SFC scan unable to fix corrupt files windows 11 (7 Solutions)

In Windows 11, There are a few built-in diagnostic tools that help repair system issues automatically. One such tool is the System File Checker (SFC) which is used to repair corrupted system files. This tool scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files. It ensures the integrity of crucial system components and helps to maintain stable and reliable operation of your computer. However at times While running the System File Checker tool (sfc) and using the sfc/scannow command to repair missing or corrupted system files on Windows 11 you may encounter the error ‘Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them’ A number of users report, SFC Scannow Unable to Fix Corrupt Files on windows 11. Let’s find out the reason why SFC scannow not repairing corrupt files and solutions to fix it.

Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them. Details are included in the CBS.Log windir\Logs\CBS\CBS.log.

What is System File Checker Utility?

The System File Checker (SFC) utility is a crucial tool in Windows operating systems, especially in Windows 11 and 10, as it’s integrated with Windows Resource Protection which protects registry keys and folders as well as critical system files. Running SFC scannow command checks for any missing or corrupted essential files that the system needs to function properly. When you execute the ‘sfc /scannow‘ command, it scans all protected system files. If it detects any issues, it tries to replace the problematic files with cached copies from a compressed folder located at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. This ensures your system stays in good health and runs smoothly. It’s like a first aid kit for your Windows!

SFC SCANNOW Finds Corrupted Files But Unable to Fix

There are several potential reasons why the System File Checker (SFC) may not be able to repair corrupt files, Lack of Administrator Privileges, Third-Party Software Interference, Windows Image Corruption or Registry Corruption are common.

• If there are problems with the file system itself, such as bad sectors on the hard drive, it can hinder SFC’s ability to perform repairs.
• If the overall Windows image is compromised, SFC might not have a healthy reference to compare against, making repairs difficult.
• Sometimes, third-party applications or security software can conflict with SFC’s operations, preventing it from completing repairs.
• SFC requires administrative privileges to make changes to critical system files. If it doesn’t have the necessary permissions, it won’t be able to proceed.
• If there are pending Windows updates, it’s advisable to complete those first, as they might contain the necessary fixes that SFC is trying to implement.
• Issues within the Windows registry can also interfere with SFC’s functionality.

Install Windows 11 updates

Latest Windows Updates contain critical patches and bug fixes that can address the underlying issues causing file corruption. And is recommended to install the latest Windows 11 updates when the System File Checker (SFC) is unable to fix corrupt files.

• Press Windows key + I to open the settings app
• Go to Windows Update then hit Check for updates,
• If new updates are available or pending there, allow them to download and install.
• Once done, reboot your PC to apply them.

By keeping your system up-to-date, you’re ensuring that it has the latest security and stability enhancements. After installing the updates, it’s advisable to run the SFC scan again to see if it can now successfully repair any remaining corrupted files.

Boot into Safe Mode then try SFC

Windows Safe Mode boot Starts the System with minimal System Resources, disables Unnecessary Add-ons, And allows to perform Troubleshooting steps. Run the System file checker utility on the safe mode which probably helps if any third-party addon prevents sfc utility from repairing Corrupt Files.

• Press Windows + R, type msconfig and click ok
• This will open the system configuration window,
• Move to the Boot Tab and Checkmark on the Safe Boot option.
• Click Apply and OK,
• Then restart Windows this will start Windows into safe mode Automatically.

• Now open the command prompt as administrator and type SFC /SCANNOW and hit the enter key.

Note: Just make sure the PendingDeletes and PendingRenames folders exist under   C:\WINDOWS\WinSxS\Temp. To go to this directory open Run and type %WinDir%\WinSxS\Temp. This may help if some start-up programs are creating a problem.

Run DISM Tool

This error usually occurs, when System File Checker (SFC) is unable to locate the correct files to replace the corrupted ones. In such situations performing a Deployment Image Service and Management (DISM) scan can be highly effective. DISM command uses Windows update as a source for the required files and ensures they are replaced if found to be damaged.

