In daily computer use, you may find that some of the system files corrupted and cause errors. Those users who have experience in computer repair can overcome most daily problems. But if you have no experience tinkering with Windows, in this article you will find some suggestions. These are tips to repair corrupted files in Windows 11 even with basic computer knowledge.
They will not always solve the problems that prevent the normal operation of your computer, but they can help rule out simple causes. Step by step, explore how to repair corrupt files in Windows 11 to regain functionality in your operating system.
What are corrupted files in Windows 11?
A corrupted file on an operating system is a set of data that for different reasons cannot run correctly. Normally, these are files that have suffered some kind of damage or unwanted modification, and therefore prevent the regular functioning of the operating system. The most widespread symptom of a corrupt file in Windows is the dreaded blue screen. Depending on the reasons, there will be a specific file that is damaged.
Fortunately, in each version of Windows there are alternatives to try to solve the most common problems. In the case of Windows 11 and corrupt files, the proposals begin with the timely detection of the file to be repaired.
How to identify which file is corrupted in my Windows?
As a first step, you have to detect which files are corrupt. Please note that not only the file that cannot be opened is corrupted, but also the one that prevents other computer functions from running as they would normally. Some symptoms can help us quickly detect which files are corrupted, and from that moment on begin the possible repair alternatives.
Sometimes an application that used to open normally stops doing so, which is the first indicator. As well as sudden shutdowns or freezing of the operating system without warning. The Blue Screen of Death or BSoD The Blue Screen of Death is the clearest message of reference. In this type of screenshots, some kind of indication of the reasons for the failure is also indicated.
To fix a blue screen of death in Windows 11 and thus repair corrupt files, sometimes you don't have to do much. It all depends on the type of corrupted file and the damage caused to the system.
Steps to repair corrupted files in Windows 11
When an application or system function starts to fail, it's time to apply our knowledge to fix everything as quickly as possible. Maybe you downloaded an inappropriate program or you're the victim of a hacker attack. The first step is to run your antivirus to detect any malicious files. This doesn't completely fix the fault, but it's a first step to rule out future problems. After the antivirus, you can run a routine scan to check for errors on the disk and system files. An example is to use the System File Checker function.
Run System File Checker (SFC) in Windows 11
Microsoft provides several tools to try to help users automate basic computer troubleshooting. FSC is one such tool, built directly into the operating system to scan and track system files for corrupted data. When a system file becomes corrupted, it may be larger, smaller, or have other indicators in its metadata that SFC reviews to find the ones causing the problem.
SFC also works as an automatic repair wizard. This doesn't mean that it always works, but in many cases it is enough to regain control of the computer. To activate SFC:
- Open the computer.
- Right click on the Windows icon.
- Open Windows PowerShell with Administrator Permissions.
- Enter the command sfc/scannow in the text box.
- Wait for the verification to finish and the results detected.
If the system indicates that troubleshooting attempts were unsuccessful, try restarting the computer in safe mode and re-scanning with PowerShell. Sometimes the Activating safe mode allows you to force certain fixes and repairs that will give you full control of your device again.
Repair Corrupted Files in Windows 11 with Deployment Image Serving and Management (DISM)
Another alternative to repair damaged files is use DISM. It is a solution that improves the performance of SFC, allowing you to search for old versions of the system where the corrupted file was healthy. In such cases, it is copied again to recover the normal functionality of the operating system as a whole. It is activated as follows:
- Open the computer.
- Right click on the Windows icon and open Windows PowerShell with Administrator Permissions.
- Enter the command DISM/Online/Cleanup-Image/RestoreHealth.
- Wait for the progress bar to finish to confirm if the system is back to normal.
Restore the system
In case the above recommendations do not help, you can perform a system restoreThis feature involves forcing the operating system to run a saved version of its main configuration. The recovery can be done from an external USB or even within the device itself. If you saved a previous version of the system on the hard drive, and it is not damaged, you can load it and get Windows 11 working again.
You can even choose to restore your system by keeping your files or erasing all stored content. It is always advisable to have an external backup copy, in case problems arise that put the contents of the computer itself at risk.
Third party software
Another proposal, a way to repair corrupted files in windows 11 is by using third-party apps. Developers focused on the IT world also provide such tools. Programs like EaseUS' Fixo were created specifically to detect corrupt system files and repair them.
CHKDSK Function
Como last tool within Window itselfs, check CHKDSK (Check Disk) to check for physical problems on the storage drive and the transfer speed itself. These errors, which are often not seen until it is too late, can be resolved or addressed much faster if we detect them before they cause further damage.