What is SFC Scannow used for?
The sfc /scannow command will scan all protected system files, and replace corrupted files with a cached copy that is located in a compressed folder at %WinDir%\System32\dllcache.
Is SFC Scannow good to run?
The SFC command runs equally well on Windows 11, as well as Windows 10, 8.1, 8 and even 7. No matter which Windows operating system you have, you should keep it updated for best results.
What are the SFC commands?
| Item | Description |
| /scannow | This option instructs sfc to scan all protected operating system files and repair them if necessary. |
| /verifyonly | This sfc command option is the same as /scannow, but without repair. |
| /scanfile=file | This sfc option is the same as /scannow, but scan and repair only for the specified file. |
| /offbootdir=boot | Used with /offwindir, this sfc option is used to define the boot directory (boot) when using sfc from outside of Windows. |
| /offwindir=win | This sfc option is used with /offbootdir to define the Windows directory (win) when using sfc offline. |
| /? | Use the help switch with the sfc command to provide detailed help with the various options of the command. |
What is difference between SFC and chkdsk?
SFC checks for missing important files from your Windows operating system and restores them from the cache. CHKDSK scans your drive to find bad sectors and tries to fix errors in the file system.
How often should System File Checker (sfc scannow) be run?
As often as you notice that Windows has a fault, or some system files go missing or get corrupted.
Should I restart after SFC Scannow?
Restart your computer when sfc /scannow has repaired files. System File Checker may or may not prompt you to restart, but even if it does not, you should restart. Repeat every process that caused your original problem to see if sfc /scannow solved it.
Should I run chkdsk or sfc first?
To check and fix hard disk errors or explore bad sectors on the disk, you should run CHKDSK. In order to detect, repair and restore corrupt system files, you should run the SFC Scannow command.
Should I run DISM or sfc first?
This is the source that SFC pulls from, to repair system files if needed. Now if the system file source cache is corrupted and not fixed with DISM repair first, SFC ends up pulling files from a corrupted source to fix problems. In such cases, one needs to run DISM first, and then SFC.
Can SFC Scannow cause problems?
SFC scan can be useful in repairing system files, but sometimes SFC /Scannow command can stop. This can be a problem and prevents you from repairing your files. However, you may be able to solve the problem simply by replacing the corrupted files.
Can I use PC during SFC?
Yes, you can keep using the PC during SFC scan. If you manually restart your PC while performing an SFC scan, that will not harm your PC in any way. Rest assured, you have nothing to worry about.
Can I cancel SFC Scannow?
Open the Run dialog box (Windows key + R) and type sfc /revert and hit Enter. This command will stop all SFC activity.
What should I run after SFC?
If the SFC command doesn’t work, you can also try the Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) command on Windows 10 or Windows 8 to repair the underlying Windows system image.
How long does SFC Scannow take to run?
SFC SCANN process can take up to one hour to complete, depending on the configuration of the computer.
How do I run sfc Scannow in PowerShell?
Press “Windows + X” to open the start context menu, and select “Windows PowerShell (Administrator). As soon as the command line loads, enter sfc / scannow and press Enter. The Windows repair tool now checks your system files for corruption and automatically replaces those damaged or missing.
