How to Repair & Restore Corrupted System Files on Windows 10

Files on computers are a very integral part of making the computer function the way it is meant to. Well, on a computer one could find millions of files with different attributes like file size, format, and various other attributes. These files work in unison to provide the features and functions that can be availed by the users.

Well, there are several files that the system reserves for itself and are used by the OS to function efficiently and provide functionalities to the applications and programs loaded on the computers. So, basically, the system files on computers are considered crucial and have to be perfect for the computer to run efficiently. So, here in this article, we will discuss what system files are and how to repair or restore them if something ought to happen to these files. 

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What are system files and why do OSes need them to Function

Windows uses several files to run the computer and all the applications and programs on the computer. There are several types of system files doing different kinds of support functions to run the OS successfully and support all the features and functions on the computer. The system files are crucial and are a very integral part of the OS. OSes store the system files in specific paths on the hard drive to easily identify and access the files when needed. Moreover, applications and programs built to run on Windows use the system files to function. 

So, some commonly available system files on Windows are the sys files (these are the operating fines running the OS), DLL files ( library files for running programs and other components in the OS), CAB files (compressed library files to run programs and the OS), MSI files (Microsoft system installer), ICO files (icon files), LNK files (Windows shortcuts), DMP files (Windows memory dump files), TMP files (Temporary files), INI files (instruction files to execute programs).

What might possibly cause the System files to go Corrupt

• Viruses and Malware:– Viruses and malware can sometimes damage system files. This is rare because the main purpose of viruses or malware is to collect important data, so crashing your system will not achieve its end goal. However, if you come across the .djvu file extension, it is most likely a virus, so learn all the ways to remove it and protect your system.

• Power Cuts:- This can happen randomly and without any sign and can cause a lot of problems with your hard drive. Corruption of some storage, including system installation, can corrupt the files needed to run the operating system successfully. Check out the best UPS to keep your system running in the event of a power outage.

• System Crashes:- Hardware or software issues can cause system crashes and corrupt system files.

• Issues After Updates:- Updates mostly bring goodies to the computer but sometimes when an update runs into issues or problems the chances of the file going corrupt is high.

• Hardware Issues:- When the hard drive starts having problems reading and writing data, bad sectors and corrupt files can start forming. Check out the best hardware diagnostic tools for Windows.

Simple Methods to Fix Corrupt System Files on Windows 10

Well, we have explored the basics of system files and the cause for them to go corrupt, so, now let’s jump into fixing the corrupt system files on Windows 10 computers. Follow along to find the simple methods to fix the issues on your Windows 10 computer.

Method 1: Use the SFC Commands

• To use the SFC commands, open the command prompt using the search option in the taskbar and run the command prompt as an administrator.
• Now, in the command prompt terminal, type in SFC, and then you can use several commands that will follow the SFC here are the different commands.

• /ScannowCommand: Check all protected files for errors or problems. When a problem is identified, the command solves the problem by replacing the damaged files. 

• /verifyonly function: This command checks files for bugs and errors, but does not fix problems.

• /Offlogfile command: This feature allows you to repair log files.

• /check file function:

This function checks the specific file mentioned in the syntax but does not fix the problem. 

•  /offbootdir function: This feature restores Windows startup offline. This feature is available for Windows installation media. 

Method 2: Use DISM Scan Command

• Click Windows Key + X and click Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin) to open the app with administrator privileges.
•  Type in the following command  DISM / Online / Image Cleanup / Health Recovery and press Enter.
•  Repairs can take 10- 15 minutes, so be patient and don’t interrupt. Once the DISM tool has repaired the files, restart your PC.

So, these are some very simple methods to fix corrupt system files on your Windows 10 computer, however, if issues like a DLL file missing or any specific file issue that you can identify can be fixed by replacing that file in the particular location by downloading the same file from an authentic source on the internet. 

Hope the information provided above will be of great help to you to fix system file issues on Windows 10.