What are the Windows DISM and SFC commands and what are they used for?

Windows is a robust and reliable operating system, but it is not free from errors. Everyday use, faulty installations of programs, or even exposure to malware, can affect the performance your computer. Fortunately, Windows includes built-in tools that allow you to diagnose problems and repair them without having to resort to more drastic solutions such as reinstalling the operating system.

Among these tools, the commands stand out: DISM y SFC, which have different functions but the same goal: to maintain a healthy operating system. Throughout this article, we will explain how they work, what they are used for, and how you can use them to solve problems on your computer.

What is the DISM command?

DISM, which stands for Deployment Image Servicing and Management, is a tool that manages and repairs Windows images. These images are essential for the correct functioning of the system, and if they become corrupted, they can lead to serious problems such as crashes, slowness, or failed starts.

The DISM command is mainly used when other methods such as the SFC command fail to fix the problems. Its function is not only limited to checking but also allows you to repair system images using a recovery image or source files. This is particularly useful for issues affecting the overall stability of the computer.

How does DISM work?

The DISM command includes three main options for performing repairs:

• CheckHealth: It allows you to quickly check Windows images for corruption. However, this scan does not repair errors; it only diagnoses them.
• ScanHealth: Performs a deeper scan of your system to identify image corruption. This process may take a few minutes depending on the complexity of the issue.
• RestoreHealth: It is responsible for repairing damaged files and restoring the system image to its original state. original state.

To run DISM, you need to open the Symbol of the system with administrator privileges and type the following commands, in the order listed:

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /CheckHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

It is essential to wait for each process to finish before starting the next one to avoid conflicts or additional errors.

What is the SFC command?

The SFC command, or System File Checker, allows you to analyze and repair Windows system files. It is ideal for solving problems related to Corrupted or missing files that affect computer performance. It is often used in conjunction with DISM to ensure a complete system repair.

This command is particularly effective for problems such as error messages when starting programs, blue screens or stability issues that appear to be related to essential system files.

How to use SFC?

To run SFC, follow these steps:

1. Open Command Prompt with administrator rights.
2. Write the command sfc /scannow and press Enter.
3. Please wait for the process to complete, this may take several minutes.

Upon completion, the system will display a message indicating the result of the analysis:

• Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations: No problems found.
• Windows Resource Protection found corrupted files and repaired them: The detected problems have been corrected.
• Windows Resource Protection could not repair some files: In this case, it is recommended to run DISM.

When to use each command?

It is important to know in which situations to use each of these commands to maximize their effectiveness. In general:

• Use SFC first to fix minor issues or incidents related to system files.
• If SFC cannot resolve the error, it resorts to DISM to repair the Windows image and then run SFC again to ensure that all files are in good condition.

Additional recommendations

Before running any of these commands, it is a good idea to perform a Backup important data. Although these tools do not usually cause problems, it is better to be safe than sorry. Also, make sure you have a high-speed Internet connection. stable internet if you plan to use DISM with Windows Update as a source of repair.

If after using these tools you are still having problems, you may need to consider more drastic solutions such as reinstalling the operating system or replacing hardware defective.

These tools are essential to keeping your operating system in good shape. With SFC and DISM, you can diagnose and fix a wide variety of problems without needing to be a computer expert. Understanding how they work and in what situations to use them is key to keeping your computer running smoothly and efficiently.