Use sfc /scannow command to restore corrupted Windows System files
The command sfc /scannow stands for System File Checker. It is a utility built into Windows that allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files.
When you run this command, the utility performs several automated steps to ensure your operating system is healthy:
How it Works
Verification: It initiates a full scan of all protected operating system files.
Detection: It compares the versions of the files on your hard drive with the "known good" versions located in the Windows component store.
Repair: If the tool finds that a system file has been modified, corrupted, or replaced, it automatically replaces that file with the correct version from the cached backup (usually located at C:\Windows\System32\dllcache).
Common Use Cases
You would typically run this command if you are experiencing:
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors.
Frequent app crashes or system freezes.
Missing Windows features or icons.
Unexpected error messages related to .dll or .exe files.
How to Run It
To use the tool effectively, it must be executed through an Elevated Command Prompt:
Type cmd in the Windows search bar.
Right-click "Command Prompt" and select Run as administrator.
Type sfc /scannow and press Enter.
Note: The scan can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on your hardware. It is important not to close the window until the verification is 100% complete.