If your Windows 10 PC is acting strangely—slow performance, random errors, crashing apps, or blue screen issues—corrupted or missing system files might be to blame. Repairing these files is crucial for smooth, stable computing. As a beginner, you don’t need to be a tech expert to fix these problems. Here are the seven most effective system file repair strategies, explained step by step, including tips on using tools like Glary Utilities to simplify this process.
1. What is the System File Checker (SFC), and How Do You Use It?
SFC is a built-in Windows tool that scans and repairs missing or corrupted system files.
How to Use SFC:
1. Click the Start menu, type “cmd”, then right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator”.
2. In the Command Prompt window, type
sfc /scannow
and press Enter.
3. Wait—this process can take several minutes. Windows will find and fix corrupt files automatically.
4. When it finishes, restart your computer.
Tip: If SFC finds errors it cannot fix, use the next technique.
2. How Can You Use DISM to Fix Deeper System File Issues?
Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) is another Windows feature, often used after SFC.
How to Use DISM:
1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
and press Enter.
3. Wait for the process to complete—it may take up to 30 minutes.
4. Once done, restart your computer and run SFC again to ensure all files are now repaired.
3. Can System Restore Help if System Files Are Damaged?
System Restore can bring your computer back to a previous state, undoing recent changes that might have corrupted files.
How to Use System Restore:
1. Type “System Restore” into the Start menu and select “Create a restore point”.
2. Click the “System Restore” button.
3. Follow the on-screen instructions, and choose a restore point from before your problems started.
4. Let Windows restart and complete the restoration.
4. How Does Glary Utilities Simplify System Repair?
Glary Utilities is a user-friendly, all-in-one PC maintenance tool that helps fix system errors, clean up junk files, and optimize performance—great for beginners.
How to Use Glary Utilities for Repair:
1. Download and install Glary Utilities from the official website.
2. Open Glary Utilities and click on “1-Click Maintenance.”
3. Ensure “Registry Repair” and “Shortcuts Fixer” are checked.
4. Click “Scan for Issues.” When it’s done, click “Repair Problems.”
5. For deeper repair, explore “Advanced Tools” > “System Repair.”
Glary Utilities also helps in cleaning up junk, managing startup programs, and fixing registry issues that may cause system file errors.
5. What if You Need to Replace System Files Manually?
If a specific file is damaged and the above tools don’t help, you can manually replace it.
How to Replace a System File:
1. Search online for the exact file name and download it from a trusted source (be careful to avoid malware).
2. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
3. Use the command
takeown /f C:\Windows\System32\filename
then
copy “C:\Path\To\New\File” “C:\Windows\System32\”
4. Restart your PC.
Note: This method is for advanced problems. Always back up your original file first.
6. How Can You Use Windows Startup Repair?
Startup Repair can fix problems preventing Windows from loading correctly, including system file issues.
How to Run Startup Repair:
1. Hold the Shift key and click “Restart” on the login screen or Start menu.
2. Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
3. Select your account and let Windows attempt the repair.
7. When Should You Consider a Windows Reset (Keeping Your Files)?
If nothing else works, you can reset Windows 10, which reinstalls system files while keeping your personal files.
How to Reset Windows 10:
1. Go to Start > Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under “Reset this PC,” click “Get started.”
3. Choose “Keep my files.”
4. Follow the prompts to complete the reset.
Final Tips for Beginners
– Always back up your files before attempting repairs.
– Use Glary Utilities regularly to prevent system file issues.
– If you’re unsure, ask for help or search for video guides online.
By following these strategies, most system file issues in Windows 10 can be fixed quickly and safely, giving you a smoother, more reliable PC experience.