How to Run System File Checker (SFC) in Windows 11? [Steps]

Unexpected shutdowns, failed updates, malware infections, or third-party software can damage essential system files. When these files become missing or corrupted, you may notice issues such as random crashes, apps not opening, Windows features failing, or error messages during startup.

To deal with such problems, Microsoft includes a powerful built-in utility called the System File Checker, commonly known as SFC. The SFC tool focuses only on protected system files that are essential for Windows to function properly. It does not scan personal files, installed applications, or third-party drivers.

SFC uses the Windows Component Store, also called WinSxS, to restore healthy versions of corrupted files. If the component store itself is damaged, SFC may not be able to fix everything. In such cases, the DISM tool is often used before running SFC again. This guide will mention that scenario later.

Let’s know the correct process of running System File Checker and repairing missing or Corrupted System Files!

How to Run System File Checker (SFC) in Windows 11 to Repair Missing or Corrupted System Files?

To run System File Checker in Windows 11, open Command Prompt as administrator, type sfc /scannow, and press Enter. Windows will scan all protected system files and automatically repair any missing or corrupted files it finds. The process may take several minutes and should not be interrupted.

Here are all the steps explained in detail!

Step 1: Open Command Prompt with Administrator Privileges

The first and most important step is opening the Command Prompt as an administrator. SFC requires elevated permissions to scan and repair system-level files. Without administrator access, the command will not work properly.

Click on the Start menu in Windows 11 and type Command Prompt in the search bar. When the Command Prompt appears in the results, right-click on it and choose Run as administrator.

Windows will display a User Account Control prompt asking for permission. Click Yes to continue. Once opened, you should see a black command window with administrative privileges enabled.

Step 2: Run the System File Checker Scan

Now that the Command Prompt is open with administrator rights, you can start the actual scan. In the command window, type the following command exactly as shown:

sfc /scannow

Press the Enter key to begin. As soon as the command runs, Windows 11 will start scanning all protected system files. You will see a message indicating that the verification process has started.

This step requires patience. Depending on your system speed and disk performance, the scan can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. During this time, it is important not to close the Command Prompt window or shut down your computer.

Step 3: Wait for the Scan to Complete Without Interruptions

While the SFC scan is running, Windows analyzes each protected file one by one. If a corrupted or missing file is detected, the tool attempts to replace it automatically with a clean copy.

You may notice the progress percentage moving slowly, especially near the end. This is normal behavior. Interrupting the scan by closing the window or restarting the system can cause incomplete repairs or additional issues.

Once the scan finishes, Windows will display a final message summarizing the results. This message is critical for understanding what action to take next.

Step 4: Understand the SFC Scan Results

After the scan completes, you will see one of several possible messages. Each message has a specific meaning.

If the message says Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations, it means your system files are intact, and no issues were detected.

If you see Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them, the tool has fixed the problem automatically. In this case, restarting your computer is recommended to apply the repairs fully.

If the message states Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them, it means some files could not be repaired. This usually indicates a problem with the Windows component store.

Step 5: Restart Your Computer After Repairs

If SFC repaired corrupted files, a restart is strongly advised. Restarting ensures that the repaired system files are properly loaded and active during startup.

Click on the Start menu, select Power, and choose Restart. After rebooting, check whether the original issues you were experiencing have been resolved. In most cases, problems related to system instability or errors disappear after a successful SFC repair and restart.

Step 6: Use DISM if SFC cannot Fix Everything

In some cases, SFC cannot repair files because the Windows image itself is damaged. When this happens, Microsoft recommends using the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool, commonly known as DISM, before running SFC again.

To do this, open Command Prompt as administrator once more and type the following command:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Press Enter and wait for the process to complete. This scan may take longer than SFC and requires an active internet connection in some cases.

After DISM finishes, run sfc /scannow again. This combination usually resolves even stubborn system file corruption issues in Windows 11.

Step 7: Check the SFC Log File for Advanced Troubleshooting

For advanced users, Windows stores detailed SFC results in a log file. This can be useful if you want to identify exactly which files were corrupted or repaired.

The log file is located within the CBS.log file. You can extract relevant entries by using a specific command in Command Prompt. Reviewing this log can help IT professionals or advanced users diagnose deeper system problems.

When Should You Run System File Checker in Windows 11

Running SFC in Windows 11 is recommended when you notice unexplained system behavior. This includes frequent crashes, Windows features not working, blue screen errors, or problems after a failed update. It is also useful after malware removal or when system performance suddenly drops without a clear reason.

Using SFC as part of regular troubleshooting can prevent small file issues from turning into major system failures.

Faqs

What is System File Checker in Windows 11?

System File Checker is a built-in Windows utility that scans protected system files and repairs missing or corrupted ones using cached backup copies.

Is SFC safe to run on Windows 11?

Yes, SFC is completely safe. It only works on system files and does not affect personal data, installed apps, or user settings.

How long does SFC take to complete?

The scan usually takes between 10 and 30 minutes, depending on system speed and storage performance.

Can I use my computer while SFC is running?

It is best to avoid heavy tasks while SFC is scanning to ensure accurate results and faster completion.

Do I need internet access to run SFC?

No, SFC does not require internet access. However, DISM may need internet connectivity in some situations.

Should I run SFC in Safe Mode?

Running SFC in Safe Mode can sometimes be helpful if Windows is unstable, but it is not mandatory in most cases.