How to Fix Corrupted Files Windows 10: (6 Solutions 2024)

You must know that the majority of computer issues are caused by corrupted or damaged system files.

Windows 10 system files are corrupted if your Windows 10 functions stop working, Windows crashes, or your Windows 10 install gets corrupted.

Corruption can cause PC issues and problems.

This is a very annoying problem, but fortunately there are some solutions to fix corrupted Windows 10 system files.

How To Fix Corrupted Files Windows 10? Follow the solutions given in the article to fix Windows 10.

Check Here: Fix File Extension Errors

What Do You Mean By Corrupted Files?

When you try to access a corrupted system file directly from your PC or another program, it will either be biassed or not respond. There are a few reasons for the Windows 10 corrupted files. We will decide which one is responsible later.

You need to understand first. What is data corruption, and how does it occur?

Data corruption is a term used to describe an error in computer data that occurs during read, write, store, transmit, or process and causes an unintended modification of the original data.

Data corruption can be caused by a number of factors, but the most common is a virus or malware infection.

When the corruption of data files appears, you might experience unexpected issues such as system crashes or minor data loss. If you open the file and see an error message that says, ‘The file you’re trying to access has been corrupted, then it’s clear the file’s corrupted.

The file might not open, or it may open with corrupted data. In some cases, the file will be completely corrupted.

How to Fix Corrupted Files Windows 10?

Solution 1. Run SFC Tool

It is the most common solution I recommend for repairing Windows system files. Use the SFC (system file checker) in-built tool to repair corrupted Windows 10 files.

Select Command Prompt for Administrator by pressing Windows Key + the X.

In the Command Prompt, type sfc/scannow and then hit Enter.

Wait for the scanning and repair process to finish (approximately . 15 minutes). 15 minutes)
As the repair is completed, the message Windows Resource Protection found no integrity violations appears. This indicates that the system files have not been corrupted.

In many cases, the SFC tool doesn’t fix corrupted files or missing ones. So, it is worthwhile to try alternative solutions.

In this case, try performing the System File Checker scan in safe mode and ensuring the PendingDeletes and PendingRenames folders are under %WinDir%\WinSxS\Temp.

Follow these steps if you want to see the SFC log:

Open the command prompt as an administrator.

Then enter findstr /c:”[SR]” %windir%LogsCBSCBS.log > “%userprofile%Desktopsfclogs.txt” command > hit Enter

You will then be able to create a Sfclogs.txt file on the desktop.
Open the SFC logs.txt file and check the SFC scan results.

Solution 2. Run the DISM Tool

If the SFC tool doesn’t work, you can try the DISM tool. DISM is a tool that fixes corruption issues when the SFC scanner fails.

Open the command prompt in admin.
Type DISM/Online/CleanupImage/RestoreHealth> and hit Enter.

This may require 10 minutes or longer.
Wait until the entire repair process is complete.

If the problem persists, then run the SFC scan once more.

Solution 3. Run SFC in Safe Mode

If neither of the solutions above work, then try the SFC tool in Safe Mode.

The tool can be run in safe mode, as Windows 10 Safe Mode uses only default drivers and apps, avoiding any possible interference from third-party applications.

Click the Power button after opening the Start menu.
Select the Restart Option by pressing the Shift Key >.
Choose Troubleshoot from the three options that appear.

Click the Restart button.

Press the F8 key to select the safe mode you want.

As Safe Mode starts, follow the steps in Solution 1 for the SFC scan to see if it fixes corrupted Windows 10 files.

Solution 4. Replace the Files Manually

You can replace them manually if you are still having problems with corrupted Windows 10 system files. This is an advanced process, so be sure to carefully follow the steps.

First, check the SFC log to see which files cannot be repaired. Follow the instructions given in Solution 1.

After finding the corrupted files, you can transfer a version of the file that is in good condition from another computer to yours.

Open the Command Prompt in admin mode.

And type takeown/f. C:corrupted-file-location-and-file-name > hit Enter. Note: Make sure to replace C:corrupted-file-location-and-file-name with the actual corrupted file location. Include both the filename as well as the extension in the command. By running the command, you can take ownership of the corrupted files.

Next type: ICACLs C:corrupted-file-location-and-file-name/Grant Administrators: F command for gaining full administrator privileges over the file. Again, replace the C:corrupted-file-location-and-file-name with the actual file location.
Enter copy strong> C:location-of-healthy file C:corrupted file location and file name/strong> > hit’strong>Enter/strong>. Enter copy C:location-of-healthy-file C:corrupted-file-location-and-file-name > hit Enter.
If asked, type yes to confirm that you want the file overwritten.
Repeat the steps to repair corrupted files.
As soon as you have replaced all corrupted data, run the SFC/verifyonly command to check if your corrupted file problem has been resolved.

This is the most advanced solution, but it is also the most complicated. Be sure to follow the steps and read the instructions several times.

If this does not work, then you should try the next-best solution.

Solution 5. Perform System Restore

If you still cannot fix corrupt Windows 10 files, then perform System Restore in order to restore your computer to a previous state.

Press the Windows key + S, type Restore System, and select Create a restore point option.

Click System Restore, and then check Show additional restore points.
Click Next.

Follow the instructions below to restore the point.

As the PC is being restored, Windows system files will be repaired and restored to a previous healthy version.

Solution 6. Reset Windows 10

I hope that after you have followed the solutions above, the issue of system file corruption in Windows 10 is resolved. It is still worth mentioning that resetting Windows 10 can be done.

If you are still having problems with corrupted files in Windows 10, then this is the solution for you.

Please note. This will remove all installed applications and files. Make sure you back up any important files.

To do this, you will need Windows 10 installation media. Create one using a bootable USB drive.

Click the power button. Hold the shift key. Select the option Restart.
Choose Troubleshoot> Reset this computer.

There are two options: keep my files or remove everything. The first option will reinstall Windows 10 while keeping the files and settings that are personal. The second option will delete both the personal files and the settings. By performing a reset, you can also remove downloaded files and third-party apps.

Select Remove my files from the window that asks if you want to clean your drive.

Now select your username and enter your password. Insert the Windows 10 installation disc if asked.
Select your Windows version and click the Reset button.

Follow the instructions on the screen to complete the process.

If the reset option does not fix the corrupted file issue, repeat the process but select Remove All. Select the drive where Windows is installed. Simply remove my file option.

This should fix corrupt system files in Windows 10.