Are you looking for a guide on how to run the SFC command on Windows 11? This article will satisfy your need.
Today, we will explore deep into the strong system utility that carefully defends your Windows 11 device. It’s known as the System File Checker or SFC. It is a Windows operating system component that assists you in detecting and correcting any faults in your system files, ensuring a seamless and secure user experience.
Does SFC command remove viruses?
No, Windows’s SFC (System File Checker) command does not remove viruses. Its primary function is to scan and repair corrupted or modified system files.
It is a useful tool for maintaining the integrity of your system files. It should not be used for virus protection or removal. For detecting and removing viruses, you should use dedicated antivirus software.
How do I run the sfc command?
Now that we’ve established what the SFC command is and why it’s useful, let’s break down the process of running it on your Windows 11 system. You also need to analyze the results after the scan to identify the problem you are encountering, and here’s how:
Run System File Checker:
- Press the Win + X key and select the Terminal (Admin) from the Power menu.
- Once you’ve opened the Terminal, type the following command and hit Enter:
sfc /scannow
- This command will initiate the System File Checker, and the process will begin to run. It might take some time to complete, depending on the size of your system.
Run In Advanced Startup Mode:
Advanced Startup, also known as Windows Recovery Environment (WinRE), is built into Windows that allows you to troubleshoot and repair various startup issues. To perform an SFC scan in Advanced Startup in Windows 11, follow these steps:
- Press the Win + I key to open the Settings App.
- Navigate to System > Recovery.
- Then Under the Advanced startup section, click on Restart now.
Your computer will now restart, and the Advanced Startup menu will appear.
- Now click on Troubleshoot.
- Next, select Advanced options and choose Command Prompt.
Once you’re in the Command Prompt, you need to identify the drive letter of your Windows 11 installation. By default, it is usually assigned the letter “C”.
- To determine the drive letter, type the following command and press Enter:
wmic logicaldisk get caption
Look for the drive labeled OS, which represents your Windows 11 installation drive.
- Now type the following command, replacing “X” with the installation drive (e.g., C, D, E, etc.) and hit Enter:
sfc /scannow /offbootdir=X:\ /offwindir=X:\Windows - The scan will start, and Windows will begin verifying and repairing corrupted system files.
Analyze the Scan Results:
After the scan completes, you can identify by results. You will see one of the following messages:
- Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations: This means your system doesn’t have any corrupted files.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them: This message indicates that SFC found issues and fixed them.
- Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them: In this case, you’ll need to take further actions to repair these files.
If SFC finds issues that it cannot fix, it might be necessary to run a Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool, which is a more advanced utility for repairing system image problems.
Additional options for the SFC Command:
The SFC command has several options that you can use to customize the scan. Here are some of the most common options:
- /scannow – This is the default option. It scans all protected system files and attempts to repair any corrupted files that it finds.
- /verifyonly – This option scans all protected system files, but it does not attempt to repair any corrupted files. This option is useful for determining if there are any corrupted system files on your computer.
- /scanfile – This scans a specific system file for corruption. You can use this option to scan a file that you suspect is corrupted.
- /offbootdir – This specifies the location of the Windows boot files. This option is useful if you’re unable to boot into Windows normally.
- /offwindir – This option specifies the location of the Windows system files. This option is useful if you’re unable to access the Windows directory.
The SFC command is a powerful tool, but it doesn’t have to be intimidating. We hope this step-by-step guide has made the process of running the SFC command on Windows 11 simpler and more accessible. Remember, like any tool, the key is understanding how and when to use it.
Follow the steps properly to maximize your Windows 11 experience and keep your system running smoothly with SFC and other valuable tools available in your Windows arsenal.
