Ever felt like your Windows 10 PC is lagging, crashing, or throwing random errors? You’re not alone. Over time, system files can become corrupted due to sudden shutdowns, faulty updates, or malware, leading to serious performance issues. Fortunately, Windows has a built-in utility called System File Checker (SFC) that can scan your system and fix these errors automatically.
But here’s the catch: many users have either never heard of SFC or feel uneasy using Command Prompt. Even those who run it often don't know what to do if they find issues it can’t fix.
That’s why I wrote this guide, as someone who’s been there myself. I’ll walk you through how to use System File Checker in Windows 10, interpret the results, and take further action if needed. Let’s fix those annoying system bugs step by step.
Part 1: How to Run System File Checker Windows 10 via Command Prompt
The System File Checker (SFC) tool is your first line of defense when your Windows 10 system starts acting up, sudden slowdowns, software errors, or even the dreaded Blue Screen of Death.
Here’s how to run it safely using Command Prompt:
Step-by-step Instructions:
Step 1: Type cmd in the Windows search bar
Step 2: Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator
Step 3: In the black window that appears, type the following command and hit Enter:
sfc /scannow
Step 4: Sit back while the scan runs. It might take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your system speed and file integrity.
Step 5: Once the scan completes, you’ll get a message showing whether any issues were found and whether they were fixed.
Step 6: Restart your computer to apply the fixes completely.
Why this works:
The sfc /scannow command scans all protected system files and replaces corrupted ones with a cached copy located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache. This simple scan can resolve a surprising number of system hiccups without needing any third-party software.
Tip:
I ran this on my own laptop recently after noticing that my apps were freezing more often than usual. The scan took about 18 minutes, and yes, it found corrupt files and fixed them. After the reboot, the difference was noticeable. File Explorer loaded faster, and the random freeze-ups stopped.
If you’ve never used this tool before, don’t worry, it’s safer than it sounds. Just make sure you open Command Prompt as an admin. Without admin rights, the scan won’t even start.
Part 2: What to Do If System File Checker Windows 10 Finds Errors It Can’t Fix
So, you ran sfc /scannow and got this message: “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.”
Frustrating, right? Don’t worry, there’s a reliable next step: the DISM command. This powerful tool repairs the Windows image itself, which SFC relies on to replace corrupted files.
Here’s how to proceed.
Step-by-step Instructions:
Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator again (just like before).
Step 2: Type the following command and hit Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Step 3: Wait for the scan and repair process to finish. This might take 20–30 minutes or more, especially if you're using an older PC or slower connection (it may download repair files from Windows Update).
Step 4: Once DISM completes successfully, run this again:
sfc /scannow
Step 5: Restart your PC after everything is done.
Why this helps:
The SFC tool uses the Windows Component Store to replace damaged system files. But if that store is itself corrupted, SFC can’t do its job. That’s where DISM comes in. It fixes the underlying system image so SFC can work correctly the second time around.
This two-step combo saved me once when my Windows Update kept failing. The initial SFC scan said it couldn’t fix the corruption, but after running DISM, the follow-up SFC scan was finally completed cleanly. Not only did the updates install without a hitch afterward, but my system ran smoother overall.
If your PC ever feels “stuck” and you’re thinking about reinstalling Windows, run this pair of tools first. It just might save you hours of reinstalling hassle.
Part 3: When and Why You Should Use System File Checker Windows 10
Many users only discover SFC after something goes wrong. But in my experience, it’s just as useful as a preventive tool.
Let’s talk about the key situations where running System File Checker can make a real difference.
Common Use Cases for SFC
After a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
If your PC has recently crashed, SFC can help check whether system file corruption caused it.
When programs crash unexpectedly
Especially when it’s Windows apps like File Explorer or Task Manager, SFC might reveal damaged dependencies.
If Windows updates fail to install
A failed update is often a sign of corrupted system files. Run SFC before trying the update again.
During unexplained system slowdowns or instability
If your PC suddenly becomes sluggish or behaves strangely, a quick scan could uncover hidden corruption.
Why SFC is Essential
Think of SFC as Windows 10’s built-in health checkup. It not only diagnoses problems but often fixes them without needing third-party help. In a business setting or remote work situation, this can be a lifesaver.
Consistent use of SFC can help prevent deeper system corruption, reduce dependency on IT support, and keep your system reliable, especially if you're working on important documents or managing large projects.
Tip:
I once had a laptop that would randomly restart during video calls, no warning, no error message. I assumed it was a hardware fault. But out of curiosity, I ran sfc /scannow, and it detected corrupted networking components. After fixing them, the issue never returned. That little scan saved me from sending the laptop in for costly diagnostics.
Even if you’re not tech-savvy, this tool empowers you to take control of your system's health.
Part 4: Use WPS Office for Work After Repairing with System File Checker Windows 10
Once you’ve cleaned up your system using System File Checker, it’s time to get back to work, and for that, you need tools that are fast, reliable, and efficient. That’s where WPS Office shines.
WPS Office: Lightweight Productivity Tools That Run Smoothly Post-Repair
After repairing system files, I wanted to make sure everything was stable. I launched WPS Office to check a few Word documents and presentation decks, and I was impressed.
Here’s why I recommend it, especially if your system just recovered from file corruption or crashes:
Fast startup, even on older or lower-spec PCs
No delays or lag, I opened the WPS Writer and Spreadsheet in seconds.
Fully compatible with Microsoft Office formats
I had .docx and .xlsx files to review, and WPS handled them without a hitch.
All-in-one suite: Writer, Spreadsheet, Presentation, and PDF tools
Whether I needed to draft an email report, calculate expenses, or polish a slideshow, everything was in one place.
Built-in AI assistant for reports and summaries
WPS AI helped me summarize my system repair log and generate a backup checklist, which, honestly, is a very helpful bonus.
Cloud sync that protects your work
Since I had to restart multiple times during repairs, cloud storage ensured I didn’t lose a thing.
After running SFC and restarting, I opened WPS Writer to document my entire troubleshooting process. Not only did it help me keep track of what I did, but the quick performance of the app reassured me that the system was fully back to normal.
WPS is lightweight enough to run even when your system is recovering and powerful enough to handle professional work. That balance is what makes it my go-to suite post-repair.
FAQs
Q1: Do I need admin rights to run SFC?
Yes. The System File Checker needs elevated permissions to access and repair protected system files. Always right-click Command Prompt and choose “Run as administrator” before running the command.
Q2: What does “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them” mean?
This message means SFC located damaged files but couldn’t repair them, usually because the repair source itself is damaged. In this case, run the DISM command to fix the underlying Windows image first, then run SFC again.
Q3: Can SFC harm my system?
A: No. SFC is read-only in terms of personal files. It replaces corrupted system files with safe backups and doesn’t touch your documents, apps, or personal data.
Q4: How often should I run SFC?
I recommend running it once every few months or anytime your system starts acting strange, crashes, failed updates, sudden slowdowns. It’s a safe first troubleshooting step before trying more complex fixes.
Summary
System File Checker is one of the most underrated tools in Windows 10. With just a simple command, you can scan for and often repair corrupted system files that cause crashes, lag, and update errors. Combined with DISM, it forms a powerful one-two punch that can bring your PC back to stability without the hassle of a full reinstall.
After the repair, tools like WPS Office make it easy to resume work smoothly. Whether you’re documenting your troubleshooting steps or diving into spreadsheets and presentations, WPS runs fast, feels intuitive, and works great even on recently repaired systems.
