Fixing corrupted files in Windows 11 can sometimes feel like you’re chasing your tail. One day everything’s sweet, then out of nowhere you’re hit with weird errors or your system feels sluggish as. Usually, these issues pop up after a dodgy shutdown, power blips, malware sneaks in, or incomplete updates. Lucky for us, Windows has some built-in tools that do most of the hard yakka — namely, the System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool). These little gems can find and fix broken or missing system files, often without needing a full reinstall. It might seem a bit tedious, but if you follow each step, you’ll have your PC running smooth again and maybe dodge a complete wipe or reinstall down the track.
How to Fix Corrupted Files in Windows 11
Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Hit the Windows key, type “cmd,” then right-click on “Command Prompt” and select Run as administrator. You need admin rights for these repair commands to do their thing.
- Alternatively, it’s a good idea to open Windows Terminal with admin privileges — just right-click the icon and pick Run as administrator. Either way works, but Command Prompt is a straightforward option.
Running as admin is a must — otherwise, these commands won’t work properly, and you might get errors or no results at all.
Run System File Checker (SFC)
- Type
sfc /scannowin the command window and hit Enter. - This scans all protected system files and tries to fix any that are broken or missing. Because Windows checks a heap of files — especially old or cluttered systems — it can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. Be patient, don’t jump the gun and close the window early.
- What you’ll see: some files will be repaired, and if it finds issues, it might tell you it fixed some or that it couldn’t sort everything out. That’s pretty normal if your system’s a bit crook.
It might seem a bit weird, but sometimes it clears up the problem on the first go, and other times Windows needs a bit of a boost with DISM.
Use the DISM Tool (if SFC didn’t crack it)
- Type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand press Enter. - This command digs a bit deeper, checking the Windows image via Windows Update. It’ll download any needed files, so having a solid internet connection helps. Think of it as a backup plan if SFC can’t handle everything.
- Heads up: on older systems or if your internet’s flaky, this might hang or fail. Running it a couple of times or rebooting between attempts can sometimes help.
Restart Your Computer
- Once DISM finishes, restart your PC. Sounds simple, but it helps make sure all the repairs are properly loaded and sorted.
- Lots of folk swear that a quick reboot after these repairs sorts out any lingering issues or odd system behaviour.
Check Again for Errors
- After rebooting, open Command Prompt as admin once more and run
sfc /scannowagain. - This final check makes sure no bad files are still lurking. If everything’s good, you’ll get a message saying Windows found no integrity violations.
- If problems stick around, it might be time to look at other options — like system restore or a reset.
Honestly, sometimes these repairs are a bit hit and miss on the first try. Running the commands twice or rebooting in between can help sort out stubborn issues. Windows can be a bit of a pain like that.
Tips to Keep Your Files Safe in the Future
- Back up your stuff regularly, especially before big updates or system changes.
- Keep Windows and your drivers up to date — those updates often patch security holes and bugs that cause corruption.
- Avoid pulling the plug or shutting down abruptly — proper shutdowns keep things happy. Power outages or forced shutdowns are prime culprits for corrupt files.
- Use antivirus software and scan your PC from time to time — malware can be a real troublemaker.
- If issues keep cropping up even after repairs, consider a clean install or resetting your PC as a last resort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes file corruption in Windows 11?
Power blackouts, malware, dodgy drivers, hardware issues — heaps of things. Sometimes, things just go sideways for no obvious reason. Keeping your system updated and protected helps, but nothing’s foolproof.
How long does the SFC scan take?
Usually between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how much stuff you’ve got and how knackered your system is.
Can I use my PC while the scans are running?
Better not. Heavy activity can interfere with the scans, and sometimes they error out or get stuck. It’s best to leave it be for a bit.
What if neither SFC nor DISM fixed the problem?
If issues stick around, you might need to do a system restore or even reset Windows. In some cases, a clean reinstall might be the only fix if the corruption’s pretty bad.
Is there any chance of losing my data?
Generally, these repairs target system files and shouldn’t touch your personal data. Still, it’s a smart move to back up important stuff, just in case something weird happens.
Summary
- Open Command Prompt as Admin
- Run
sfc /scannow - If needed, run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Restart your PC
- Run
sfc /scannowagain to double-check
Wrapping it Up
Fixing corrupted files in Windows 11 can be a pain, no doubt about it. But with these tools, it’s doable. Sometimes you just need a couple of goes or a quick reboot, and you’re back on track — hopefully without losing your data or having to do a full reinstall. Keep your backups and updates regular, and you’ll be well ahead. It might seem a bit fiddly at first, but once you get the hang of it, it’s a bit of a lifesaver. Fingers crossed this helps get your system humming again without too much bother.