6 Simple Steps to Scan for Errors in Windows 10

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Written by Darlene Antonelli, MA

Last Updated: February 27, 2024

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This wikiHow will teach you how to scan Windows 10 for errors using the System File Checker (SFC) tool. Before you can use SFC, you need to make sure you have an updated version of Windows.

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1. 1
   Press ⊞ Win. You'll see this key with the Windows logo on your keyboard near Alt and Ctrl. You can also use the mouse to click the Windows logo and open the Start menu that way.
2. 2
   Type "Command Prompt". As you type, you'll see search results display above the Start Menu.
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3. 3
   Right-click the "Command Prompt - App" result. It lists under the "Best match" header and a menu will pop up.
4. 4
   Click Run as administrator. A Command Prompt window will open. If you're prompted to allow the app to make changes, click Yes.
5. 5
   Type "DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth" and press Enter. There is a space before each "/" and make sure you type the command exactly as shown so DISM.exe will run.

   • It will take a minute or two to start up and about 30 minutes to finish.
   • When it's done, you'll see "The operation has completed successfully."
6. 6
   Enter "sfc /scannow" and press Enter. The DSIM.exe should fix whatever corrupt files or damaged files it finds, and the SFC scan will make sure there are no damaged or corrupt files left.

   • If you see "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and repaired them," you may want to enter "sfc /scannow" again until you see "Windows did not find any integrity violations."
   • Type "Exit" and press Enter to close the Command Prompt window.
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Common Questions: Finding System Errors in Windows 10

What is the Windows command to scan for errors?

Use SFC /scannow and press Enter to scan for errors using System File Checker.

How do you fix corrupted files in Windows 10?

Using the System File Checker tool can repair missing or corrupted files. When you run the commands, DISM will use Windows Update to install the files needed to fix the corruption.

Should I run CHKDSK or SFC first?

Run CHKDSK first to check the Drive Integrity, followed by SFC to check Windows Files Integrity.

How do you check for Windows errors in the Command line?

Open the Start menu and type "command prompt. Click the first option. Type the command SFC /scannow and press Enter.

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