How to Check for Corrupted Files in Windows 10: A Proven Solution

Quick Summary: If you’re wondering how to check for corrupted files in Windows 10, the answer lies in using built-in tools like the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM). These powerful utilities can scan your system, identify damaged files, and often repair them automatically, restoring your PC’s stability and performance.

Ever found your Windows 10 PC acting strangely? Maybe programs crash unexpectedly, or you get those annoying error messages that make no sense. Often, the culprit behind these headaches is a corrupted system file. These tiny digital building blocks are essential for your operating system to run smoothly. When they get damaged, everything can start to fall apart. It’s frustrating when your computer doesn’t work as it should, but don’t worry! You don’t need to be a tech wizard to fix this. We’re going to walk through a straightforward, step-by-step process that anyone can follow to check for and fix corrupted files in Windows 10. Let’s get your PC back in top shape!

Why Do Files Get Corrupted in Windows 10?

It’s tempting to think that computer files should last forever, but just like anything else, they can experience damage. Understanding why this happens can help you prevent future issues. File corruption in Windows 10 can occur for several reasons, and often it’s a combination of factors.

Common Causes of File Corruption

Sudden Power Outages or Improper Shutdowns: This is a big one. If your computer loses power while it’s writing or modifying files, that file can be left in an incomplete and unusable state, leading to corruption. Always shut down your PC properly!

Hard Drive Issues: Your hard drive (or SSD) is where all your files are stored. If the drive is failing, has bad sectors, or is experiencing other physical problems, it can lead to data being read or written incorrectly, corrupting files.

Malware and Viruses: Malicious software is specifically designed to interfere with your system. Some viruses can delete, modify, or encrypt your files, rendering them corrupted and inaccessible. Good antivirus software is your first line of defense.

Software Glitches and Bugs: Sometimes, the software itself can have errors. If a program encounters a bug while interacting with system files, it might corrupt them. This is more common with older or poorly coded applications.

Driver Problems: Device drivers are the software that allows Windows to communicate with your hardware. Outdated, incorrect, or corrupted drivers can cause system instability and, in some cases, lead to the corruption of related system files.

Failed Windows Updates: While designed to improve your system, Windows updates can occasionally fail to install correctly due to network issues, insufficient disk space, or other conflicts. A failed update can leave system files in a broken state.

No matter the cause, the good news is that Windows has built-in tools to help you identify and fix many of these corrupted files. Let’s dive into the most effective methods.

Method 1: Using the System File Checker (SFC)

The System File Checker, or SFC, is a command-line utility that comes built into Windows. Its primary job is to scan all protected system files and verify their integrity. If it finds any that are corrupted, it attempts to replace them with a cached copy. It’s usually the first tool to reach for when you suspect corrupted files.

When to Use SFC

Experiencing system instability or frequent crashes.

Receiving specific error messages related to system files.

After a power surge or unexpected shutdown.

If you suspect a minor malware infection might have affected system files.

How to Run the SFC Scan

You’ll need to run SFC from an elevated Command Prompt. Don’t worry, it’s easy!

Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Click the Start button.
- Type cmd in the search bar.
- Right-click on Command Prompt in the search results.
- Select “Run as administrator”.
- If prompted by User Account Control (UAC), click Yes.

Enter the SFC Command: In the black Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

sfc /scannow

Wait for the Scan to Complete: The scan can take some time, usually 10-15 minutes, but sometimes longer depending on your system. You will see a percentage indicating the progress. Please don’t close the Command Prompt window until the scan is 100% complete.

Interpret the Results: Once finished, SFC will display a message. Here are the common outcomes:
- “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” This means SFC didn’t find any corrupted system files, or it fixed them all without issues. Your system should be stable.
- “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” Great news! SFC identified problematic files and replaced them with working versions. It’s a good idea to restart your computer after this.
- “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” This indicates that SFC found issues but couldn’t resolve them on its own. This is where the next tool, DISM, comes in handy.
- “Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation.” This usually suggests a deeper problem, possibly related to system file corruption preventing SFC from running properly. In this case, DISM is almost always the next step.

Restart Your Computer: Regardless of the outcome, it’s always a good practice to restart your computer after running SFC to ensure all changes take effect.

The `sfc /scannow` command is a powerful first step. If it reports that it found and repaired files, you might be all set! But if it couldn’t complete the job, don’t get discouraged. We have another tool for that.

Method 2: Using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) Tool

When SFC can’t fix corrupted files, it’s often because the source files SFC uses for repairs are themselves corrupted. This is where the DISM tool shines. While SFC scans and repairs files on your running Windows installation, DISM can service the Windows image that SFC relies on. Think of it as repairing the repair kit itself.

When to Use DISM

When SFC /scannow reports it found corrupt files but couldn’t repair them.

When SFC /scannow fails to run or reports it cannot perform the requested operation.

Before running SFC if you suspect deep-seated system corruption.

Troubleshooting Windows Update issues that might be related to corrupted system files.

How to Run the DISM Scans

You’ll also need to use an elevated Command Prompt for DISM. We recommend running a few DISM commands in sequence for the best results.

Open Command Prompt as Administrator: Follow the same steps as you did for SFC (Start Menu > search “cmd” > right-click > Run as administrator).

Run the DISM Check Health Command: This command checks the Windows image for any corruption without making any changes. Type the following and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

This scan is usually quick. It will tell you if corruption has been detected.

Run the DISM Scan Health Command: If `CheckHealth` finds issues, or even if it doesn’t, run this command. It performs a more thorough scan of the image for corruption. Type the following and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth

This scan takes longer, potentially 10-20 minutes or more. It will report any issues it finds.

