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 are corrupted files on Windows 11?
Corrupted System files on your computer are those files that suddenly become inoperable or unusable. There are multiple reasons why a file may become corrupted, improper shutdown or power interruption, virus or malware attacks, improper file relocation, bad sectors on your hard drive, and unending computer crashes are some common ones. Again, botched Windows updates or Malicious program installation, and software crashes also cause file corruption on Windows 11.
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 file corruption issues and enhance your system’s overall performance. Bug fixes address known issues, including those related to system files, enhancing overall system stability. Compatibility updates reduce the likelihood of corruption caused by 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.
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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
Perform a startup repair
Also, you can fix or repair corrupted startup files using the Windows 11 startup repair tool. This is very helpful if you are getting black screen or Windows fails to start normally.
- Press Windows key + I to open Windows 11 settings,
- Navigate to the system then recovery, and next to advanced startup click on restart now.
- In the Troubleshoot screen, choose Advanced options from the list and next select Startup Repair.
- The Startup Repair process will initiate and will start detecting your computer for any issues. If any found, it will automatically apply the fix.
- Once done your PC reboots automatically and the issue probably get resolved.
Perform System Restore
If all the above solutions fail to fix the problem, you can perform System Restore and revert PC settings to the previous working state that was registered before the corruption occurred.
- Press Windows key + R, type rstrui and press the enter key to open the System Restore window, click next to get started,
- This will display available restore points that were created previously, from the list, select the restore point you want to revert to and press Next.
- Now, sit back and wait for the System Restore process to get over,
- Once done your PC restarts automatically to the previous working state and check if this time Windows 11 PC is working normally.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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.
Also read:
- 7 Ways to Keep Your Windows Remote Desktop Secure
- How To Fix Startup problems on windows 11 and 10 (8 Solutions)
- Windows 10 stuck at Choose your keyboard layout screen
- Solved: Video Scheduler Internal Error On Windows 11/10
- How to format write protected USB or pendrive using cmd
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