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How to Fix Corrupted Files in Windows 11

How to fix corrupted files in Windows 11 to enhance system stability? This guide covers the most effective methods to repair damaged files on your PC.

Possible Methods to Fix Corrupted Files in Windows 11

  • Run DISM tool

  • Use System File Checker

  • Restore system

  • Reset Windows 11

Corrupted files in Windows 11 probably cause unexpected errors, like system crash/freeze, apps not launching, etc. Repairing those files can enhance system stability and make your PC run smoothly. How to fix corrupted files in Windows 11? The built-in Windows repair tools - Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DSIM) and System File Checker (SFC) - can scan and restore damaged components. Also, you can try to roll back to a system restore point and reset Windows 11 when the repair tools not working.

1. Input "cmd" into the search box.

2. Right click Command Prompt in the search results and select Run as administrator.

3. Run the following command: DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

4. It may take 10-30 minutes to complete the operation. After all is done, restart your computer.

1. Search "cmd" and press Enter to launch the Command Prompt.

2. Type the following command - sfc /scannow in Command Prompt. Press enter.

3. It will scan all protected system files and repair missing ones automatically.

Notice: Please DO NOT close Command Prompt window unless the whole process is finished.

Performing "System Restore" is an available solution to fix the corruption started recently. It works well if you have created a restore point before the error appears.

1. Search "Create a restore point" and launch.

2. Click "System Restore...".

3. Select the restore point before corrupted files occurred.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to restore your system.

Notice: Using system restore has no impact on your personal files, but applications and drivers, which were installed after the restore point was created, will be removed.

Resetting your PC to original state is an useful troubleshooting tip to fix corrupted files and system/software issues.

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery.

2. Select Reset PC.

3. Choose Keep my files or Remove everything. The former option will preserve your personal files but remove apps and setting while the latter will remove all files and clean the drive.

4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete resetting.

Notice: You'd better back up important files before you reset Windows 11.

Windows 11 usually shows obvious symbols telling that a file gets corrupted, including:

  • The file won't open or read.

  • An error message says "The file is damaged".

  • Apps crash or freeze when accessing the file.

  • The file includes strange or missing content.

  • It's unable to copy, remove or delete the file.

The primary cause of corrupted files is that something interrupts how the data is written, stored or read. There are some common scenarios that possibly result in corrupted files in Windows 11.

  • Unexpected shutdown: A sudden power loss or outage during  writing or reading a file may lead to corruption.

  • Hard drive issues: Bad sectors make it fail to store data, resulting in corrupted files. And, if your hard drive is almost full leaving no space to save temp files for system updates, the corruption potentially happens.

  • Malware or virus: Malicious stuff can take control over the system, probably getting your data and file damaged.

  • Improper system update: The system will be in an unstable state with missing components and files if an important system update fails.

Check the tips to prevent file corruption in Windows 11. Keep your data safe and get optimal PC performance.

Perform proper power shutdown

Use Star > Power > Shut down to turn off your computer normally. Avoid force shutdowns.

Back up important files regularly

Make a digital copy of your data. If original files incautiously get corrupted, you can still achieve key information with the backup.

Protect against malware

Install a reliable antivirus application to always protect your computer from being threatened by malware or virus.

Keep your system healthy

Update your Windows and drivers to fix bugs and maintain system stability. Use a PC optimizer, like Advanced SystemCare, to clean up your hard drive and boost PC performance to handle with tasks seamlessly.

Advanced SystemCare

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