Run DISM first, then SFC for the standard Windows 10 or Windows 11 system-file repair procedure. In an elevated Command Prompt, run DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth, wait for it to finish successfully, and then run sfc /scannow. Microsoft recommends this order because DISM repairs the Windows image that supplies files SFC may need to replace. Microsoft Support’s repair instructions and its Windows 10 and Windows 11 guide give this sequence.
What’s the difference between DISM and SFC?
They repair different layers of Windows, so they are complementary tools rather than alternatives with a single universal winner.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
CORRSQ 30-in-1 Bootable USB Drive | $20.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
5-in-1 Win Repair & Reinstall Bootable USB Flash Drive – Fix, Recover, or Reinstall Windows 11... | $24.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| Tool | What it checks or repairs | Place in the standard sequence |
|---|---|---|
| DISM RestoreHealth | Checks the running Windows image for component-store corruption and performs repair operations. The /Online option targets the Windows image currently running. Microsoft Learn: DISM command-line options |
First: repair the image that can provide files for subsequent repairs. |
| SFC /scannow | Scans protected Windows system files and attempts to replace incorrect versions with correct ones. Microsoft Learn: sfc command reference | Second: scan and repair protected files after DISM completes. |
Microsoft Support states, “You should run DISM prior to running the System File Checker.”
How to run the standard repair sequence
- Install available Windows updates and restart. Microsoft’s repair instructions advise updating Windows before running the scans. Microsoft Support’s step-by-step instructions
- Open an elevated Command Prompt. Search for Command Prompt, choose Run as administrator, and approve the User Account Control prompt. SFC requires administrator privileges.
- Run DISM:
DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth
Wait for the operation to complete; it can take several minutes to start and finish. - After DISM reports successful completion, run SFC:
sfc /scannow
Keep the window open until verification reaches 100 percent. - Read SFC’s result. “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations” means the scan found no missing or corrupted protected system files.
What if DISM cannot find repair files?
In Microsoft’s support instructions, DISM uses Windows Update as its repair source. If Windows Update is unavailable or unsuitable, you can provide a suitable local repair source with /Source:<path>. Microsoft’s documented pattern also uses /LimitAccess to prevent DISM from contacting Windows Update for online-image repairs. The path must point to an appropriate source; it is not a literal path to copy unchanged. See Microsoft Learn’s Windows image repair guidance for source options and requirements.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
#1 Best Overall
- 1. COMPATIBLE WITH WINDOWS 11, 10, 8.1 & 7 Designed for compatible 64-bit PCs and laptops that support USB booting. Works with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 and Windows 7 installation and recovery options.
- 2. INSTALL, REINSTALL & REPAIR Provides access to installation and recovery options for startup failures, boot errors, system crashes, failed updates, system repair and reinstallation. Results depend on the condition of the computer and the cause of the problem.
- 3. READY-TO-USE BOOTABLE USB Reusable installation and recovery media that helps eliminate the need to download large system files or create bootable media yourself. Insert the USB drive, open the computer’s boot menu and select the appropriate installation or recovery option.
- 4. HELP KEEP OLDER PCS USEFUL Refresh, reinstall or maintain a compatible older computer before deciding whether replacement is necessary. Suitable for home computers, office workstations, PC enthusiasts and technicians who regularly work with supported systems.
- 5. IMPORTANT COMPATIBILITY & LICENSE INFORMATION Supports compatible 64-bit computers with UEFI or Legacy BIOS USB booting. No Windows license, activation key or product key is included. Activation may require an existing digital license or a separately purchased valid product key. Back up important files before installation or repair.
Do you need to run CheckHealth or ScanHealth first?
Not for the standard repair sequence: Microsoft’s ordinary instructions go directly to RestoreHealth, followed by SFC. DISM does provide separate diagnostic options when you need more information:
/CheckHealthchecks whether the image has already been flagged as corrupted and whether the corruption is repairable./ScanHealthscans the image for component-store corruption.
These are distinct diagnostic options, not required preliminary steps for every basic repair run. Their behavior is documented in Microsoft Learn’s DISM command reference.
Rank #2
- Dual USB-A & USB-C Bootable Drive – compatible with nearly all Windows PCs, laptops, and tablets (UEFI & Legacy BIOS). Works with Surface devices and all major brands.
- Fully Customizable USB – easily Add, Replace, or Upgrade any compatible bootable ISO app, installer, or utility (clear step-by-step instructions included).
- Complete Windows Repair Toolkit – includes tools to remove viruses, reset passwords, recover lost files, and fix boot errors like BOOTMGR or NTLDR missing.
- Reinstall or Upgrade Windows – perform a clean reinstall of Windows 7 (32bit and 64bit), 10, or 11 (amd64 + arm64) to restore performance and stability. (Windows license not included.). Includes Full Driver Pack – ensures hardware compatibility after installation. Automatically detects and installs drivers for most PCs.
- Premium Hardware & Reliable Support – built with high-quality flash chips for speed and longevity. TECH STORE ON provides responsive customer support within 24 hours.
What if SFC cannot perform the requested operation?
Microsoft advises trying the SFC scan in Safe Mode if it cannot perform the requested operation. If SFC completes and reports that it found no integrity violations, it found no damaged protected system files to repair; that result does not itself diagnose every possible cause of a Windows problem. See Microsoft Support’s SFC guidance.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
