How to Repair Windows 11: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

By / August 28, 2025

Windows 11 is sleek, powerful, and reliable—but like any operating system, it’s not immune to glitches. Maybe your PC is crashing, certain features aren’t working, or updates keep failing. Don’t worry—you don’t always need a technician. With the right steps, you can repair Windows 11 on your own and get things running smoothly again.

In this guide, we’ll explore different ways to fix problems in Windows 11, from quick built-in tools to more advanced recovery options.

Why Might You Need to Repair Windows 11?

Windows issues can come out of nowhere. Here are the most common reasons you might need repairs:

  • Corrupted system files
  • Failed Windows updates
  • Driver conflicts
  • Malware or virus infections
  • Random crashes or Blue Screen of Death (BSOD)
  • Slow performance or freezing

The good news? Most of these problems can be fixed without wiping your PC.

Step 1: Restart Your PC

Sounds simple, right? But you’d be surprised how many glitches disappear after a restart.

  • Save your work.
  • Restart from the Start menu → Power → Restart.

If problems persist, move to the next steps.

Step 2: Run the Windows Troubleshooter

Windows 11 includes built-in troubleshooters for common problems.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
  2. Go to System → Troubleshoot → Other troubleshooters.
  3. Select the issue you’re facing (e.g., Windows Update, Internet, Audio).
  4. Click Run and follow the instructions.

Step 3: Check for Windows Updates

Sometimes, Microsoft patches fix bugs automatically.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for updates.
  3. Install any pending updates and restart.

Step 4: Repair System Files Using SFC

If system files are corrupted, the System File Checker (SFC) tool can help.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.
  2. Type the following command and press Enter: sfc /scannow
  3. Wait while Windows scans and repairs files.

Step 5: Use the DISM Tool

If SFC doesn’t fix it, try Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM).

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
  2. Type the following commands one at a time: DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
  3. Restart your PC when done.

Step 6: Repair Startup Issues

If Windows won’t boot properly, you can repair startup files.

Steps:

  1. Hold Shift and click Restart from the Power menu.
  2. Go to Troubleshoot → Advanced options → Startup Repair.
  3. Windows will attempt to fix boot-related issues.

Step 7: Use System Restore

System Restore rolls your PC back to a time when it was working fine.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + S and search Create a restore point.
  2. Click System Restore.
  3. Choose a restore point before the problem started.
  4. Follow prompts to restart.

Step 8: Reset Windows 11 (Without Losing Files)

If nothing works, a reset might be needed. Don’t worry—you can keep your files.

Steps:

  1. Open Settings → System → Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
  3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
  4. Follow on-screen instructions.

Step 9: Reinstall Windows 11 (Last Resort)

If all else fails, a clean reinstall will fix any deep-rooted issues.

Options:

  • Use the Media Creation Tool to create a bootable USB.
  • Boot from the USB and reinstall Windows.

⚠️ This will erase everything, so back up your files first.

Additional Tips to Keep Windows 11 Healthy

  • Regularly update drivers and Windows.
  • Run a virus scan weekly.
  • Use Disk Cleanup or Storage Sense to free space.
  • Avoid unnecessary startup apps.

Conclusion

Repairing Windows 11 doesn’t always mean wiping your PC clean. With tools like SFC, DISM, Troubleshooters, System Restore, and Reset options, you can fix most issues yourself. Only go for a full reinstall if nothing else works.

With these steps, you’ll save time, money, and probably avoid a trip to the repair shop.

FAQs

1. What’s the quickest way to repair Windows 11?
Running Windows Troubleshooters or SFC scan is usually the fastest.

2. Can I repair Windows 11 without losing files?
Yes, use System Restore or Reset this PC (Keep my files) option.

3. What do I do if Windows 11 won’t boot?
Use Startup Repair from the advanced recovery menu.

4. Is a clean reinstall always necessary?
No, try SFC, DISM, and Reset first. Reinstall only if nothing else works.

5. How often should I run SFC or DISM scans?
Only when you suspect system file corruption—not as routine maintenance.

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