To scan your Windows 10 computer for problems, you can use the System File Checker (SFC) tool. This utility will check the integrity of your Windows system files and repair any that are found to be corrupted.
Using the System File Checker (SFC)
Here's how to run the SFC tool:
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Open Command Prompt as Administrator:
- Click on the Start button.
- Type "cmd" or "command prompt".
- Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator".
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Confirm User Account Control (UAC) Prompt:
- If prompted by the User Account Control, click "Yes" to allow the Command Prompt to make changes.
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Run the SFC Scan:
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In the command prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
SFC /scannow
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Wait for the Process to Complete: The SFC utility will now scan your system files for problems. This process can take some time to complete, depending on your system and how many problems there are.
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Reboot Your Computer: Once the scan is complete, reboot your computer for the changes to take effect.
What SFC Does
- Checks File Integrity: The System File Checker (SFC) scans all protected operating system files for integrity violations.
- Repairs Damaged Files: When issues are discovered, SFC will attempt to repair or replace damaged system files.
- Protects System Stability: By repairing corrupted files, SFC helps keep your Windows installation stable and prevents system problems from escalating.
Additional Tips
- Check for Windows Updates: After scanning, it is a good idea to ensure your system is fully up to date through Windows Update. This ensures you have the latest fixes and security patches.
- Regular Maintenance: Consider using tools like Disk Cleanup to keep your hard drive tidy and perform periodic system checks to maintain optimal performance.
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open Command Prompt as Admin | Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator". |
| 2 | Accept UAC Prompt | Click "Yes" when prompted by User Account Control. |
| 3 | Run SFC Command | Type SFC /scannow and press Enter. |
| 4 | Wait for Completion | Allow the scan to finish. |
| 5 | Reboot Computer | Restart your PC. |
This process is similar for both Windows 10 and Windows 11.
