How to Run SFC Scan Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide for Users

By / October 10, 2025

Have you ever experienced strange glitches — your apps crash, the system slows down, or updates fail for no reason? If so, you might be dealing with corrupted system files. Luckily, Windows 11 comes with a built-in superhero called SFC (System File Checker).

Why You Should Know How to Run SFC Scan in Windows 11

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to run an SFC scan in Windows 11 step-by-step, explain what it does, why it’s important, and how to fix errors if it doesn’t work.

Whether you’re a beginner or a tech enthusiast, by the end of this article, you’ll know exactly how to repair your Windows 11 system files safely and efficiently.

🧩 What Is an SFC Scan in Windows 11?

SFC (System File Checker) is a Windows command-line tool that automatically scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files.

It compares your system files with the original versions stored in the Windows Component Store and replaces damaged ones.

🔍 Key Facts:

Feature Description
Tool Name System File Checker (SFC)
Command Used sfc /scannow
Purpose Scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files
Available in All versions of Windows (Windows XP to Windows 11)
Common Location Run via Command Prompt or PowerShell

In simpler terms, SFC acts like a doctor for your Windows system files, checking for infections (corruptions) and applying treatment (repairs).

Summary: Key Takeaways

  • SFC (System File Checker) is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs corrupted or missing system files.

  • You can run SFC Scan using Command Prompt, PowerShell, or Windows Recovery Environment.

  • If SFC fails to repair files, running DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) first can fix underlying image issues.

  • Regularly running SFC helps maintain system performance and stability.

  • This guide walks you through every method step by step — ideal for both beginners and advanced users.

🧠 When Should You Run an SFC Scan?

You don’t need to run SFC daily, but it’s helpful in certain situations.

Here are the most common scenarios when running an SFC scan in Windows 11 can help:

  1. System running slower than usual

  2. Frequent application crashes

  3. Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) errors

  4. Windows updates failing repeatedly

  5. System features not working properly

  6. Unexplained file or driver errors

💡 Pro Tip: If your computer starts acting strangely after a Windows update, an SFC scan is often the first fix to try.

🛠️ How to Run SFC Scan Windows 11: Step-by-Step Guide

Running an SFC scan is straightforward, but there are multiple ways to do it. Below are the three main methods you can use.

⚙️ Method 1: Run SFC Scan Using Command Prompt

This is the most common and reliable method.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

  1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

    • Press Windows + S, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.

  2. Run the SFC Command

    • Type the following command and press Enter:

      sfc /scannow

  3. Wait for the Scan to Complete

    • The process can take 10–20 minutes depending on your system speed.

    • Avoid closing the window until it reaches 100%.

  4. Review the Results

    • After the scan finishes, you’ll see one of the following messages:

      • “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.” → No issues found.

      • “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them.” → Issues fixed.

      • “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.” → Manual repair needed (we’ll cover this next).

✅ That’s it! You’ve successfully run an SFC scan using Command Prompt.

⚙️ Method 2: Run SFC Scan Using Windows PowerShell

Prefer PowerShell? You can run the same command there too.

Steps:

  1. Press Windows + X → Select Windows Terminal (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

  2. Type:

    sfc /scannow

  3. Wait for the process to complete.

  4. Read the results — they’re identical to the Command Prompt method.

💬 Tip: PowerShell offers the same functionality with a more modern interface and additional scripting power.

⚙️ Method 3: Run SFC Scan in Safe Mode

If SFC doesn’t work normally, you can run it in Safe Mode — where only essential Windows services are active.

Steps:

  1. Boot into Safe Mode

    • Press Windows + I → Go to System > Recovery.

    • Under Advanced startup, click Restart now.

    • Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Settings > Restart.

    • Press 4 or F4 to start Safe Mode.

  2. Run SFC Scan

    • Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:

      sfc /scannow

  3. Restart your computer after the scan completes.

🧩 Why Safe Mode?
Running SFC in Safe Mode ensures no third-party apps interfere with the process.

🔧 What to Do If SFC Scan Finds Errors but Can’t Fix Them

Sometimes, you’ll see a message saying:

“Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them.”

