When Windows displays unexpected problems two native tools SFC and dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth become available to fix the system. The two command-line utilities exist to resolve system problems but operate through different approaches. This article explains the correct usage of dism.exe and SFC together with their individual applications.
Basic Understanding SFC (System File Checker) verifies and restores missing or corrupted system files from the local cache. The dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth tool focuses on fixing the Windows system image rather than SFC. The image SFC relies on may become corrupted which makes dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth the necessary tool. Users need to use dism.exe for cases where SFC alone does not work.
Running SFC and DISM Together requires the following steps. Start by using the following command:
sfc /scannow
If problems remain unresolved users should execute:
dism.exe /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth
The system files receive repairs through a healthy image after running these commands in sequence.
When to Use Which Tool
- Users should employ SFC to detect and repair small file system problems or missing system files.
- Run dism online cleanup-image restorehealth when Windows Update or system processes fail unexpectedly.
Best Practices
- The execution of Command Prompt needs to happen from an administrator account.
- Running DISM needs a stable internet connection because it draws files from Windows Update.
Conclusion The distinction between SFC and DISM helps users save time while performing repairs because each tool serves different purposes. Users should run dism/online/cleanup-image/restorehealth for complete system repair when SFC fails to work.
