How to Run DISM to Repair Windows 11 Image? What You Can’t Do?
DISM stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, and it is a powerful built-in Windows utility used to scan and repair the Windows system image itself. The DISM tool works by checking the Windows component store, which is the core image Windows uses to repair itself. If this image becomes corrupted, tools like SFC may fail. DISM connects to local system files or Windows Update servers to restore missing or damaged components, making it a critical troubleshooting step for persistent Windows issues.
Note: Many users confuse DISM with SFC, but both serve different purposes.
In this guide, you will learn how to run DISM to repair Windows 11, the exact steps involved, what it actually fixes, and, very importantly, what DISM cannot do.
How to Run DISM to Repair Windows 11?
To run DISM to repair Windows 11, open Command Prompt as an administrator, type DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth, and press Enter. Wait for the scan to complete, then restart your computer to apply the repairs.
The process can take anywhere from a few minutes to over half an hour, depending on system condition, disk speed, and internet connectivity.
Let’s understand the whole process with easy & explained steps!
Step 1: Open Command Prompt with Administrator Rights
The DISM tool requires elevated permissions to access and modify system files. Without administrator access, the commands will fail or show permission errors.
Click on the Start menu, type Command Prompt, then right-click on it and select Run as administrator. If a User Account Control prompt appears, click Yes. You should now see a Command Prompt window with administrative privileges. You can confirm this by checking that the title includes the word Administrator.
Alternatively, you can use Windows Terminal in administrator mode, which also supports DISM commands in the same way.
Step 2: Check the System Image for Corruption
Before attempting repairs, it is a good idea to scan the Windows image to see whether corruption exists. This step does not make changes but helps you understand the system state.
In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
This command quickly checks whether the Windows image has been flagged as corrupted. It finishes within seconds. If it reports that the image is repairable, you can proceed to deeper scans.
Step 3: Perform a Deep Scan of the Windows Image
The next command performs a more thorough analysis of the system image. This step takes longer but provides accurate results.
Type the following command and press Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
During this scan, DISM checks every component in the Windows image for corruption. It may appear stuck at certain percentages, which is normal. Do not close the window or shut down your system during this process.
Once completed, DISM will report whether corruption was found and whether it can be repaired.
Step 4: Repair the Windows 11 Image Using DISM
This is the most important step and the one that actually repairs the system image.
Type the following command and press Enter.
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
This command tells DISM to download clean replacement files from Windows Update and repair corrupted components automatically. An active internet connection is recommended for the best results.
The repair process can take time, and progress may pause for several minutes. This is normal behavior, especially on slower drives or heavily corrupted systems.
Step 5: Restart Your Computer
After DISM completes the repair process, it is essential to restart your system. This allows Windows to apply the repaired components properly.
Once restarted, many system issues such as update failures, app crashes, or startup errors may be resolved.
Step 6: Run SFC for Best Results
Although optional, running System File Checker after DISM is highly recommended. DISM repairs the system image, while SFC repairs individual system files.
Open Command Prompt as administrator again and type:
sfc /scannow
This ensures that Windows 11 uses the repaired image to fix remaining corrupted system files.
What You Can’t Do Using the DISM Tool?
While DISM is powerful, it is not a magic solution for every Windows problem. Understanding its limitations will help you choose the right troubleshooting approach.
DISM cannot fix hardware failures. If your hard drive, SSD, RAM, or motherboard is physically damaged, DISM will not resolve crashes or data loss caused by failing hardware.
It cannot recover deleted personal files. If documents, photos, or videos are deleted, DISM does not act as a file recovery tool.
DISM cannot remove malware completely. Although it may repair damage caused by malware, it does not replace dedicated antivirus software or malware removal tools.
It cannot fix third-party software errors. Problems caused by faulty drivers, incompatible applications, or corrupted non-Windows programs are outside its scope.
DISM cannot repair a completely unbootable system in all cases. If Windows 11 cannot boot at all and the system image is severely damaged, a clean installation or system reset may be required.
DISM cannot upgrade Windows versions. It repairs the current Windows image but does not upgrade Windows 11 editions or versions.
Faqs
Is DISM safe to use on Windows 11?
Yes, DISM is a safe and official Microsoft tool. It is built into Windows and designed specifically to repair system images without affecting personal data.
How long does DISM take to complete?
The time varies. A simple scan may take a few minutes, while a full repair using RestoreHealth can take 10 to 40 minutes, depending on system condition and internet speed.
Can I run DISM without internet access?
Yes, but only limited checks will work. For full repairs, DISM usually needs internet access to download clean files from Windows Update unless you specify a local repair source.
Should I run DISM or SFC first?
It is recommended to run DISM first, then run SFC. DISM fixes the system image, which SFC relies on to repair individual files.
Does DISM delete apps or settings?
No, DISM does not remove installed apps, user accounts, or personal settings. It only repairs Windows system components.
What if DISM fails with errors?
If DISM fails, common causes include corrupted Windows Update components, insufficient disk space, or severe system damage. In such cases, using Windows installation media as a repair source or performing a system reset may help.