How to Repair Corrupted System Files in Windows 10

By Achilles Hill | Last Updated March 20, 2025

Corrupted system files in Windows 10 can cause your computer to slow down, freeze, or even crash. Thankfully, Windows provides built-in tools to detect and repair these issues. This guide will show you multiple ways to restore your system’s stability by fixing corrupted system files effectively.

• Why Do System Files Get Corrupted?
• Method 1: Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool
• Method 2: Use the DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image
• Method 3: Use CHKDSK to Fix Hard Drive Errors
• Method 4: Restore Your System Using System Restore
• Method 5: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10
• Tips: How to Repair Corrupted Files in Windows 10
• FAQs on Repairing Corrupted System Files

Why Do System Files Get Corrupted?

There are several factors that can lead to the corrupted system files.

• Power failures or sudden shutdowns that interrupt file writing processes.
• Malware or viruses altering critical Windows files.
• Incomplete or failed Windows updates causing inconsistencies.
• Bad sectors on the hard drive leading to file damage.

Method 1: Use the System File Checker (SFC) Tool

The System File Checker, also called SFC, is the built-in Windows tool that enables users to check and repair the corrupted system files.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt(Admin).

After your system is in safe mode, Click the start menu or press Win + X key at same time, then click the option like "Command Prompt(Admin)".

Step 2: Type this command: sfc /scannow into the command prompt.

Step 3: Wait for the scan to complete. If the tool detects corrupted files, it will attempt to repair them automatically.

Step 4: Reboot your computer and check whether it runs normally or not.

Method 2: Use the DISM Tool to Repair Windows Image

If the SFC scan doesn’t resolve the corruption, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool can restore Windows’ system image.

Step 1: Open the same command prompt as method 1 and it's step 1.

Step 2: Type the command into prompt.

Step 3: This process may take some time. When this process is completed, the corrupted system files are repaired, just restart your computer.

Method 3: Use CHKDSK to Fix Hard Drive Errors

If there are errors on your hard drive, it will also cause the system file corruption. Running the CHKDSK (Check Disk) utility helps detect and fix bad sectors.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Step 2: Type the following command and press Enter: chkdsk E: /f /r /x

(You need to replace the E: with the drive letter where your Windows locates)

Step 3: If prompted, type Y and press Enter to schedule a scan at the next restart.

Step 4: Restart your PC and allow the scan to run.

Method 4: Restore Your System Using System Restore

If system corruption occurred recently, rolling back to a previous restore point can help.

Step 1: In Windows search box, enter Create a restore point and access it.

Step 2: Now you can hit the System Restore button to revert your computer to a previous restore point.

Step 3: Select a restore point before the corruption started and click Next.

Step 4: Confirm your restore point and follow the on-screen instructions to restore your Windows system.

Method 5: Reset or Reinstall Windows 10

If the above methods do not help, it is necessary to reset or reinstall Windows.

Step 1: Head to Settings> Update & Security >Recovery.

Step 2: Click Get started under Reset this PC.

Step 3: Choose either Keep my files (recommended) or Remove everything.

Step 4: Follow the on-screen instructions to reinstall the system.

Tips: How to Repair Corrupted Files in Windows 10

If your office documents, such as Word document, or PDF files, get corrupted and cannot be opened, how can you repair them in your Windows 10 computer? Don’t worry, iSunshare XRepair Genius can help fix corrupted files and restore the original content without data loss.

Step 1: Launch XRepair Genius and select the File Repair option to start. Then click the Add File button to select all corrupted files from your computer to import.

Step 2: Hit the Repair button to start the repairing process.

Step 3: Soon, the repair process ends. And you can click the Save button to save all repaired files on your computer.

FAQs on Repairing Corrupted System Files

Q1: What should I do if SFC doesn’t fix the problem?

Run the DISM command first (DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth), then rerun sfc /scannow.

Q2: Can corrupted system files cause system crashes?

Yes, corrupt system files can lead to BSOD (Blue Screen of Death) errors, application crashes, and performance issues.

Q3: How often should I check for system file corruption?

It’s good practice to run sfc /scannow and chkdsk every few months or when experiencing system slowdowns or crashes.

Conclusions:

Fixing corrupted system files in Windows 10 is essential for maintaining system stability and performance. You can effectively resolve most issues by using built-in tools like SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK or performing a System Restore or Windows reset. If none of these solutions work, consider seeking professional assistance or reinstalling Windows for a fresh start.

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