How to Use System File Checker in Windows 11

System File Checker (SFC) scans and fixes corrupted Windows system files, helping resolve issues like app crashes or a slow PC.

This built-in Windows tool acts like a digital mechanic, finding and repairing the broken files that cause your computer to misbehave.

Using SFC is straightforward and can often prevent the need for a complete Windows reinstall.

For instance, running SFC with the command `sfc /scannow` can repair integrity violations on your Windows 11 system.

Step 1Open Command Prompt as an Administrator

You need to open Command Prompt as an administrator to run the System File Checker tool in Windows 11. This gives the tool the special permission it needs to check and fix important Windows files. To start, click 🔍 the search icon on 🖥️ your taskbar, type ‘Command Prompt’, then right-click the result and pick ‘Run as administrator’.

Here’s how to do it:

• 🔍 Search Bar Method: Look for 🔍 the search icon or box on your Windows taskbar (usually at the bottom of your screen). Click on it.
• Type “Command Prompt”: Start typing the words Command Prompt into 🔍 the search box. You’ll see results appear as you type.
• Right-Click for Options: When “Command Prompt” appears in 🔍 the search results, 🖱️ right-click on it. A small menu will pop up.
• Select “Run as administrator”: Choose the option that says “Run as administrator” from the menu.
• Grant Permission: A box might appear asking, “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?” Click “Yes.”

Step 2Run the DISM Tool First

Running the DISM tool first helps fix any issues with your Windows system image before you run sfc scannow in Windows 11. This ensures the System File Checker has a clean slate to find and repair any corrupted files. With Command Prompt already open as an administrator, you can type the DISM command carefully.

Here’s how to run DISM:

• Make sure Command Prompt is Open: You should still have the administrator Command Prompt window open from the last step.
• Type the DISM Command: Carefully type the following command into the Command Prompt window. Pay close attention to the spaces:
  

  System File Checker scans your computer for corrupted system files. This tool then replaces any found corrupted files to fix Windows.

  Let’s run SFC:

  • Stay in Command Prompt: Keep the administrator Command Prompt window open. If you closed it, open it again as an administrator (go back to Step 1).
  • Type the SFC Command: Now, type the following command into the Command Prompt. Again, watch the spaces:
    
    💻Code

    Copy

    sfc /scannow

    
    
  • Press Enter: Hit the Enter key.

  

  Reference:

  https://support.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows/Experience/backup-recovery/using-system-file-checker-in-windows

  Summary

  The System File Checker (SFC) is a built-in Windows tool that finds and fixes corrupted system files on your computer.

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