15 Ways to Fix Windows 11 Corrupted Files

One of the most terrible Windows 11 issues is corrupted files. For those unfamiliar, corrupted system files in Windows 11 can cause a number of problems. For instance, it can trigger out-of-the-blue crashes, slow performance, application errors, and can even prevent the system from booting properly. But there is no need to bear with it as I’m going to break down the 15 most reliable ways to fix the Windows 11 corrupted files on your PC. Read on to…

How to Fix Windows 11 Corrupted Files

Note that file corruption can occur owing to a number of things, such as unexpected shutdowns, malware infections, hardware failures, or interrupted updates. In this guide, we’ll try various ways to take control of these culprits in order to resolve the problem.

1. Restart Your PC

A restart has the magic of flushing out temporary glitches and fixing minor corruption issues. If a process got stuck or an update didn’t apply correctly, restarting your Windows 11 allows Windows to self-repair.

• To reboot your PC, click the Start menu > Power button > and select Restart.

• If your PC is unresponsive, make sure to press and hold the Power button for 10 seconds to force a shutdown, then turn it back on.

2. Run the System File Checker (SFC) Scan

It’s important to mention that the SFC (System File Checker) scans and repairs corrupted system files by replacing them with a cached copy. So, make sure to run this highly effective scan.

• On your PC, open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

• After that, wait for the process to complete and restart your PC.

3. Use the DISM Tool to Fix Corrupted Windows Images

Note that if the SFC scan fails or doesn’t resolve the issue, it would be apt to use the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tool to fix deeper corruption problems.

• To get going, launch the Command Prompt as Administrator on your Windows device.
• After that, you will have to run these three commands one by one:
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth (Checks for corruption)
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth (Scans for issues)
  • DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth (Fixes corruption)
• Up next, you need to restart your PC after completing the scan.

4. Check and Repair Your Hard Drive Using CHKDSK

Be warned that if file corruption is caused by bad sectors on the hard drive, CHKDSK (Check Disk) can come in super handy in repairing them.

• To begin with, open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Type: chkdsk C: /f /r /x and press Enter.
• If prompted, type Y and restart your PC to let CHKDSK run during boot.

5. Use Windows Troubleshooters

Did you know that Windows has built-in troubleshooters that can let you automatically detect and fix file-related issues? Now, we are going to bring this very troubleshooter into action to resolve the problem.

• To do so, open the Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.

• Then, you need to run the Windows Update, File and Folder, or Search and Indexing troubleshooters based on your issue > Next, follow the official instructions to resolve the problem.

6. Update Windows 11 to Fix Corrupted System Files

It’s no secret that Microsoft regularly unleashes updates that replace damaged system files and fix security vulnerabilities.

• To check for the update and install it, go to the Settings app on your > Windows Update.
• Now, click Check for updates > install any available updates > restart your PC after the update completes.

7. Perform a Clean Boot to Check for Software Conflicts

For those unfamiliar, a clean boot starts Windows with minimal drivers and programs, helping you identify if third-party software is causing file corruption.

• To begin with, press Win + R, type msconfig, and hit Enter.
• Now, go to the Services tab, check Hide all Microsoft services, then click Disable all.

• Next, open the Startup tab and click Open Task Manager.
• After that, make sure to disable all startup items and restart your PC.

8. Uninstall Problematic Windows Updates

Did the file corruption start after a recent Windows update? If so, rolling it back may fix the issue.

• On your PC, launch the Settings app > Windows Update > Update history.

• Click Uninstall updates, select the problematic update, and remove it.
• Up next, you have to restart your PC.

9. Scan for Malware and Viruses

It’s worth reiterating that malware can corrupt Windows system files and interfere with operations. But worry not! Running a full system scan can help you detect and remove threats.

• To get it done, open Windows Security (search for “Windows Security” in the Start menu) on your Windows 11 PC.
• Now, click Virus & threat protection > and choose Scan options.

• Finally, select Full scan > click Scan now.

10. Restore Windows Using System Restore

If the file corruption issue occurred recently on your PC, rolling back Windows to an earlier restore point may fix the issue.

• On your computer, press Win + R, type rstrui, and press Enter.
• Then, select a restore point before the corruption occurred and follow the on-screen instructions.

11. Reinstall or Repair Problematic Applications

Does a specific app crash or behave abnormally on your PC? In this case, reinstalling or repairing it might fix the issue.

• Head straight into the Settings app > Apps > Installed apps.

• Now, find the affected app > hit the triple-dot icon located right, next to it.
• Next, click Modify or Repair (if available).
• If repair isn’t available, uninstall the app, restart your PC, and reinstall it.

12. Create a New User Account

Since corruption in user profile files can cause system instability, try creating a new user account can provide a fresh profile.

• Open the Settings app on your PC and go to the Accounts section.
• On the next screen, choose Other users.

• Click Add account and create a new local user.
• Next up, log in to the new account and check if the issue persists.

13. Reset Windows Without Losing Files

If system files are deeply corrupted on your PC, it would be apt to reset Windows while keeping your personal files can resolve the issue.

• On your Windows 11 PC, go to the Settings app > System > Recovery.

• Click Reset this PC > Keep my files.
• Next, carefully follow the on-screen instructions.

14. Perform a Repair Install Using Windows 11 Installation Media

Should the problem still persist, perform a repair install with the help of Windows 11 installation media. For those unfamiliar, repair install allows you to reinstall Windows while keeping apps and files intact.

• To get going, you need to first download the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft’s official website.
• Now, run the tool and select Upgrade this PC now.
• Next, choose Keep personal files and apps, then follow the installation process.

15. Clean Install Windows 11 as a Last Resort

If nothing else works in sorting out the file corruption issue on your PC, I’d recommend you reinstall Windows 11 from scratch. It’s well-known for resolving complex Windows issues.

• First off, create a Windows 11 bootable USB using the Media Creation Tool.
• Next, you will have to boot from the USB and select Custom installation.
• Next up, format the system partition and proceed with the installation.

Wrapping up…

There you have it! Always keep in mind that fixing corrupted files in Windows 11 requires you to take a meticulous step-by-step approach, starting with built-in tools like SFC, DISM, CHKDSK, and Windows Update, then progressing to advanced solutions like System Restore, a repair install, or a clean installation. Following these methods ensures your system remains stable and performs optimally. Therefore, be sure to try these fixes in order and let us know which one worked for you!