Using SFC and DISM is often done in haste and incorrectly. If you need to fix a corrupted install, then a special DISM command MUST BE issued.

View post by @christitustech on X

The Commands

Basic Online Command

Dism Normal

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealthDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth

Note: This will check it’s health and cleanup basic corruption errors.

Command to Fix From Windows ISO

Use this command when the basic one fails. Follow these steps:

  1. Download the Windows ISO from https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10ISO
  2. Mount the ISO and note the drive letter (ex. E:)
  3. Run DISM with sources flag
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:E:\Sources\install.wim

Note: install.wim is known as ESD in some downloads install.esd

Verify History and Logs

Did it run correctly? Was the corruption repaired?

Check the log file at %windir%\Logs\DISM\dism.log

SFC - The Worthless Tool

System file checker is WORTHLESS! In the best scenario it might tell you about some corruption, but I have never seen it actually repair anything.

Yet every damn guide on the internet recommends you run it. Save your time, and use DISM instead.

Walkthrough Video