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System File Checker
4 min. read
Updated onOctober 4, 2023
updated onOctober 4, 2023
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System File Checker (SFC) is a utility inMicrosoft Windowsthat allows users to scan for and restore corruptions in Windows system files. This utility is available on all versions of Windows OS and is located in C:WindowsSystem32 folder.
This article will describe the following issues related to SFC tool:
The time required for SFC command scannow to repair important Windows files is usually from 5 to 15 minutes.
How can I run SFC scannow on Windows?
In the guides below you will find out how you can run anSFCscanon different Windows operating systems.
How to run SFC scan Windows 11
TheSFC scanmight resolve many system errors, including blue screen issues. On Windows 11, you can easily do this through any console command tool such as Command Prompt, Powershell and Windows Terminal. Here is how to use cmd for this:
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Press theWindowsandXkeys to open thePower Menu.
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Select Command Prompt (Admin) from the list and click on it.
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Type the following command:sfc /scannow
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PressEnterto execute the command.
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Wait for the repair process to complete. This might take a while, so do not interrupt the process.
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After the SFC scan is complete,Command Prompt might state, “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” If that’s the case, restart Windows.If there are no errors, you can close the console.
How to run SFC scan using cmd on Windows 10
Everything you need to know about Command Prompt is right here!
How to use SFC scannow in Safe Mode on Windows 10
When you cannot complete the SFC scan normally, you should initiate the same process from Safe Mode.
When the Windows 10 OS runs in Safe Mode all third-party apps, and the processes associated with such software will be stopped or deactivated.
Thus, if the SFC error was somehow related with a third party software, now you will be able to successfully perform the system scan.
Here is how you can reboot your device into Safe Mode right away:
Most common System File Checker/SFC scannow errors
Although this process can automatically repair the most common Windows soft-related problems, in some situations, SFC itself might experience malfunctions.
Here are some of the most common issues that users reported:
We hope that you managed to run a SFC scan on your Windows OS using our solutions. To learn more about similar tools, we suggest reading our guide on thedifferences between CHKDSK, SFC, and DISM.
Let us know your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.
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Robert Neagoe
Security Analyst
Robert has a keen attention to details and focuses on data driven decisions. Enthusiast about information architecture and structured data, he is eager to enhance find-ability and usability of our content related to software for Windows 10, troubleshooting errors and tech news.
Collaboration and team spirit are among his core values, and strongly believes in problem solving through good communication.
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Robert Neagoe
Security Analyst
