System file corruption is a common cause of sluggish performance, crashes, and unexpected errors in Windows 10 and 11. Optimizing your approach to system file repair ensures your PC runs smoothly and minimizes the risk of persistent issues. This guide details the top 10 system file repair techniques, with step-by-step instructions and actionable advice for both beginners and advanced users.
1. Use Windows System File Checker (SFC) Tool
For Beginners:
1. Type “cmd” in the Windows search bar.
2. Right-click “Command Prompt” and select “Run as administrator.”
3. In the command prompt, type:
sfc /scannow
4. Press Enter. Allow the scan to complete and follow any on-screen prompts.
Advanced Users:
After running SFC, check the log file for details:
– Open C:\Windows\Logs\CBS\CBS.log to review unrepaired files.
– Use “findstr /c:”[SR]” %windir%\Logs\CBS\CBS.log >”%userprofile%\Desktop\sfcdetails.txt”” to export results for further analysis.
2. Run Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM)
For Beginners:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Enter:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
3. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.
Advanced Users:
Use custom repair sources with:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim
This can repair deeper issues if the system image is badly damaged.
3. Repair Using Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities simplifies many repair and cleanup tasks, offering tools for beginners and advanced users.
For Beginners:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities.
2. Launch the program and select “1-Click Maintenance.”
3. Make sure “Registry Repair” and “Shortcuts Fixer” are checked.
4. Click “Scan for Issues” and then “Repair Problems.”
Advanced Users:
Use “Advanced Tools” for deeper repairs:
– Select “Registry Repair” or “File Associations” to fix more specific issues manually.
4. Perform a System Restore
For Beginners:
1. Type “System Restore” in the Windows search bar and select “Create a restore point.”
2. Click “System Restore.”
3. Follow the wizard to select a restore point before the issue occurred.
Advanced Users:
– Create manual restore points before major changes or repairs.
– Use command-line “rstrui.exe” for quick access.
5. Use Windows Startup Repair
For Beginners:
1. Hold Shift and click “Restart” from the Start menu to boot into the recovery environment.
2. Select “Troubleshoot” > “Advanced options” > “Startup Repair.”
3. Follow prompts to let Windows attempt automatic repair.
Advanced Users:
– Access the recovery environment by booting from Windows installation media and selecting “Repair your computer.”
6. Check for Malware and Unwanted Programs
For Beginners:
1. Open Windows Security from the Start menu.
2. Run a full virus scan.
Advanced Users:
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Malware Remover” for advanced threat detection and removal.
– Supplement with third-party tools like Malwarebytes for layered protection.
7. Update Windows and Device Drivers
For Beginners:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
2. Click “Check for updates.”
Advanced Users:
– Use Device Manager to manually update or roll back specific drivers if issues persist.
– Use Glary Utilities‘ “Driver Manager” to scan and update outdated drivers.
8. Clean Up System Junk and Old Updates
For Beginners:
1. Type “Disk Cleanup” in Windows search.
2. Select the system drive, then tick checkboxes for “Windows Update Cleanup” and “Temporary files.”
3. Click “OK” to remove unnecessary files.
Advanced Users:
– Use Glary Utilities’ “Disk Cleaner” tool for a more thorough scan and removal.
– Automate regular cleanups within Glary Utilities’ “Scheduled Tasks.”
9. Reset Windows Without Losing Files
For Beginners:
1. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Click “Reset this PC” and choose “Keep my files.”
3. Follow the prompts to reinstall Windows while retaining personal files.
Advanced Users:
– Use the “Remove everything” option for a complete refresh if issues persist.
– Backup data before performing a reset.
10. Check Hard Disk for Errors
For Beginners:
1. Open “This PC,” right-click the C: drive, select “Properties,” and go to the “Tools” tab.
2. Click “Check” under Error checking.
Advanced Users:
– Open Command Prompt as admin and enter:
chkdsk /f /r
– Confirm scheduling on next restart if prompted.
Bonus: Regular Maintenance with Glary Utilities
Routine maintenance prevents many system file issues. Glary Utilities offers “Automatic Maintenance” features:
– Set up regular scans for junk files, broken shortcuts, and registry errors to keep Windows healthy.
– Use “Startup Manager” to review and optimize startup programs, reducing boot time and minimizing conflicts.
Conclusion
Repairing system files in Windows 10 and 11 may seem daunting, but with the right tools and techniques, you can resolve most issues efficiently. For beginners, built-in utilities and user-friendly tools like Glary Utilities provide a straightforward path to a healthy PC. Advanced users can leverage deeper command-line tools and custom repairs for persistent problems. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned PC owner, regular clean up, malware checks, and maintenance are essential for keeping your Windows system running at its best.