
2. 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:

1. Make a Windows 10 USB drive on another PC. See how to create a bootable Windows 10 USB.
2. Start the PC from the USB drive.
3. On the first setup screen, select Next, then Repair your computer in the lower-left corner.
4. 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.

1. Download the Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s Windows 10 download page.
2. Run it and choose Upgrade this PC now.
3. 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.

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.

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.