The Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM) is a built-in Windows utility designed to repair and maintain system files. It is particularly useful when System File Checker (SFC) fails to resolve issues.
✅ What Is the Role of DISM?
DISM is used for:
- Repairing Windows image files, including core system files.
- Fixing corrupted or incomplete Windows updates.
- Restoring missing or damaged system files.
- Checking and restoring system health when SFC cannot fix issues.
⚙️ How to Use DISM to Repair Windows
1️⃣ Open Command Prompt as Administrator
- Press Windows + S, type
"cmd", then right-click Command Prompt and select “Run as administrator.” - Click “Yes” if prompted by User Account Control (UAC).
2️⃣ Scan Windows for Corruption Issues
To check for system file errors, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
- This process scans the system for any corruption.
- It may take 10–20 minutes depending on your system speed.
3️⃣ Check for System File Damage
To verify if any system files are corrupted, run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
- This is a quick scan to confirm if Windows requires repair.
- If no issues are found, a message will indicate that the image is healthy.
4️⃣ Repair System Files Using DISM
If corruption is detected, fix it by running:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
- This command downloads missing or corrupted files from Microsoft servers and replaces them.
- Ensure you have an active internet connection for this process.
- It can take up to 30 minutes, depending on your system performance and internet speed.
🔄 5️⃣ Restart Your Computer
Once the repair process is complete, restart your PC to apply changes.
🛠️ 6️⃣ Use DISM with an External Source (Optional)
If you cannot use the online repair, use a local Windows installation file:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim /LimitAccess
- Replace D: with the correct drive letter of your installation media.
- Ensure the path points to a valid
install.wimorinstall.esdfile.
🚨 What If the Problem Persists?
If DISM does not fix the issue, run System File Checker (SFC):
sfc /scannow
- If problems remain, consider resetting Windows or performing a repair installation.
🔐 Important Tips
✅ Always run Command Prompt as Administrator before executing DISM commands.
✅ Back up important files before performing system repairs.
✅ Ensure a stable internet connection for online repairs.
Source:
For the original article and more Windows troubleshooting tips, visit Matrix219.Net.