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Repair the Windows component store with DISM RestoreHealth

Use the Deployment Image Servicing and Management tool to detect and repair corruption in the Windows component store, the layer SFC depends on.

WindowssystemTerminalDiagnosticsMedium risk
In an elevated prompt run `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth` to repair component store corruption, then run `sfc /scannow` again.

01Command

Command
$ DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

02What it does

DISM checks the health of the online Windows image with a hidden corruption flag and payload corruption check, then restores the component store using Windows Update or a specified `/Source` such as a mounted install ISO. It can take 10-30 minutes and may appear stuck near 20% or 40% — that is normal, let it finish. Run `DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth` for a quick flag check or `/ScanHealth` for a full but read-only scan. DISM repairs the store SFC draws from, so always follow it with SFC for a complete repair chain.

03Risk

RiskMedium risk
RequirementsRun as administrator; an internet connection is needed because DISM downloads clean files from Windows Update.
!Warning: Never cancel a RestoreHealth operation halfway through; a damaged component store can make Windows unrepairable without an in-place upgrade.

04Undo

✓No undo needed — this command does not change persistent state.

05Sources

  • What is DISM? | Microsoft Learn
    Microsoft · vendor-doc · 2026-09-17
    Evidence: Microsoft describes DISM as a tool that services Windows images, including repairing the component store of a running online image.

Last verified: 2026-09-17 · Category: System & Settings

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