- SFC /scannow allows you to detect and repair corrupted files in Windows 11.
- It is run from the Command Prompt with administrator privileges.
- If it does not repair the files, it can be supplemented with DISM.
- It is useful for troubleshooting system crashes, errors and blue screens.
The command SFC / scannow It is a tool integrated into Windows that allows you to analyze and correct damaged or corrupted system filesIt is a very useful solution to solve stability problems, unexpected errors or system crashes. Many users are unaware of its existence, but running it periodically can help keep the system in good condition.
In this article we will explore in detail What is SFC, how it works, when to use it and how to run it correctly in Windows 11. In addition, we will see how to complement it with other tools such as DISM for a deeper repair of the system.
What is SFC command in Windows 11?
The command SFC (System File Checker) System File Checker is a Windows utility designed to verify the integrity of files. system files and repair them if any damage is found. It relies on a database of original Windows files and if it detects any corrupted files, it attempts to replace them with a correct version stored on the system.
This command is especially useful when the operating system presents errors like blue screens, driver failures, or messages indicating that DLL files are missing.
How does SFC /scannow work?
When we execute the command SFC / scannow, the system analyzes all the Windows protected files and compares their integrity with cached copies. If it detects any corrupt or missing files, it automatically replaces them with a correct copy.
The process may take a few minutes depending on the state of your system and the number of files to be scanned. Once complete, SFC provides a report indicating whether it found and repaired any corrupted files or whether no changes were necessary.
How to run SFC command in Windows 11
To use SFC on Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Open the start menu and type Symbol of the system.
- Right click on the result and select Run as administrator.
- In the command window, type the following command and press Enter:
sfc /scannowThe scan will begin immediately and may take several minutes to complete. It is important not to interrupt the process.
Once completed, the system will display a message indicating the result of the scan:
- Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations: There are no corrupted files.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files and successfully repaired them: Problems were detected and resolved.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files, but was unable to repair some of them: You may need to use DISM to solve the problem.
What to do if SFC cannot repair files?
If SFC says it found corrupted files but was unable to repair them, you can use the tool DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) to restore the system image.
To do this, open the Command Prompt as administrator and run the following command:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthThis process may take longer, but it is an effective option for troubleshooting more complex issues in Windows 11.
When to use SFC in Windows 11
It is recommended to run the SFC command in the following situations:
- Windows displays frequent errors or freezes for no apparent reason.
- Some programs do not work properly or close unexpectedly.
- Messages appear indicating that DLL files are missing.
- The operating system has experienced a fatal crash or a blue screen.
If you notice any of these symptoms, running an SFC scan is a good way to detect and repair potential system problems.
SFC / scannow is one of the most useful tools to keep Windows 11 stable. Its ability to detect and repair corrupted files makes it an essential resource for troubleshooting system issues. Also, if the command fails to fix all errors, you can always resort to DISM as an additional solution.
If you notice that your computer is failing, running this command can save you a lot of time and avoid having to reinstall Windows unnecessarily. Now that you know how to use it correctly, you can take full advantage of its usefulness to keep your computer in perfect condition.
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