To repair Windows 11, start with the least disruptive fix and work up. Run the built-in troubleshooters, then open Terminal (Admin) and run DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth followed by sfc /scannow to fix corrupted system files. If problems continue, use Settings > System > Recovery > Fix problems using Windows Update > Reinstall now, which reinstalls Windows while keeping your apps, files, and settings. System Restore, Startup Repair, and Reset this PC are the next steps if Windows still misbehaves or won’t start.
This guide explains each repair option, when to use it, and what it keeps or removes, including what to do when Windows 11 won’t boot at all.
Before you start
- Back up important files to OneDrive or an external drive.
- Note your BitLocker recovery key (at account.microsoft.com/devices/recoverykey) in case the PC asks for it.
- Plug laptops into power.
1. Run troubleshooters
Go to Settings > System > Troubleshoot > Other troubleshooters and run the one that matches your problem, such as Windows Update, Network, Audio, or Printer. Some now open in the Get Help app.
2. Repair system files with DISM and SFC
- Right-click Start and choose Terminal (Admin).
- Run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthand wait for it to finish. - Run
sfc /scannow. - Restart the PC.
3. Check the disk
Run chkdsk C: /scan in Terminal (Admin). If it reports errors, run chkdsk C: /f and restart to repair them.
4. Undo recent changes
- Uninstall a recent update – Settings > Windows Update > Update history > Uninstall updates.
- Roll back a driver – in Device Manager, open the device’s Properties > Driver > Roll Back Driver.
- System Restore – search for Create a restore point, click System Restore, and pick a point from before the problem started. Your files stay, but apps and drivers installed after that point are removed.
5. Reinstall Windows with Windows Update (keeps everything)
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery.
- Next to Fix problems using Windows Update, click Reinstall now.
- Confirm. Windows downloads and reinstalls your current version, keeping apps, files, and settings. It can take an hour or more.
This option is in Windows 11 version 23H2 and later. On older versions, do an in-place upgrade: download the Windows 11 ISO from Microsoft, double-click to mount it, run setup.exe, and choose Keep personal files and apps.
6. Reset this PC
- Go to Settings > System > Recovery > Reset PC.
- Choose Keep my files (removes apps and settings) or Remove everything.
- Choose Cloud download (downloads a fresh copy) or Local reinstall.
- Follow the prompts. You’ll need to reinstall apps afterward.
If Windows 11 won’t start
- Turn the PC on and off three times during startup to trigger the Windows Recovery Environment, or boot from a Windows 11 USB drive and choose Repair your computer.
- Choose Troubleshoot > Advanced options.
- Try, in order: Startup Repair, Uninstall Updates, System Restore, Startup Settings (to boot into Safe Mode), and Command Prompt (to run SFC offline or
chkdsk). - As a last resort, choose Reset this PC.
Which repair should I use?
| Option | Keeps files | Keeps apps |
|---|---|---|
| SFC / DISM | Yes | Yes |
| System Restore | Yes | Apps installed after the restore point are removed |
| Reinstall now / in-place upgrade | Yes | Yes |
| Reset this PC – Keep my files | Yes | No |
| Reset this PC – Remove everything | No | No |
Frequently asked questions
Does repairing Windows 11 delete my files?
Most repairs don’t. Only Reset this PC with Remove everything, or a clean install, deletes files.
How long does a repair take?
SFC and DISM take 10 to 30 minutes. Reinstalling Windows or resetting can take one to several hours.
Do I need a product key?
No. Windows 11 reactivates automatically using your PC’s digital license.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.