Run the DISM Restore Health Command: This is the command that actually attempts to repair the corrupted image. It will download necessary files from Windows Update to perform the repairs. Type the following and press Enter:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

This is the most time-consuming DISM command, often taking 15-30 minutes or even longer. Your Command Prompt window might appear unresponsive at times, but be patient and let it complete. It is crucial to have an active internet connection for this command to work, as it needs to download repair files.

Restart Your Computer: Once DISM completes the `RestoreHealth` command (or reports it couldn’t complete it), it’s essential to restart your computer.

Rerun SFC: After DISM has potentially repaired the system image, you should run SFC again. This is because SFC will now have a healthy image to draw replacement files from. Open Command Prompt as Administrator again and run:

sfc /scannow

The DISM tool is incredibly powerful. By ensuring the Windows image is healthy, it greatly increases the chances that SFC will be able to successfully repair any corrupted system files on your actual installation. If `RestoreHealth` fails, it often points to more serious underlying issues, but for most users, this combination of DISM and SFC will resolve most corrupted file problems.

Other Useful Tools and Considerations

While SFC and DISM are your go-to tools for checking and repairing corrupted system files, other aspects of your PC’s health can indirectly cause or be affected by file corruption. Let’s look at a few more things to keep in mind.

Check Disk (CHKDSK)

The `chkdsk` command is designed to scan your hard drive for logical and physical errors. If your hard drive has bad sectors or file system errors, this can lead to file corruption. Running `chkdsk` can fix these underlying drive issues, which might prevent future file corruption.

How to Run CHKDSK

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type the following command and press Enter:

chkdsk C: /f /r

Note: Replace ‘C:’ with the drive letter you want to check if it’s not your main Windows drive. The `/f` flag tells CHKDSK to fix errors it finds, and `/r` tells it to locate bad sectors and recover readable information.

You’ll likely be told that CHKDSK can’t run because the volume is in use and that it will run on the next restart. Type Y and press Enter to confirm.

Restart your computer. CHKDSK will run before Windows starts and can take a long time, especially on large or older drives. Do not interrupt this process.

Keep Your Windows Updated

Microsoft frequently releases updates that include security patches and fixes for known bugs. These updates often contain improved system files and can prevent common forms of corruption. Ensure your Windows Update settings are configured correctly and that you install updates when prompted.

To check for updates:

Go to Settings (Windows key + I).

Click on Update & Security.

Click Check for updates.

Antivirus and Malware Protection

As mentioned earlier, malware is a common cause of file corruption. A robust antivirus program is crucial. Ensure it’s up-to-date and performing regular scans. Windows Security (built into Windows 10 and 11) is a capable option. If you suspect a deep infection, consider using a reputable third-party antivirus or a specialized malware removal tool.

For more information on security best practices, you can refer to resources like the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) website:

CISA Cybersecurity Resources

Driver Updates

Outdated or faulty drivers can cause system instability and file corruption. While Windows Update often handles driver updates, sometimes manually updating them directly from the manufacturer’s website (e.g., NVIDIA, Intel, AMD) is beneficial. However, be cautious and only download drivers from official sources.

Here’s a simple comparison of driver update methods:

Method	Pros	Cons	Best For
Windows Update	Automatic, easy, usually stable	May not have the latest drivers	General users, basic stability
Device Manager	Can initiate scans, sometimes finds updates	Limited effectiveness, may offer generic drivers	Quick checks, troubleshooting specific devices
Manufacturer Websites (Direct Download)	Latest drivers, optimized performance	Requires manual search, potential for incorrect download	Gamers, power users, troubleshooting graphics/audio issues

In summary, while focusing on SFC and DISM is key for directly addressing corrupted system files, maintaining good overall PC health through regular checks, updates, and security measures is vital for preventing these issues in the first place.

Troubleshooting Common Error Codes Related to File Corruption

When system files get corrupted, they can sometimes trigger specific error messages or codes. Knowing these can help you zero in on the problem faster. While a comprehensive list would be extensive, here are a few common patterns indicating file corruption issues:

Common Error Patterns and What They Might Mean

“Windows cannot find [file path]. Make sure you typed the name correctly…”: This is a straightforward sign that a required file is missing or has been corrupted to the point where Windows can’t recognize it. SFC and DISM are perfect for this.

“The application failed to start because its side-by-side configuration is incorrect…”: This error often occurs with .NET Framework or applications that rely on specific runtime libraries. These libraries are essentially system files, and their corruption can cause this.

Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors referencing files like `ntoskrnl.exe`, `winload.exe`, or specific `.sys` files: While BSODs can have many causes (hardware issues, driver conflicts), if they consistently point to system files, it’s a strong indicator of corruption. SFC and DISM are your first steps, followed by checking drivers and potentially CHKDSK.

Errors during Windows Updates, often with codes like 0x80070005, 0x800F0922, or 0x80240017: Although these are often Windows Update errors, they can sometimes be caused by corrupted system files preventing the update process from completing correctly. Running DISM `/RestoreHealth` can sometimes resolve these by repairing the underlying components that Windows Update relies on.

File access denied errors for system files: While sometimes a permissions issue, repeated “access denied” messages when trying to read or modify system files can also suggest corruption that’s interfering with normal file operations.

Remember, SFC `/scannow` and DISM `/RestoreHealth` are your primary tools for tackling most common file corruption issues that lead to these kinds of errors. If you encounter a specific error code, searching for it along with “Windows 10 file corruption” can sometimes lead to very targeted solutions, but the general repair tools are almost always part of the fix.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How often should I run SFC /scannow?

A: You don’t need to run `sfc /scannow` regularly. It’s best used when you

How to Check Corrupted Files Windows 10: Proven Solution