• Right-click on the Start menu, and select “Windows PowerShell (Admin)” or “Command Prompt (Admin).”
• Now Type the following and press enter To execute the command

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This will start the Scan and RestoreHealth process, This command checks for component store corruption, records the corruption and FIXES the corruption. Let the DISM command run and wait until 100 % Complete to finish.

If the above command doesn’t work then try To Run DISM With Source File.

For This You Need A Source image (Windows 11 ISO), Right Click and mount the same and note down the drive letter.

Now run the following command

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:ISOmountpath\install.wim /LimitAccess

Note: Replace ISOmountpath with your Drive letter which you mount the ISO file. For Ex my ISOmountpath Drive letter is D:

Note that it can take a while for the scan to run, and it isn’t uncommon for it to appear stuck at 20 percent. Don’t close the terminal window until the scan completes.

After the scan completes, rerun an SFC scan to see if you still receive the error.

Run SFCFix Tool

Also Running the  SFCFix Tool will scan your windows for corrupted system files and will restore/repair these files which System File Checker failed to do so.

First Download SFCFix Tool from here. Then open the command prompt As an administrator and type SFC /SCANNOW to run the system file checker utility. while running the process launch the SFCFix.exe. 

Once SFCFix has run its course it will open a notepad file with information about all the corrupt/missing system files that SFCFix found and whether or not it was successfully repaired.  In a perfect world, it will tell you what file was corrupted and that it was fixed. If you don’t see the words FIXED/REPAIRED then it did not fix the problem.

Try Startup Repair

With Windows 10 and 11, Microsoft Added an Advanced option where you can run Startup Repair which Scan and repair corrupted damaged system files that cause issue while Windows startup. If after performing the above methods SFC Results Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them, running the Automatic Repair at startup is very helpful to fix this.

To perform Automatic Repair / Startup repair first you need to access Advanced Options. Then click on Automatic Repair as shown below image.

This will restart Windows, Check, and Start the repair Process for the following

1. Missing/corrupt/incompatible drivers
2. Missing/corrupt system files
3. Missing/corrupt boot configuration settings
4. Corrupt registry settings
5. Corrupt disk metadata (master boot record, partition table, or boot sector)
6. Problematic update installation

After that, you can restart and Run the SFC utility, Hope this time you didn’t find any error.

Check cbs.log manually

Also, You can Check The cbs.log file manually to check which files are corrupted and you may replace them with a good copy. To open the CBS.Log File Press Windows + R then type C:\windows\logs\CBS and hit Enter. Then double-click on CBS.log file.

If you get access denied error then, Right-click on the CBS.log file and select properties. Switch to Security tab and click Advanced. Click on Change under Owner. Type Everyone then click on Check Names and click OK. Now click Apply followed by OK to save changes. Again right-click CBS.log file and select properties, Switch to Security tab then select Everyone under Group or user names and then click Edit. Make sure to check mark Full Control then click Apply followed by OK.

Now try to access the file and this time you will be successful. Then Press Ctrl + F then type Corrupt and it will find everything that says corrupt.

Now you will find what actually is corrupted which can’t be fixed by SFC. Type the query in Google to find out how to fix the thing that is corrupted, sometimes it is as simple as re-registring a .dll file.

Reset Windows 11 default

If you’re still getting the Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files error, reset Windows 11 help resolve persistent issues like corrupt system files. Always make sure to back up your important data before proceeding. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to reset your PC:

• Click on the Start menu and select “Settings” locate and select “System.”
• Scroll down in the System settings until you find “Recovery” and click on it.
• Under Recovery options, click Reset PC next “Reset this PC,” option

You’ll be presented with two options:

• Keep my files: This option will reinstall Windows while keeping your personal files, settings, and applications. However, it will remove any apps and settings that were installed or changed after the Windows installation.
• Remove everything: This option will completely reinstall Windows, removing all personal files, apps, and settings. Your PC will be restored to its original state.

Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm your choice and initiate the reset process. This may take some time, so be patient. Your PC will reboot several times during the process. Allow it to finish

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