how to run scanhealthrestorehealth

2 min read 07-09-2024

If you are experiencing issues with your Windows operating system, running the ScanHealth and RestoreHealth commands can help fix any corruption or underlying issues in the system files. These tools are part of the Deployment Imaging Service and Management Tool (DISM), and they can effectively repair your Windows environment. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to run these commands.

What is ScanHealth and RestoreHealth?

ScanHealth checks the integrity of the Windows image, looking for any corruption. If issues are detected, you can then use the RestoreHealth command to repair the image.

Why Use ScanHealth and RestoreHealth?

Fix Corrupted Files: Ensures system files are intact and working.
Improves System Performance: A clean operating environment can boost performance.
Eases Troubleshooting: Helps resolve many issues that can lead to application or system failures.

Steps to Run ScanHealth and RestoreHealth

Prerequisites

Before running these commands, make sure you are logged in as an administrator. This ensures you have the necessary permissions to execute system-level commands.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Search for Command Prompt:
- Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key.
- Type cmd in the search bar.
Run as Administrator:
- Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as administrator. This opens the Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

Step 2: Run the ScanHealth Command

Type the Command: In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and hit Enter:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /ScanHealth
```
Wait for Completion: The system will begin scanning. This may take some time depending on your computer's performance and the amount of data.

Step 3: Run the RestoreHealth Command

Type the Command: Once the scan is completed, you can repair any issues by typing:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
```
Wait for the Repair Process: This command will also take some time to complete. It connects to the Windows Update servers to replace the corrupted files, if necessary.

Step 4: Restart Your Computer

After both commands have finished running, it's essential to restart your computer. This step ensures that all changes take effect properly.

Troubleshooting Tips

Command Fails? If the RestoreHealth command fails, ensure you have a stable internet connection as it may require downloading files from the Microsoft servers.
No Connection? If you're unable to connect to the internet, you can specify a local repair source:
```
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:C:\RepairSource\Windows
```
Make sure to replace C:\RepairSource\Windows with the actual path to your repair source.

Conclusion

Using the ScanHealth and RestoreHealth commands is a straightforward method to check and repair your Windows operating system. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can ensure your system remains functional and performs at its best. If you continue to encounter problems, it may be time to consider further troubleshooting or a complete system reset.

By using these powerful tools, you can take control of your system's health and enhance your Windows experience. Happy computing!