How to Repair Windows 11 (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)
Windows 11 includes built-in tools and commands to fix most problems — from slow performance and missing system files to boot failures and update errors. This guide explains every repair method in detail, from basic troubleshooting to full system recovery.
1. Run Windows Troubleshooters
Windows troubleshooters are the first step when your system acts up — they automatically detect and fix common issues.
Steps:
- Press Windows + I to open Settings.
- Go to System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters.
- You’ll see a list of troubleshooters for different problems.
- Windows Update: Fixes update failures and stuck downloads.
- Internet Connections: Solves Wi-Fi or Ethernet issues.
- Playing Audio: Fixes sound or microphone problems.
- Printer: Helps reconnect or reset your printer.
- Click Run next to the area you’re having trouble with.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and apply any suggested fixes.
Tip: Restart your PC after running a troubleshooter to apply changes.
2. Use System File Checker (SFC)
The System File Checker (SFC) tool scans and repairs missing or corrupted Windows system files.
Steps:
- Type cmd in the Start search bar.
- Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator.
- Enter the command:
sfc /scannow - Press Enter and wait — this can take 10–20 minutes.
- When the scan finishes, check the results:
- “Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations” means everything’s fine.
- “Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them” means it fixed the issues.
- Restart your PC after the scan completes.
Why it matters:
SFC repairs files like DLLs, executables, and other system components that might cause crashes, errors, or missing features.
3. Repair with DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management)
If SFC doesn’t solve the problem, DISM repairs deeper Windows image and component store issues. It’s especially useful when updates or system features fail to install.
Steps:
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator again.
- Run the following commands one by one (press Enter after each):
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth - Wait for each process to finish. The RestoreHealth step might take 15–30 minutes.
- When done, restart your PC.
Explanation:
- CheckHealth: Looks for existing corruption markers.
- ScanHealth: Deeply scans the system for errors.
- RestoreHealth: Fixes detected corruption by downloading clean system files from Windows Update or local sources.
Tip: If you don’t have internet access, use a Windows 11 ISO file as a repair source:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:D:\Sources\install.wim /LimitAccess
(Replace D: with your ISO drive letter.)
4. Perform Startup Repair
If Windows won’t boot or shows errors before reaching the desktop, try Startup Repair. This feature automatically fixes boot loader problems, driver conflicts, and startup file corruption.
Steps:
- Turn off your PC completely.
- Turn it on, then hold the power button to force a shutdown during startup.
- Repeat this process three times.
- On the third attempt, Windows will enter Automatic Repair mode.
- When the Preparing Automatic Repair screen appears, choose Advanced options.
- Go to Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Startup Repair.
- Choose your account, enter your password, and click Continue.
- Windows will scan for startup issues and attempt repairs.
Tip: This tool can fix missing boot files, corrupted boot configuration data (BCD), and driver startup failures.
5. Restore Windows 11 to a Previous State
If your PC was working fine before a recent change — such as a driver update or new software installation — you can use System Restore to roll back your system.
Steps:
- Type restore point in the Start menu and select Create a restore point.
- In the System Properties window, open the System Protection tab.
- Click System Restore.
- Choose Next, then select a restore point from before the problem started.
- Follow the prompts to confirm and restart your PC.
Notes:
- System Restore doesn’t delete personal files.
- It removes apps, drivers, or settings added after the selected restore point.
- If no restore points exist, enable System Protection for your main drive first.
6. Reset Windows 11 Without Losing Files
If none of the repair options work, use the Reset this PC feature. It reinstalls Windows 11 but allows you to keep your personal files.
Steps:
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files to keep your documents, photos, and data.
- Select:
- Cloud download (downloads a fresh copy from Microsoft servers), or
- Local reinstall (uses existing system files).
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset.
- After the process finishes, reinstall your apps and drivers if needed.
Details:
- Cloud download requires an internet connection and about 4 GB of data.
- Local reinstall is faster but won’t fix deep system image issues.
- Resetting removes installed programs but keeps your user files intact.
7. Perform a Clean Installation (Last Resort)
If your PC remains unstable even after resetting, you can reinstall Windows completely.
Steps:
- Back up your files to an external drive or OneDrive.
- Use the Windows 11 Media Creation Tool to create a USB installer.
- Boot your PC from the USB drive.
- Select Install Now, delete the system partition, and perform a clean installation.
- Once installation completes, reinstall apps and restore your backed-up files.
Warning: This erases all apps, settings, and personal data from your main drive, so make sure everything important is backed up first.
8. Extra Maintenance Tips
After repairing Windows, follow these maintenance steps to prevent future issues:
- Keep Windows updated under Settings > Windows Update.
- Use antivirus software and scan your system weekly.
- Uninstall unused apps that may slow down your PC.
- Enable Storage Sense to clean up temporary files automatically.
- Create a restore point after major updates or driver installations.
Estimated Repair Times
| Task | Approx. Duration |
|---|---|
| Windows Troubleshooter | 5–10 minutes |
| SFC Scan | 10–20 minutes |
| DISM RestoreHealth | 20–30 minutes |
| Startup Repair | 15–30 minutes |
| System Restore | 20–40 minutes |
| Reset this PC | 45–90 minutes |
| Clean Install | 1–2 hours |
Summary
- Start simple — run troubleshooters for quick fixes.
- Use SFC to repair system files.
- Run DISM for deeper repair when SFC can’t fix everything.
- Try Startup Repair if Windows won’t boot.
- Use System Restore to roll back recent changes.
- Reset this PC to reinstall Windows while keeping files.
- Clean install only if all other methods fail.
These tools handle most Windows 11 problems without needing technical help. If you still face serious issues like constant crashes, black screens, or update loops, a clean reinstall using a USB drive is the most reliable long-term fix.
