How to Repair Windows 11

If you are experiencing problems with your Windows 11 PC, such as crashes, freezes, errors, or performance issues, it is possible that some of your system files are corrupted or missing. System files are essential components of the operating system that enable it to function properly. It includes configuration files, drivers, libraries, and other important files that are used by various programs and services. Well If for some reason Windows 11 system files are corrupted or get damaged, can cause various issues, that affect the stability and performance of your PC. Fortunately, there are a number of built-in scanners and troubleshooters that you can run to Repair Windows 11 Corrupted Files and restore your PC to a healthy state. Here are some of the best fixes you can try to Repair Windows 11 System Files or corrupted files.

What Causes Windows 11 Corrupted Files?

Various factors, such as sudden power outages, hardware failures, or even malicious software, can lead to the corruption of these important files. When this occurs, you might encounter issues like system crashes, slow performance, application errors, and more. Sometimes, system file corruption can be fixed automatically by Windows 11 using its built-in tools, such as Startup Repair or System Restore. However, in some cases, you may need to manually repair the corrupted system files using the built-in utility System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).

How to Repair Windows 11 Corrupted Files

Before you even think about trying to repair a corrupt Windows 11 machine, make sure you back up your important data and create a system restore point in case something goes wrong.

Update windows 11

Latest Windows updates include security patches, bug fixes, and stability improvements that also help address issues related to file corruption and enhance the overall performance of your system. Bug fixes address known issues, including those related to system files, enhancing overall system stability. Compatibility updates minimize the likelihood of corruption due to hardware or software conflicts.

Windows Updates often include fixes for known issues, including corrupted system files.

  • Press Windows key + I to open the settings app
  • Go to Windows Update and click on check for updates,
  • If new updates are available, allow them to download and install on your PC.
  • Once done, reboot your computer to apply the changes.

windows 11 KB5048667 update

Run System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The System File Checker (SFC) is a command-line utility that scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files. It compares the current system files with the original ones stored in a backup location (C:\Windows\System32\dllcache) and replaces any damaged or mismatched files with the correct versions.

  • Open the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search box. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type “sfc /scannow” (without quotes) and press Enter. This will start the scanning and repairing process, which may take some time depending on the size and condition of your system files.

The SFC command scans and repairs corrupted system files, replacing damaged or missing files with the correct versions from a local cache.

System file checker utility

This process can address various issues related to system file corruption, ultimately improving the stability and performance of your Windows operating system.

  • When the process is complete, you will see a message indicating the result. If it says “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them”, then your system files have been fixed.

Note- If it says “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them”, then you may need to Use the DISM command to repair them.

  • After the process is complete, it’s advisable to restart your computer to ensure the changes take effect.

Use Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

The Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool is another command-line utility that can repair corrupted system files in Windows 11. It works by using Windows update as a source or a Windows 11 ISO to restore the health of your system image. A system image is a snapshot of your entire operating system, including all its settings, programs, and files.

  • Open the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search box. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and press Enter.

Run SFC and DISM command

  • This will start the repairing process, which may take some time depending on the size and condition of your system image.
  • When the process is complete, you will see a message indicating the result. If it says “The restore operation completed successfully”, then your system image has been fixed.
  • If it says “The restore operation failed”, then you may need to use another method to repair it.
  •  Restart your PC and check if your issues are resolved.

If Windows 11 is so badly damaged that DISM can’t repair it, Download the Windows 11 ISO image. Right-click on the ISO image and select mount, not note down the drive letter. (For example, it’s D). Now run the following DISM command to use ISO as a source to repair Windows 11.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim

Using the Check Disk (CHKDSK) Tool

The Check Disk (CHKDSK) tool is another command-line utility that can repair corrupted system files. It works by scanning and fixing errors on your hard disk drive, where your system files are stored. Sometimes, disk errors can cause system file corruption, especially if they affect the sectors where the system files are located.

  • Open the Start menu and type “cmd” in the search box. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  • In the Command Prompt window, type “chkdsk /f /r C:” (without quotes) and press Enter. Replace C with the letter of your system drive, usually C.

Run chkdsk command

  • If the system is in use, it will schedule the scan for the next restart. Confirm by typing ‘Y’ and press Enter.
  • Restart your computer to allow CHKDSK to check and repair the disk.

When the process is complete, you will see a message indicating the result. If it says “Windows has scanned the file system and found no problems”, then your disk drive has been fixed.

If it says “Windows has made corrections to the file system”, then some errors have been fixed.

Using the Reset this PC Feature

The Reset this PC feature is a built-in option in Windows 11 that allows you to reinstall Windows without losing your personal files and settings. It can help you fix corrupted system files by restoring your PC to its factory state or to a previous working state.

  • Press the Windows key + I to open the Settings app and click on System.
  • Go to the Recovery page on the right side, Under the “Recovery options” section, click the Reset PC button for the “Reset this PC” feature.

Reset PC option windows 11

  • Choose whether you want to keep your personal files or remove everything. Click on Keep My Files option to reinstall Windows without losing your personal files and settings.

keep my files option

  • Choose whether you want to use cloud download or local reinstall as your source for reinstalling Windows. The first option Download a fresh copy of the installation from the cloud and reinstall Windows 11. The second option Uses the files already available to reset the computer.

Cloud download or local reinstall

Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process, which may take some time depending on your internet speed and the size of your system files. Restart your PC and check if your issues are resolved.

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Robeg
I am Robeg founder of this blog. My qualification. completed Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP). With a strong background in computer applications love write articles on Microsoft Windows (11, 10, etc.) Cybersecurity, WordPress and more.