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SFC vs DISM

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System File Checker and DISM both repair damaged Windows files, but they target different layers of the system and are meant to be used together, not as alternatives.

Updated August 9, 2026 · PC Utility Hub Editorial Team

What each tool actually repairs

SFC (System File Checker) repairs individual protected system files by replacing bad copies with cached good copies from the local WinSxS component store. DISM repairs the WinSxS component store itself — the source SFC relies on. If WinSxS is damaged, SFC has nothing good to copy from and will report failures.

Side-by-side comparison

AspectSFCDISM
RepairsIndividual system filesThe component store (WinSxS)
Source of fixesLocal cache onlyWindows Update or a local install.wim
Needs internetNoOnly for /RestoreHealth without a local source
Typical run time10-20 minutes15-30 minutes
Commandsfc /scannowDISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Correct order of operations

  1. 1Run sfc /scannow first — it's faster and fixes many issues on its own.
  2. 2If SFC reports it could not fix some files, run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth.
  3. 3Run sfc /scannow again once DISM finishes.
  4. 4Restart the computer.

Running DISM first is also fine and sometimes recommended if you already know the component store is suspect, such as after a failed feature update.

When neither tool fixes the problem

If both SFC and DISM report unfixable errors, the disk itself may have bad sectors or file system errors. Run chkdsk to check the drive. If corruption is severe, an in-place repair install using Windows installation media created with the Media Creation Tool preserves apps and files while replacing all system components.

Frequently asked questions

Can I run DISM and SFC in any order?
SFC first is standard practice, but running DISM /RestoreHealth first is fine if you know the component store is damaged.
Do I need both tools every time?
No. Try SFC alone first; only run DISM if SFC reports it couldn't fix everything.
Which tool needs internet?
DISM /RestoreHealth needs Windows Update access unless you provide a local install.wim as the source; SFC never needs internet.

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