This means SFC detected problems it can’t fix automatically. Don’t worry — there’s a next step: DISM Tool.

🧰 Run DISM Before SFC (Recommended Fix)

DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) repairs the Windows system image, allowing SFC to function properly.

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Type these commands one by one (press Enter after each):

    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
    DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

  3. Wait for each to finish — it might take 15–30 minutes.

  4. After DISM completes, reboot your PC.

  5. Run SFC /scannow again.

✅ This sequence often resolves even the toughest corruption errors.

💽 How to View SFC Scan Results in Windows 11

After running SFC, you can view detailed results in the CBS.log file.

Steps:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).

  2. Type:

    findstr /c:"[SR]" %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log >"%userprofile%\Desktop\SFC_Details.txt"

  3. Press Enter — this creates a file named SFC_Details.txt on your desktop.

  4. Open it to view what files were scanned, fixed, or skipped.

💡 Tip: Advanced users can analyze this log to manually replace specific corrupt files if necessary.

⚠️ Common Issues When Running SFC Scan (and How to Fix Them)

Problem Possible Cause Solution
SFC stops at a certain percentage Background apps or interference Run in Safe Mode
“Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation” File system errors Run chkdsk /f /r first
SFC and DISM both fail Severe corruption Perform Repair Install or System Restore
Access denied error No admin rights Run Command Prompt as Administrator

💡 Expert Tips for Running SFC Scan Efficiently

  1. Close unnecessary applications before running SFC.

  2. Run DISM first if your PC recently crashed or failed an update.

  3. Backup your files before making major system repairs.

  4. Use Safe Mode if SFC fails to complete.

  5. Regular Maintenance: Run SFC once a month or after installing major updates.

🧰 Alternative Ways to Repair Windows System Files

If both SFC and DISM fail, try these options:

🪟 Option 1: Use System Restore

Revert your system to a previous working state.

  • Go to Control Panel → Recovery → Open System Restore.

  • Choose a restore point and follow on-screen steps.

💿 Option 2: Perform a Repair Installation

Use the Windows 11 installation media to reinstall system files without deleting your data.

🔄 Option 3: Reset Windows 11

As a last resort, reset your PC:

  • Go to Settings → System → Recovery → Reset this PC.

🧮 Comparison Table: SFC vs DISM

Feature SFC (System File Checker) DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
Purpose Repairs corrupted or missing system files Repairs Windows system image
When to Use When minor file corruptions occur When SFC fails to fix issues
Command sfc /scannow DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Requires Internet? No Yes (downloads clean files)
Level of Repair Basic Advanced

🧾 Summary: The Power of SFC in Keeping Windows 11 Healthy

The SFC scan is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools for maintaining your Windows 11 system.
It ensures your operating system’s core files remain intact, preventing crashes, slowdowns, and update failures.

By running sfc /scannow, you’re essentially giving your PC a health check — scanning, detecting, and repairing system issues in one go.

Remember:

  • Always run SFC as Administrator.

  • If SFC fails, run DISM first, then retry.

  • Regular scans help prevent performance degradation over time.

❓ FAQs About Running SFC Scan in Windows 11

1. How long does an SFC scan take in Windows 11?

Usually 10–20 minutes, depending on your computer’s speed and file corruption level.

2. Can I use my computer while SFC is running?

It’s best not to. Using your PC can interfere with the scanning or repairing process.

3. What happens if SFC can’t fix files?

Run DISM first, then re-run SFC. If both fail, try System Restore or a repair install.

4. Is SFC safe to use?

Yes — SFC only repairs official system files. It doesn’t delete personal data or programs.

5. Should I run SFC regularly?

Yes, especially after Windows updates or major software installations. It’s a great preventive maintenance step.

🏁 Conclusion: Keep Windows 11 Running Smoothly with SFC Scan

Your Windows 11 system relies on healthy system files to operate correctly.
By learning how to run SFC Scan Windows 11, you’ve equipped yourself with one of the most valuable troubleshooting tools available.

Next time your PC behaves strangely — freezing, crashing, or failing to update — remember:

A simple “sfc /scannow” might be all it takes to bring it back to life.

Run it regularly, pair it with DISM when needed, and keep your system performing at its best.

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