How to fix windows 10 corrupted files
Corrupted files in Windows 10 can be one of the most frustrating problems for both casual users and IT professionals. You might be in the middle of an important project when your computer throws an error like "The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable" or "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them."
These problems don’t just happen to documents and pictures they can also affect system files, which are essential for your operating system to run smoothly. When critical Windows files become damaged, you may notice slow performance, application crashes, blue screen errors (BSOD), or even system boot failures.
1. File Corruption in Windows 10
Before jumping into solutions, it’s important to understand why files become corrupted in the first place. This helps you not only fix the problem but also prevent it from happening again.
1.1 What Is File Corruption?
File corruption happens when the data inside a file is changed in unexpected ways, making it unusable. For a personal file (like a Word document), this might mean the file won’t open or displays garbled content. For system files, corruption can lead to operating system malfunctions.
1.2 Common Causes
Sudden Power Loss – If your PC loses power while writing data to disk, that data may be incomplete or damaged.
Faulty Storage Drives – Bad sectors on a hard drive or SSD can damage files stored on them.
Malware and Viruses – Malicious software can intentionally damage or delete files.
Software Crashes – Applications that crash during file operations can leave files in an unstable state.
Interrupted Updates – If a Windows update is interrupted, system files may become incomplete or corrupted.
Overheating – Excessive heat can cause hardware instability, leading to data errors.
2. Signs Your Windows 10 Files Are Corrupted
Knowing the symptoms can help you act before the issue worsens.
Error messages like "Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files" or "The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable"
System instability — frequent crashes, freezing, or random reboots
Apps failing to launch without clear reason
Windows features not working (e.g., Start Menu, Cortana, Windows Update)
Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) with file-related stop codes
Strange file icons or files that open with garbled text
3. Built-In Tools for Fixing Corrupted Files in Windows 10
Windows includes several powerful utilities designed to detect and repair corruption.
3.1 Using SFC (System File Checker)
SFC scans and repairs protected Windows system files.
Steps:
Press Start and type cmd.
Right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
Type:
sfc /scannow
Press Enter.
Wait for the scan to finish (this can take 10–20 minutes).
Possible Results:
Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations — no corruption detected.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files and successfully repaired them — problem solved.
Windows Resource Protection found corrupt files but was unable to fix some of them — proceed to DISM.
3.2 Using DISM (Deployment Imaging and Servicing Management)
DISM repairs the Windows image itself, which SFC relies on.
Steps:
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Run:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth
Press Enter.
Wait (may take 10–30 minutes depending on system speed).
Tip: If DISM fails, you can use a Windows 10 installation USB or ISO:
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth /Source:WIM:D:\sources\install.wim:1 /LimitAccess
Replace D: with your media drive letter.
3.3 CHKDSK (Check Disk)
Corruption may also stem from drive errors.
Steps:
Open Command Prompt (Admin).
Type:
chkdsk C: /f /r /x
Press Enter.
Restart your PC if prompted CHKDSK will run before Windows loads.
4. Fixing Corrupted Personal Files
While the tools above handle system files, you may also have corrupted documents, pictures, or videos.
4.1 Restore from File History or Backup
Go to Settings > Update & Security > Backup.
If File History is enabled, you can restore earlier versions of files.
4.2 Use Previous Versions
Right-click the file > Properties > Previous Versions tab.
Select a version and click Restore.
4.3 Repair with Third-Party Tools
Panda Repair
Panda Repair is designed to scan, identify, and repair corrupted system files in Windows 10. It uses advanced algorithms to locate damaged files, replace them with healthy versions, and optimize your system for smoother operation.
Key Functions:
Full System Scan – Detects corrupted, missing, or altered Windows files.
Automatic Repair – Replaces damaged files with clean, functional versions.
Performance Optimization – Cleans up unnecessary files and registry errors to enhance speed.
Backup & Safety – Creates restore points before changes, allowing rollback if needed.
Steps to Repair Windows 10 Corrupted Files with Panda Repair
Install and launch Panda Repair.
Click Scan to begin analyzing your Windows 10 files.
Review the scan report for detected issues.
Click Repair to fix corrupted files automatically.
Restart your PC for the changes to take effect.
Benefits of Using Panda Repair
Easy-to-use interface suitable for all users.
Fast scanning and repair process.
Protects against future file corruption.
Maintains system stability and performance.
With Panda Repair, Windows 10 users can quickly resolve file corruption issues without complex manual troubleshooting, ensuring a smoother, more reliable computing experience.
5. Advanced Repair Methods
If SFC, DISM, and CHKDSK fail, you may need more advanced approaches.
5.1 Perform a Repair Install
A repair install reinstalls Windows while keeping your apps and files intact.
Download the Windows 10 Media Creation Tool from Microsoft.
Choose Upgrade this PC now.
Follow prompts and select Keep personal files and apps.
5.2 Use System Restore
If you have a restore point:
Press Start, type System Restore, open it.
Select a restore point before corruption began.
5.3 Reset This PC
As a last resort:
Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
Select Reset this PC.
Choose Keep my files or Remove everything.
6. Preventing File Corruption in Windows 10
Use a UPS to prevent power loss during critical operations.
Keep Windows and drivers updated to avoid software conflicts.
Install antivirus software and scan regularly.
Back up regularly using File History, OneDrive, or third-party backup tools.
Avoid sudden shutdowns — always close apps before turning off your PC.
Monitor hard drive health with tools like CrystalDiskInfo.
7. Troubleshooting Common Issues After Repair
Sometimes repairs fix the corruption but cause minor side effects.
If your Start Menu stops working — re-register it via PowerShell:
Get-AppXPackage -AllUsers | Foreach {Add-AppxPackage -DisableDevelopmentMode -Register "$($_.InstallLocation)\AppXManifest.xml"}
If Windows Update breaks — run the Windows Update Troubleshooter in Settings.
If performance slows — run Disk Cleanup and disable startup programs.
Corrupted files in Windows 10 can be disruptive, but they are rarely beyond repair. Between SFC, DISM, CHKDSK, backups, and repair installs, you have multiple layers of recovery options. By addressing the root causes faulty hardware, malware, and unsafe shutdowns you can greatly reduce the risk of corruption in the future.
