How to Fix SFC Scannow Not Working on Windows 11

If your Windows laptop or PC is malfunctioning, running the SFC scan is one of the effective ways to fix the problem. But if the SFC scan command fails to fix corrupt files on Windows 11. Here are the best ways to fix the problem.

Before we start with the troubleshooting tricks, let’s first understand what SFC does on Windows 11.

What Is SFC on Windows 11?

SFC means System File Checker and it’s available on the latest version of Windows 11. It checks and fixes corrupted system files and registry data. It is integrated with Windows Resources Protection and takes care of important system files and registry data. You can use it via the Command Prompt app on Windows.

But there are times when you run into the following errors while using the SFC command.

‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’.

It also shows errors like ‘utility did not integrity violations’. Let’s go through the troubleshooting tricks below and fix corrupt files in no time.

1. Run the SFC Scan in Safe Mode

If you frequently run into the ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’ error, run the SFC Scan in safe mode and try again. Here’s what you need to do.

Step 1: Press Windows + R to open the Run box. Type ‘msconfig’ and hit Enter.

Step 2: Select the Boot tab and enable the Safe boot checkmark.

Step 3: Click Ok and Restart your PC.

Your system reboots in Safe mode. Now, try running the SFC command and see if the error appears.

2. Run Check Disk

Sometimes, the corrupt files on your Hard Disk can cause issues with the SFC scan on Windows. It’s time to run the chkdsk scan to fix the problem. Follow the steps below.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Command Prompt. Right-click on the app and run it as admin.

Step 2: Type ‘chkdsk /r’ and hit Enter.

Step 3: You may receive a message below.

Chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use by another process. Would you like to schedule this volume to be checked the next time the system restarts?

Step 4: Click Y and press Enter.

Step 5: Close Command Prompt and restart the PC. You should wait until the command checks and resolves any error in the hard disk. Once the process is over, try running the SFC scan again.

3. Enable Windows Module Service

If the Windows Modules Installer service is disabled on your Windows PC, you will continue to run into the ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’ error. You can use the steps below to enable it.

Step 1: Press the Windows key and search for Services. Hit Enter.

Step 2: Scroll to ‘Windows Modules Installer’ and right-click on it. Select Start.

Now, open the Command Prompt menu and run the SFC scan again.

4. Scan Windows Installation for Error

You can scan the Windows installation for errors and fix the system files with SFC scan.

Step 1: Restart your computer and go to recovery option.

Step 2: Open Command Prompt and run the command below.

sfc /SCANNOW /OFFBOOTDIR=c:\ /OFFWINDIR=c:\window

Now, run the SFC command and check if it works.

5. Run DISM Scan

If ‘SFC scannow’ command isn’t working, run DISM to fix broken system files.

Step 1: Run the Command Prompt menu as administrator.

Step 2: Type the command below and press Enter.

DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth

Step 3: Close the Command Prompt.

The SFC Scannow command should work as expected now.

6. Reset the PC

You can reset the Windows PC to fix the ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’ error. Go through the steps below to make changes.

Step 1: Use the Windows + I keys to open Settings.

Step 2: Head to the System > Recovery menu.

Step 3: Select ‘Reset the PC’.

Step 4: You can keep your files or remove everything and start from scratch. Select a relevant option and follow the on-screen instructions.

7. Reinstall the System

If none of the tricks work, it’s time to reinstall the Windows system. You should back up your important files to a cloud storage or external drive.

Step 1: Open your preferred browser and head to the Microsoft Media Creation Tool.

Step 2: Download Windows 11 installation media tool.

Step 3: Find the downloaded file in the File Explorer menu and open it. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Fix System Files in No Time

SFC scan unable to fix corrupt files may leave you with a below-average Windows 11 experience. The tricks above should fix the ‘Windows Resource Protection could not perform the requested operation’ error on the go.

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Parth Shah

Parth previously worked at EOTO.tech covering tech news. He is currently freelancing at WindowsPrime, Android Police, and GuidingTech writing about apps comparisons, tutorials, software tips and tricks, and diving deep into iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows platforms.

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