How to Scan Windows 10 Files with SFC /SCANNOW

SFC stands for System File Checker.

SFC is a DOS command that is used mainly together with the SCANNOW switch separated by a / sign. SFC / SCANNOW is used to detect and automatically repair damaged or missing files in Windows 10.

An elevated Command Prompt must be opened in order to use the SFC command from Windows. In case a Windows 10 computer can not start and you want to execute the command externally, you must start the computer with a Windows 10 boot media and open the command prompt from there.

Here is how you can use the SFC / SCANNOW command to scan your Windows 10 computer for errors and correct them automatically:

Using SFC / SCANNOW from Windows 10

■ Turn on your PC with Windows 10 and use an administrator account to log in.
■ When the desktop screen appears, right-click on the Start button.
■ Click on Command Prompt (Admin) in the context menu.

■ In the User Account Control confirmation box, click Yes to confirm your action.

■ Wait until the Administrator interface: command prompt opens.
Note: This is the elevated command request where you can execute all the commands without any restriction.

WARNING

Be very careful when executing the DOS commands at the elevated command prompt. Any command written incorrectly by ignorance may result in a permanent system failure.

■ In the Administrator: Command Prompt window, type SFC / SCANNOW and press Enter.

■ Wait until the command checks Windows 10 for missing or damaged files and corrects the errors automatically.

■ Restart the computer when finished.
■ Start using your computer with Windows 10 normally.

 Using SFC / SCANNOW Externally

As mentioned above, the SFC / SCANNOW command can also be used after successfully starting the computer with a Windows 10 boot device, ie a DVD or bootable USB drive. Here is how you can use the command externally to scan your Windows 10 PC for damaged or missing files and to troubleshoot automatically:
■ Start your PC with a Windows 10 boot device and open the command line externally.

■ In the command window, type SFC / SCANNOW and press Enter.
■ Wait until Windows 10 is successfully scanned for missing or damaged files and problems are fixed automatically.
■ When finished, close the command window and, again in the Choose an option window, click Continue.
■ Wait until Windows 10 starts up normally before you start using it.