If some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes, use the System File Checker to scan Windows and restore your files. Though the steps below might look complicated at first glance, just follow them in order, step-by-step, and we’ll try to get you back on track.

Corrupt system files can cause Windows Explorer to stop responding. You can repair corrupted system files by running the System Update Readiness tool, the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, or the System File Checker (SFC).

Learn how to use the System File Checker tool (SFC.exe) to scan Windows and restore your files if some Windows functions aren't working or Windows crashes. Follow the steps to run the tool, view the details of the process, and manually replace the corrupted files with a known good copy.

The System File Checker tool gives an administrator the ability to scan all the protected files to verify their versions. The System File Checker tool also checks and repopulates the cache folder (by default, %SystemRoot%\System32\Dllcache).

If you have installed the update KB2821895, and then run the System File Checker using the command sfc /scannow, the scan reaches 100% complete, and you receive the following error: Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.

How to check if your device meets Windows 11 system requirements after changing device hardware. Learn how to use the PC Health Check app to help you improve your device performance.

Remove an installed Windows update. Reset your PC. Use the Startup Repair function. Use installation media to reinstall Windows 11. Use installation media to restore your PC. Use a recovery drive to restore or recover your PC. Go back to your previous version of Windows. Restore from a system restore point.

Security Windows 10 Windows 11. Windows Security (Windows Defender Security Center in previous versions of Windows) enables you to scan specific files and folders to make sure they're safe. You'll be notified immediately if any threats are found.

In Disk Cleanup, select Clean up system files. Select the file types to get rid of. To get a description of the file type, select it. Select OK. Note: If you notice that the Temp folder fills up quickly after running Disk Cleanup, see Low Disk Space error due to a full Temp folder.